Development and utilization strategies for recovery and utilization of coal mine methane
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), at its Morgantown Energy Technology Center, has been involved in natural gas research since the 1970`s. DOE has assessed the potential of gas in coals throughout the U.S. and promoted research and development for recovery and use of methane found in minable and unminable coalbeds. DOE efforts have focused on the use of coal mine methane for regional economic gas self-sufficiency, energy parks, self-help initiatives, and small-power generation. This paper focuses on DOE`s past and present efforts to more effectively and efficiently recover and use this valuable domestic energy source. The Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) (1) lists a series of 50 voluntary initiatives designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane from mining operations, to their 1990 levels. Action No. 36 of the CCAP expands the DOE research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) efforts to broaden the range of cost-effective technologies and practices for recovering methane associated with coal mining operations. The major thrust of Action No. 36 is to reduce methane emissions associated with coal mining operations from target year 2000 levels by 1.5 MMT of carbon equivalent. Crosscutting activities in the DOE Natural Gas Program supply the utilization sectors will address RD&D to reduce methane emissions released from various mining operations, focusing on recovery and end use technology systems to effectively drain, capture, and utilize the emitted gas. Pilot projects with industry partners will develop and test the most effective methods and technology systems for economic recovery and utilization of coal mine gas emissions in regions where industry considers efforts to be presently non-economic. These existing RD&D programs focus on near-term gas recovery and gathering systems, gas upgrading, and power generation.
- Research Organization:
- Alabama Univ., University, AL (United States); Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL (United States); Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC (United States); Mine Safety and Health Administration, Arlington, VA (United States); Alabama Geological Survey, University, AL (United States); US Department of Energy (USDOE), Washington DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 106787
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950572-; ON: DE95014457; TRN: 95:006491-0005
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Intergas `95: international unconventional gas symposium, Tuscaloosa, AL (United States), 15-19 May 1995; Other Information: PBD: [1995]; Related Information: Is Part Of Intergas `95: International unconventional gas symposium. Proceedings; PB: 576 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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