Qatar and SA could benefit from fuel technology

by Miranda Strydom
With soaring crude oil prices, demand for South Africa's technology to produce alternative sources of energy is increasing globally.

A multi-billion rand joint venture between Sasol and Qatar Petroleum to convert natural gas to liquid fuels will be at the centre of President Thabo Mbeki's visit to Qatar tomorrow. Qatar who boasts the world's largest oil and gas reserves more than 15 billion barrels of oil and 25 trillion cubic meters of gas, has partnered with South Africa to develop revolutionary technology with major global benefits.

Launched only 2 years ago, the R7 billion Oryx GTL project currently pumps around 34 thousand barrels per day and is aiming higher. With the global search for alternative sources of energy, SASOL is likely to export similar technology to oil rich Nigeria while China is eyeing the coal to liquids technology.

President Mbeki will be accompanied by a high powered Government and business delegation on a visit that may boost two-way trade beyond the current R1 billion a year.