The Secretary shall pursue a program of research and development with respect to the technologies needed to expand the use of low-rank coals which take into account the unique properties of lignites and sub-bituminous coals, including, but not limited to, the following areas—
(1)
high value-added carbon products;
(2)
fuel cell applications;
(3)
emissions control and combustion efficiencies;
(4)
coal water fuels and underground coal gasification;
(6)
any other technologies which will assist in the development of niche markets for lignites and sub-bituminous coals.