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;
((5)) distillates; and
((6)) any other technologies which will assist in the development of niche markets for lignites and sub-bituminous coals.