AT LAST, SOMETHING REAL

At last there is something real (and realizable soon) on our beleaguered energy front. The Central Energy Fund, NT Energy UK and Bataung Strategic Investments are to form a joint venture (JV) to invest US$10 billion to extract coal bed methane to power generators. The JV is to be called GasCo and it will explore for methane in coal beds in Limpopo, Free State and Mpumalanga provinces. What makes this announcement different from all the others we have had in the last year is that is doable, believable -- and it could be quick. Coal bed methane and the conversion of this gas to liquid fuels could provide a real, clean and long-term addition to South Africa's energy needs. It would reduce reliance on imported energy, cut energy costs, boost employment and is environmentally friendly. Drilling to confirm coal deposits in the Free State began in August and has already found massively thick coal seams. Drilling has also begun in Mpumalanga. Next year it is Limpopo's turn. Go for it, manne.