Australian energy company Botala Energy has announced the completion of independent feasibility studies for the Serowe Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Gas Project in Botswana.
The studies were conducted by advisory firm Fraser McGill and included a wellfield feasibility study, an upstream wellfield component and a downstream pre-feasibility concept study. The wellfield feasibility study included a review of the project’s field design based on low, medium and high gas flow rates for a 10 MW gas power generation plant, while outlining the commercial development potential of wells drilled at the project to date.
According to Botala Energy, the study outlines viable commercial outcomes for the CBM project based on the lowest gas flow estimates and indicates very positive results for medium and high gas flows. The comprehensive study also examined development options for the project, risks and costs associated with the commercial production of gas, and the potential to produce LNG.
With an initial production target of 600 million cubic feet of gas per year, Botala Energy expects to sign offtake agreements for the project before reaching FID in late-2025. Supported by a recent resource certification, the study indicated gas flow rates are adequate for a 10 MW gas power generation facility.
The upstream wellfield development study explored the technical and financial aspects of gas extraction, including an assessment of the project’s geological characteristics, design and engineering of wells and the potential environmental impact of gas extraction.
The downstream pre-feasibility component featured a concept study for a parallel 20 MW hybrid solar power plant and explored the commercial viability of combining gas turbines with solar power generation to develop a more sustainable energy production system for the project. The study also explored the commercial potential for gas compression, liquefaction and power generation with connection to the Southern African Power Pool.
