Speaking during a Science Lecture and Research Synthesis workshop on Tuesday, BCM CEO Charles Siwawa said there is an adequate number of researchers capable of tackling coal who, however, lack research for their studies.
“Research has to be continuous as there are benefits that come out of it,” he said. “However, I urge researchers to exploit different industries to fund their research. “There are other alternatives which include financial institutions as well as equity funding.”
Siwawa said Botswana has significant quantities of coal which he estimated at around 202 billion tonnes, adding that research on these will be beneficial to the economy.
“Botswana still has a chance. “We have significant quantities of coal and I think researchers should collaborate and do something about this coal. “Their findings can ensure that we continue to produce and use coal to our benefit. “Maybe there will come a point where coal will be able to generate the needed revenue for Botswana,” he said.
Siwawa added that the country should not underestimate renewables, explaining that these are important but require safe base load electricity which can be provided by coal and hydroelectricity.
He said the market is available and Botswana already has coal mines which are making strides.
Participants at the workshop equally highlighted the importance of funding research noting that other economies are already doing that. Researchers urged government to support them by showing commitment as they said conducting such studies is quite expensive.
Meanwhile, Morupule Coal Mine and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology will set up a coal laboratory at the university’s campus which will analyse coal samples in-country and allow meaningful home-grown research on coal. The lab will be the backbone of research facilities into technologies that will enable the transition from a dependence on fossil fuels to renewable energy sources as well as cleaner usage of coal.
