UCG the answer to the energy crisis, ASA says

The Australian Syngas Association (ASA) has welcomed the Independent Scientific Panel (ISP) assessing underground coal gasification (UCG) in Queensland, calling it an “opportunity to demonstrate the vast potential UCG has in solving Australia and the world’s energy problems”.

“The ASA has been actively working with the Queensland Government and the ISP over the years to highlight the vast array of benefits UCG has to the Queensland economy and in doing so we have passed all operational, social and environmental tests,” said ASA President Peter Bond.

“The ASA appreciates the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Andrew Cripps’ comments regarding Queensland leading the world in UCG technology and Linc Energy and Carbon Energy’s world recognised success. We also appreciate the Newman government’s wish to see the successful decommissioning and remediation of underground chambers used in the UCG process, a process which we shall thrive in and further demonstrate ASA members’ ability to pass all tests with flying colours.”

UCG can unlock otherwise uneconomical, stranded pockets of underground coal to produce syngas, the ASA says. Syngas can be used for electrical power stations, transport fuels, fertiliser and synthetic natural gas (SNG). The SNG produced can be injected into existing gas pipeline networks to increase supply to both domestic and export markets.

“The ASA and its members look forward to working with the state and federal governments’ commitment to put science and merit ahead of politics and to further increase the reputation of Queensland and Australia as the world-leading destination in UCG,” Bond said.