Look at the Emperor!

Letters to Southland Times:
Lignite threat to water

Nice article by Sonia Gerken on Solid Energy's plans (Oct 2) but I heard that it takes 10L of water to make 1L of diesel from lignite.
Apparently the Chinese had grand plans for many plants and have already built two, but they seem to have shelved the rest, as the two that are operating caused a drought in the surrounding districts. I wonder if the farmers of Southland who have spent millions on conversion to dairying with massive irrigation will thank Solid Energy for causing a drought on their expensive farms. Or the citizens of Gore who don't get employed on the projects will thank Solid Energy for having to put up with year-round water restrictions. Or the many people who make money from servicing the farming industry around Gore will thank Solid Energy for the loss of their livelihood. Or the people at the works when they get laid off because the farmers are no longer sending animals in as they all died of thirst in the paddocks.
Of course there will then be no need for the urea plant as the farmers will neither need nor be able to afford the stuff.
Isn't it interesting how one idea can have so many spin-offs?

JOHN TAYLOR, GORE