Methane to Hydrogen Conversion for Emission Reduction and Energy Generation METH2GEN

Programme(s): Research Fund for Coal & Steel (RFCS)
Topic: RFCS-2024-JT
Type of action: RFCS Project Grants
Project ID: 101193747

Objective: The METH2GEN project addresses reducing methane emissions from multi-seam coal mines and producing clean energy from captured methane. Methane, a greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential, is released due to mining activity and constitutes a challenge to the environment and safety. Within the project, it will be demonstrated that comprehensive management can effectively reduce GHG emissions at the currently operated JSW coking coal mine. This will be achieved through detailed geological and mining characterization, employing the latest Long Reach Directional Drilling (LRDD) technology, and utilizing intelligent measurement and control systems to improve methane drainage from both the overlying and underlying coal panels. It will be the first demonstration of LRDD technology as a main drainage system in Poland. This approach will decrease methane content in VAM and enable the innovative utilization of excess gas, which cannot be converted to electricity, to generate fuel-grade hydrogen via Steam Reforming (SMR) technology. As CO2 is by-produced during the process, its utilization in mine fire prevention systems is anticipated. Furthermore, alternative pro-ecological strategies to reduce carbon footprint are proposed, such as preliminary assessment of CO2 sequestration within the goaf zone, terrestrial carbon sequestration, or even shifting to a more sustainable methane pyrolysis method. An important measure is the staff's planned upskilling and reskilling to find a way through the decarbonization process. METH2GEN will facilitate the future phase-out and transformation by demonstrating how to use waste and by-products effectively. It will also integrate detailed economic and environmental analyses to provide insights into the impacts, enabling swift upscaling and technology transfer to other mines. The findings will enhance coal methane emission mitigation, promote clean energy utilization, and advance sustainable practices within the industry.