CLNR: Coal gasification 'could generate £13 billion'

Cluff Natural Resources Plc (CLNR) has announced the publication of an independent report, prepared by Biggar Economics, which highlights the potential economic benefits of the development of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG), a proven industrial process that allows coal to be converted into gas in-situ, in the UK.

The report outlines the potential economic impact and long-term benefits for the UK economy of CLNR developing an initial UCG project at its Kincardine licence in the Firth of Forth, Scotland (Kincardine), followed by an additional seven UCG projects across the UK.

The report states that this could result in:

• Generation of £12.8 billion Gross Value Add (GVA)¹ for the UK economy over the long-term through the direct and indirect impact of domestic projects and export sales.
• Create an average of over 7500 jobs, peaking at around 11900 jobs.
• The fuelling of a new generation of gas fired power stations with a total capacity of around 3600 MW.
• Safeguarding jobs in the chemicals sector, if used as feedstock for the chemicals industry.
• Extensive supply chain and export opportunities for businesses across the UK.

In relation to a sole UCG project at the Company’s Kincardine licence, the report states that it could generate a total benefit of around £603 million GVA and support an average of more than 350 jobs over the long-term.

“The findings of this report highlight the huge potential for the development of a UCG industry in the UK. UCG has a vital role to play in the diversification of the UK’s energy mix and its long term security and this report demonstrates how the development of UCG would create significant benefits for the UK economy,” commented Algy Cluff, Chief Executive and Chairman.

¹ GVA measures the contribution to the economy of each individual producer, industry or sector in the UK.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/23092015/clnr-coal-gasification-could-generate-13-billion-1468/