According to the Governors of WV and MT, the break-even point for coal gasification is $43/bbl.
Lots of energy sources in this price range, but require large investments. Few will take this risk when the arab cost of production is $4-5. (which means they can drop the price under your cost anytime they want) This difference is the reason that the arabs have played us on this global oil market since 1973. The only solution is to produce all of their oil and then get on to the alternatives.....which I think is what we are doing.