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Coalbed Methane Outreach Program

Mitigating Coal Mine Methane Emissions

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Benefits of Capturing and Using CMM

There are numerous benefits to capturing and using CMM, including:

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • Conserving a local source of valuable, clean-burning energy
  • Enhancing mine safety by reducing in-mine concentrations of methane
  • Providing revenue to the mine

CMM Recovery and Utilization

Technology is readily available to recover and use methane – the major component of natural gas – from coal mines. Specific CMM end-uses depend on the gas quality, especially the concentration of methane and the presence of other contaminants. Worldwide, CMM is most often used for power generation, district heating, boiler fuel, or town gas, or it is sold to natural gas pipeline systems.

CMM can also be used in many other ways:

  • Coal drying
  • Heat source for mine ventilation air
  • Supplemental fuel for mine boilers
  • Vehicle fuel as compressed or liquefied natural gas (LNG)
  • Manufacturing feedstock
  • Fuel source for fuel cells

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Drainage and Degasification

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End Uses

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Flaring

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