Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson yesterday opened the Clean Coal Technologies: Queensland and Wyoming – the Case for Cooperation conference, hosted by the University of Queensland.

Wilson said the cooperation between the two states was ideal because they were both large coal producers and users.

“We're both big coal producers with an abundance of coal reserves that will continue to play a role in the global electricity mix," Wilson said.

“Our key challenge is to use it in a responsible and environmentally sustainable way. That's why this collaboration between Queensland and Wyoming is so important.”

The minister said the two states would build on the partnership already in place between UQ and the University of Wyoming and broaden it to include government and industry.

“By combining our intellectual and policy firepower we can resolve research and development challenges and encourage other nations to embrace clean coal technologies,” Wilson said.