I think mainly they are pitching it as a way to preserve coal...

I think mainly they are pitching it as a way to preserve coal exports, not the most efficient way to generate power perhaps. This is the argument they will use to ask for subsidies:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/business/rio-tinto-bp-planning-2b-clean-coal-project/2007/05/21/1179601315787.html

" ... we actually believe that there is a framework that is developing here that could become the blueprint for the rest of the world."

Mr Gillies said Hydrogen Energy was hoping for some financial support from government, if possible.

"As with all forms of low-carbon power, they are more expensive than conventional power," he said.

"What we need is some sort of policy mechanism that allows that additional cost to be passed on to the consumer of the country."