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Tlou Energy focused on coal bed methane in Botswana

Last updated: 10:02 13 Feb 2018 GMT, First published: 16:02 19 Jul 2017 BST

picture of gas flare
First power has been produced from Lesedi's gas

Tlou Energy (LON:TLOU) has been asked by the Botswana government to re-tender for the 100Mw Lesedi coal bed methane-powered power station contract.

Both short-listed bidding companies, Tlou and Sekaname, have been asked re-submit bids.

WATCH: Tlou Energy anticipating government power proposal outcome 'in coming weeks'

Botswana the focus

Lesedi is one of two projects Tlou has in Botswana and comprises five CBM prospecting licences covering an area of approximately 3,800 sq km.

Tlou has already been invited to put forward a proposal from the Botswana government for a 100Mw power plant at Lesedi.

Partners in Place

Tlou’s partner on the project is UK-based Independent Power Corporation, which is responsible for the power plant side while Tlou focuses on the gas production.

IPC recently set up its own US$250mln venture with Quantum Global and engineer Tome to develop other power stations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Cleaner than coal-fired power

Gas has been produced in the Selemo area of the Lesedi operation for around a year, and overall Lesedi is estimated to host some 3.2trn cubic feet of gas.

First power from CBM at its field in Botswana followed the installation of a gas generator at the Selemo project area in June. 

It is already the most advanced CBM asset in Botswana.

"First Gas-to-Power via CBM in Botswana is an extremely significant milestone for the Company and in effect a proof of concept of 'first gas monetisation',” said Tony Gilby, Tlou managing director, said at the time.

“This is the first power generated from CBM in the country and this achievement reinforces our view that CBM Gas-to-Power is achievable in Botswana using gas from the Lesedi Project.

“CBM gas is a cheaper and cleaner alternative to diesel generation and is significantly cleaner than coal-fired power generation."

Reducing fuel purchasing costs at Selemo

Tlou expects to replace another diesel generator in the near term, which will save further fuel costs at the project.

The company said that it expects it will initially reduce its diesel requirements by around 50,000 litres per year, and its savings should grow over time as the second gas generation unit is installed.

Mamba another option

In addition, Tlou owns 100% of the adjacent Mamba field covering an area of approximately 4,500 sq km. 

In the event of a gas field development by Tlou, the Mamba area provides the company with considerable flexibility and optionality.  

 

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