future plan

Does anyone have any idea on what the options are for Cougar from here. Will they temporally abandon the pilot plant and develop W.A and other sites? Do they have to continue with Kingaroy and if not what affect will it have if they don't

I just read this in the ABC news does this mean Cougar won't be able to re-open the pilot plant until mid to late next year? (Read last paragraph)

Underground coal gasification 'not without risks'
By Francene Norton

Posted Mon Aug 9, 2010 1:02pm AEST

Map: Brisbane 4000 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.