Governor Matt Mead says there’s no question that Taiwan and South Korea want Wyoming coal. Mead just returned from a trip to those countries where he met with government leaders, trona industry representatives, and attended events promoting tourism in Wyoming. He says exporting Wyoming coal is still a good idea.
“Both countries have a diverse energy portfolio that includes coal, natural gas, nuclear power. Both countries are cautious on nuclear power and are looking to increase their use of coal. Both countries are so interested in Wyoming coal that had I had coal on my person I think they would have purchased it right then and there,” Mead says.
Mead’s remarks come as China is scaling back on its coal consumption, potentially weakening demand for Wyoming coal in Asia. But a recent Reuters analysis says emerging markets will make up for China's cutbacks.