CBM remains largely unexplored in Botswana
Botswana’s large contingent coal bed methane resource could potentially be a cheaper source of power but it remains largely unexplored and not available for power generation.
According to the study findings by Department of Geological Surveys, 60 Trillion Cubic Feet ( TCF) of CBM was held in place within the coal and another 136TCF was contained in associated carbonaceous shale. The ARI study indicated an estimate of 14 to 20 percent of the gas as being available for commercial development, which translates to 30- 40TCF. Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Ellen Richard- Madisa said the existence of CBM in Botswana which was confirmed in Botswana by Advanced Resources International ( ARI) through Department of Geological Survey in 2003 is also confirmed by the current work by exploration companies.
Currently, there are seven companies exploring CBM in Botswana which are: Tlou Energy, Kalahari Energy, Anglo Thermal, Serowe CBM Project, Magnum Gas & Power and Kubu Energy.
Richard- Madisa said a need has arisen to accelerate the CBM development programme in Botswana as it is the more environmentally friendly source of fuel and the green house carbon emissions are increasing. “If this could be achieved, it would lead to the development of a gas based industry, with the Electricity Supply Industry benefitting from a more environmentally friendly fuel supply.” She pointed out that the energy sector continues to face challenges with regard to reliable supplies of energy, in particular, electricity. In view of the challenges that have over the years faced CBM PL holders in terms of obtaining certification as well as extracting CBM, the Government has decided to allow CBM PL Holders to develop CBM fuelled power plants aggregating to not more than 100MW as a Pilot Project. The success of this Pilot Project will provide a basis for commercialisation of the Gas Industry in Botswana. Officially signing the Power purchase agreement Between Tlou Energy and Botswana Power Corporation, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Lefoko Moagi said Coal and Solar are primary energy resources that can be deployed for electricity generation with full certainty of success while wind and Coal Bed Methane ( CBM) resources still need verification and quantification for sustainability and commercial use, notwithstanding that studies had shown that Botswana has large inferred CBM resources, which could potentially be a low- to mediumcost source of power. He said The CBM resources still remain largely unexplored and thus not yet available for base- load generation. “However, I am pleased to inform you that further prospecting work is on- going to prove commercial viability of CBM, with method of extracting being one of the main areas of focus. The Private Sector had indicated that they were facing some challenges regarding resources and securing firm power purchase agreements, hence the decision by Government to facilitate and assist private companies, which are engaged in the CBM prospecting to develop CBM fuelled power plants aggregating to not more than 100MW, while BPC guarantees the power off- take from the plants.”