Coal as an option for power generation in U.S. territories of the Pacific

General considerations relating to the use of coal in U.S. territories and trust territories of the Pacific suggest that coal is a viable option for power generation. Future coal supplies, principally from Australia and the west coast of America, promise to be more than adequate, but the large bulk carriers (100,000–200,000 dwt) expected to serve Far Eastern markets will probably not be able to land coal directly in the territories because of inadequate port facilities. Hence, smaller than Panamax-class vessels (60,000 dwt) or some arrangement utilizing self-loading barges or lighters would have to be used. Except for Guam, with peak power requirements on the order of 175 MWe, most territories have current, albeit inadequate, installations of 1–25 MWe. Turnkey, conventional-coal-fired, electrical-power generating systems are available in that size range. Fluidized bed combustion is another option currently being commercialized. Its use has clear environmental advantages and a variety of fuels (e.g. coal, heavy oils, biomass, etc.) may be employed without interruption of power generation. U.S. environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act, are now applicable to Guam and American Samoa; the trust territories are exempt. When United Nations trusteeship terminates, the current unclear position of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas will cease and the laws will probably apply. Nonetheless, the small power requirements of many small islands will qualify for exemption from the New Source Performance Standards called for in the Clean Air Act.