Mines gas generation

Coal mining has always been plagued by the constant risk of gas explosions. A risk that was predominantly caused by the presence of methane gas (CH₄) in the mine.

However recent years have proved that from being just a mining hazard or a harmful emission, methane gas can now be considered as a valuable resource in its own right. Deregulation of energy markets and changes to the oil and gas exploration licensing regime have opened up the potential to utilise mines gas to fuel small-scale 'embedded' generators.

Mines gas comes in two primary forms:

• Coal Mine Methane (CMM) - found in mine workings
• Coal Bed Methane (CBM) - potentially found by directional drilling into un-worked coal seams.

Currently much of the world’s CMM, which can be found in both closed and operational deep mines, is passively vented to the atmosphere, therefore converting this gas to energy is highly beneficial.

There are over 900 closed deep mines in the UK alone from which it is estimated that a minimum of 300,000 tonnes of methane gas is seeping into the atmosphere. It is also widely acknowledged that CBM can provide a valuable source of clean energy. Preventing the unnecessary emissions of methane gas helps towards both Kyoto and EU greenhouse gas abatement commitments, since methane is around 21 times more harmful as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. So, the benefits of turning mines gas from a pollutant into a resource are both environmental and financial.

Our experience

ENER-G has significant experience in the design, permitting, developing and operation of CMM projects. Our first project was commissioned in 2001.  ENER-G sells the power produced, but this usually does not attract any feed-in tariff such as Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs). In 2009, ENER-G, in partnership with a specialist CBM developer, commissioned the UK’s first CBM project.

For more information on generation from mines gas please contact ENER-G Natural Power.