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Will discovery of methane gas power Botswana?
Large reserves of coalbed methane gas as well as coal itself have been discovered in Botswana. Both methane and coal are potential energy resources and could curb the constant power shortages being experienced in the region. Huge reserves of coalbed methane gas discovered in Kodibeleng in central Botswana has raised prospects for generations of electricity for both local use and export in the region now reeling under shortages.
Explorations made by the Kalahari Gas Corporation which has been producing gas in the region indicates there is over 90 million tons of coalbed methane in an area of 50 000 sq/km. Coalbed methane is a natural gas derived from coal seams .Colourless and odourless but flammable , methane can be used as fuel to generate electricity.
Peter Bateman, an official of the Kalahari Gas Corporation did not disclose when the new generation of electricity will start, saying that the task is labour intensive and there were still many issues to be sorted out.
These issues include the sourcing of other ingredients required in production and the right technology. Meanwhile another company, Morupule, specialising in coal mining, has discovered over 200 billion tons of coal reserves in Botswana. The company intends to be
producing an average of 5 million tons annually until 2010 when it could expand production. Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has set a target of 400 to 1200 megawatts of electricity generated from coalbed methane and coal within a short period to offset the looming power shortages in the region.
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