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Article One
Newcastle University Underground Coal Gasification Project
Newcastle University is currently evaluating feasibility studies for a project to pilot the commercial application of a technology for utilising coal reserves to help meet the global imperative for clean energy, whilst minimising the adverse impacts on the climate. The technology in question is Underground Coal Gasification (UCG), with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
First trialled in the Durham coalfields in 1912, UCG involves gasification of coal underground through the introduction of steam and oxygen via boreholes. The resultant gas, called syngas, is drawn to the surface via neighbouring production boreholes. Cavities left by the gasified coal can offer an ideal environment for long term carbon capture and storage, which means that CO2 emissions are 85% less than those from conventional coal-fired power stations. With modern directional drilling technology, the process is also capable of remotely exploiting seams too deep or geologically unsuitable for conventional mining, without putting the health and safety of a single miner at risk or creating any surface ash or dust.
With coal reserves widely distributed round the globe, UCG can play a major role in bridging the energy gap until renewables are sufficiently advanced to meet global energy demand and the North East of England is better placed than any region in Europe to exploit it: 75% of the UK’s coal resources (equivalent to 600 years supply at the current rate of use, are still in place below the deepest mine workings; and it has world-class expertise in deep mining, process engineering and – should Britain seek to exploit undersea coal resources – offshore engineering.
The Sir Joseph Swan Institute at Newcastle University is evaluating feasibility studies to help identify potential sites for a pilot project that would generate a unique body of highly transferable knowledge and skills that will be in demand throughout the world. The Institute is confident that the economic, technological and environmental cases for UCG will speak for themselves, but also recognise that any large-scale energy project involving coal is potentially contentious. The Swan Institute therefore planned to carry out an extensive communications programme to demonstrate transparency and ensure any forthcoming debate is fully informed.
As part of this programme, the Institute hopes to involve people with special interest in energy and the environment. To achieve this, they will be distributing regular e-briefing notes on specific issues of the project and regular progress reports. They will also be pleased to organise one-to-one briefing sessions or group presentations on request.
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