BHP chief’s doubts over clean coal technology

THE former head of BHP has punctured the optimism of the Howard Government about clean-coal technology by saying the long-term storage of the carbon waste may be as difficult as dealing with nuclear waste.

Paul Anderson, who ran BHP-Billiton in 2002 and still sits on its board, told the Herald: “People can’t believe you’re safe putting nuclear waste five miles under the ground when it’s petrified in glass. How are they going to feel safe putting pressurised gas under the ground?

“I think it’s as big as the issue of nuclear waste. What are you going to do with millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide that is not nearly as compact as nuclear waste?”

The Prime Minister, John Howard, and the Opposition Leader, Kevin Rudd, are strong supporters of clean-coal technology as a long-term solution to greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the country’s dependence on coal-fired power stations and coal exports.

Sydney Morning Herald