TWO OF the world's biggest mining and energy groups joined forces last week in an attempt to capitalise on the emerging area of clean coal technology. Shell and Anglo American aim to maximise the commercial benefits from the fast-growing field by taking joint stakes in coal conversion projects, combining Anglo American's extensive coal reserves and mining capabilities with Shell's leading-edge technologies. The aim is to extract, gasify then convert coal into, among others, hydrogen and liquid hydrocarbons. Burning the synthesis gas generated by coal gasification emits far lower quantities of greenhouse gases and pollutants than standard coal burning and is the cleanest way to harness its energy potential.
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