Legislators, Business Council explore Wyo energy opportunities in South Korea CHEYENNE – The delegation of legislators working to expand Wyoming’s energy and manufacturing interests abroad spent Sunday and Monday in South Korea and were encouraged by the opportunities that exist for the state’s resources in a country that values efficient and environmentally sound energy options. Legislators attending the trip included Wyoming Senate President Tony Ross; Speaker of the House Tom Lubnau; Senate Majority Floor Leader Phil Nicholas; Joint Appropriations Committee Co-chairman and Senate Vice President Eli Bebout and Reps. Bob Nicholas and Mike Greear. Wyoming Business Council Chief Executive Officer Shawn Reese was also part of the delegation. On Sunday, the delegation toured the Younghung Power Station. The power station is operated by Korea Southern Electric Power (KOSEP) and consists of four 800-megawatt coal-fired units. This ultra-modern facility also includes hydropower, wind and solar components. Legislators discussed attributes of Wyoming coal, which include a high BTU, low ash and low sulfur content. On Monday, the members received a market overview for the country. South Korea anticipates an increase in coal-fired generation by 80 million tons during the next seven years, in addition to its use of renewables. The primary coal suppliers for the country’s needs are Indonesia and Australia. The delegation also met with OCI on Monday, which is headquartered in South Korea and operates the Big Island Trona Mine in Sweetwater County. OCI sees some opportunities for expansion of Sweetwater County resources if logistical issues regarding transportation can be addressed. The final meeting on Monday was held with executives from the Korea Western Power Company (KOWEPO). These officials outlined their power needs and were optimistic about opportunities to use Wyoming coal, while noting logistics challenges regarding transportation that need to be resolved. “The key is to address the rail and port components for transportation. There is a lot of competition out there and if we miss the opportunity, we will regret it in the future,” Bebout said. Bebout also addressed the environmental aspects, stating, “There is definitely a demand for our high-quality, environmentally sound coal, which is better than what they are using now from an environmental and efficiency standpoint. I am truly impressed with the way the people of the Pacific Rim are generating electricity and the efforts they make to do it with best technology from an environmental standpoint.” “If we can resolve the transportation issues, the future is bright for Wyoming extractive industries,” Lubnau concluded. (Wyoming Legislative Service Office report)
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 21:50:15 +0000
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