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.