I see in todays Aus Fin Rev that Royal Dutch Shell and it's...

I see in todays Aus Fin Rev that Royal Dutch Shell and it's Chinese partner are going to study the feasibility of coal-to-liquid fuel conversion.

The item on page 15 states that potential expenditure of up to $8 billion Aust. is contemplated.

Now why would they consider spending that if the technology is not going to pay?