Liquefaction of coal,via hydrogenation,is quite an old process which was operated commercially in Germany during World War II when external fuel supplies were cut off.
Tens of millions of tonnes of gasoline were produced in this way during this period.
Interestingly,Germany is today playing a leading part in the develpment of more efficient processes.
For the resulting liquids to be suitable chemical feedstocks the H:C ratio must be improved in favor of more hydrogen.