This is wonderful news. There are plans to develop this in the US but the dynamics of the Oil market could sink the investors if they were to make considerable gains. Hopefully this will set a more solid foundation for coal liquification in the US and reduce the costs and exposure to risk.
The US happens to have more coal than anyone in the World. Development of this alternative source could entirely end our reliance on foriegn oil which in turn would further spur investment and development of greener energy.
This is the correct route to take.