focus shifts to coal energy

Countries around the world are looking to UCG to solve the global power crisis.

CGV is in the box seat to benefit from this no matter what local governments or anybody thinks currently about the technology. The global demand for UCG means cash for CGV and other UCG technology providers.

"The organisers say Botswana boasts "considerable" potential for the production of coal to liquids via conventional surface-plant processes and through underground coal gasification."

http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=4&aid=4755&dir=2010/September/Thursday9

Focus shifts to coal energy

STAFF WRITER
Delegates from around the world are expected to converge on Gaborone next week to brainstorm over the sustainable exploitation of Botswana's massive coal resources that are estimated to be in excess of 200 billion tonnes.

Organised by the Fossil Fuel Foundation of Africa, the Botswana Coal and Energy Conference is the second of its kind since July 2007. It will be held under the theme "Botswana Coal: Gaining Momentum."

Miners, investors, explorers, geologists, policy-makers, technologists, researchers, traders and other stakeholders are due to share experiences on coal and related subjects next week, organisers said.

A statement from the organisers says the vast opportunities in local coal mining should be juxtaposed with the high demand for energy and fuels in southern Africa.

"Whilst only one coal mine is currently operating with a production of one million tonnes per annum, several projects are in an advanced state of development," the statement reads.

"With the power crisis in the SADC region, the use of Botswana coal resources is set to meet both the national and regional energy requirements. In addition, there are moves afoot to improve logistics in order to market Botswana coal internationally, including to Europe, China and India."

The organisers say Botswana boasts "considerable" potential for the production of coal to liquids via conventional surface-plant processes and through underground coal gasification. In addition, coal-bed methane (CBM) remains a potential resource of infinite value in Botswana and is subject to exploration by various companies. "The conference is thus an invaluable opportunity to be updated on developments in the resources and reserves of the country and the mining, energy and coal-based industrialisation potential," says the statement from the organisers.

"The conference will also enhance understanding of the minerals' policy, (the) legal and regulatory framework of Botswana as well as enhance understanding of government initiatives in the minerals' and energy sectors."
Speakers expected at the conference will be from Debswana, CIC Energy, Morupule Colliery, the Department of Mines, the Department of Geological Survey and others.