Surface Versus Underground Coal Methanation

Experimental research on UCG carried out in the frame of HUGE European project has shown that there exists a window of parameters under which the gas produced in situ contains substantial amounts of methane. This has triggered interesting engineering as well as economic questions on the conditions that could be required for massive production of substitute natural gas (SNG) underground. If proved feasible, the technology of direct methanation of unmineable deep coal deposits may play a key role for the energy security of Europe, as alternative clean gaseous fuel source that can be easily distributed through the extensive European natural gas pipeline networks. Moreover, the stable, long time availability of SNG from own coal resources can facilitate the development of a hydrogen economy in Europe as CH4 can easily be converted back to hydrogen using mature methane - steam reforming technologies. The presentation reviews the scientific and engineering backgrounds of various oxidative and reductive pathways of in situ coal methanation concepts, i.e. surface SNG installations.

ROGUT Jan;  STEEN Marc; 

2013-03-20

University of Pittsburgh

JRC52303