Coal

[mhlld]

No sunset future for coal

Marian Hookham


Monday, July 11, 2005
EVEN as the world undergoes a period of transition to a near-zero emissions future, the role of coal remains central. By 2030 coal will deliver 22% of the world energy mix, much the same as today, while demand will sky-rocket by 70%, said Xstrata Coal chief executive Peter Coates.

Speaking at the Australia-China Coal Summit last week, Coates said the future of coal production depended on developing ways to utilise coal that reduce or eliminate emissions.

Everyone agrees on two things: coal will continue to play a major role in meeting global energy demand, and demand is going up. Over the next 30 years China will account for 25% of global growth in energy demand, with generating capacity the equal of Australia's total power industry to be built each year. Over the same time, world energy demand will climb 70%.

While coal-fired power stations have been steadily driving down emissions, for coal consumption to be sustainable in the future new technologies must be developed.

These include oxy-fuel, IGCC and carbon dioxide capture and storage – "critically important from a sustainable development perspective – and critically important for the coal industry," Coates said.

He underlined the importance of collaboration with international partners in the development of these technologies.

He said Xstrata Coal was funding an oxy-fuel power plant demonstration plant in Queensland, evidence of the company's commitment to developing near zero-emissions technology.

Oxy-fuel, identified as one of the priority technologies by COAL21, had significant potential because it provided retrofit options for standard pulverised coal-fired boilers, according to Coates.

"If we are to meet demand, help developing nations realise their aspirations, alleviate poverty in a carbon-constrained world, and work towards a new zero emissions future, a long-term view and political will is required," Coates said.

"It is also essential there is significant investment in research and development leading to the commercialisation of new technologies and carbon capture and storage."


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