ucg offers highly efficient energy production

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/09/2977518.htm

Interesting how "the reporter" chose her heading on the title i.e half empty ....I chose half full :))
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A scientist reviewing underground coal gasification (UCG) says the technology offers highly efficient energy production for a relatively low cost.

There are three UCG trials underway near Kingaroy, Chinchilla and Dalby on the Darling Downs in southern Queensland.

But farmers and environmentalists have called on the Queensland Government to stop the trials after water contamination scares.

Professor Chris Moran says the technology is not without its risks.

"What's important is that the external water pressure is greater than inside the cavern so you have a gradual bleed inside the cavern," he said.

"[That way] nothing that's being produced in the reactor travels into the surrounding environment."

The scientific panel is due to report back to the State Government mid-to-late next year.