Underground Coal Gasification

Underground Coal Gasification

Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) is the process of converting coal situated in the underground seam of the earth into synthesis gas or syngas which is a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane. This process uses oxidants in the form of oxygen or air that is supplied at the coal deposit to ignite it and in turn create syngas using the combustion process. UCG is an unconventional method of mining that has the potential to assist with the objectives aimed at diminishing the conventional mining of coal since this process does not involve the actual physical digging and removal of coal from the ground. The produced syngas can be used in electricity generation, chemical making, and liquid fuels, thus providing an efficient way of tapping energy from coal with less pollution.

• Based on the type, the underground coal gasification market is segmented into steam reforming, partial oxidation, auto-thermal reforming, combined or two-step reforming, and biomass gasification. The partial oxidation segment caters to a significant share of the Underground Coal Gasification market. Partial gasification implies the burning of coal at high temperatures with a restricted amount of oxygen to produce syngas, which consist of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This is preferred because it can be used together with many types of coals especially the submarginal coals that are difficult and expensive to mine through other methods. A major reason for the widespread use of this kind of process is that the process is relatively easy compared to other types of reforming, for instance, steam reforming or auto-thermal reforming.
• Based on application, the underground coal gasification market is segmented into power generation, chemicals, liquid fuels, gaseous fuels, and others. The power generation segment catered to a significant share of the market. This dominance is mainly due to increasing demand for energy that is cleaner and more efficient in the market current global market. Syngas produced by UCG which is a mixture of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide can be utilized to generate power using gas turbines or combined cycle plants. With the growing global energy demands and owing to environmental issues associated with conventional coal-fired power plants, UCG becomes a viable solution. The process can result in the use of the coal resource in situ, thereby reducing disturbance and the subsequent impact on the environment compared to other mining methods.
• For a better understanding of the market adoption of Underground Coal Gasification, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, and the Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. Asia Pacific has significantly contributed to the expansion of the Underground Coal Gasification market. China, India, and Australia, for instance, are endowed with widely distributed coal deposits; most of these deposits, however, are deep or otherwise inaccessible by conventional methods. UCG provides a feasible technique to exploit these otherwise inaccessible deposits and, therefore, is well-suited for power generation in the region.
• The practical implementation of UCG technology is being pioneered most actively in China because it needs to shift away from traditional coal burning, and pollution, and, at the same time, explore and utilize its abundant coal resources. The country is also experimenting with the utilization of UCG technology to resolve the issue of increasing energy demands in the country and to minimize the dependency of the country on imported fuels. Furthermore, there is now a shift towards decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and moving towards cleaner sources of energy, especially within the Asia-Pacific and hence there will be an added advantage for the UCG since CCS technology may be incorporated as a part of the process.
• Some of the major players operating in the market include Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Sasol Limited, Siemens, Air Liquide, BASF SE, BP p.l.c, Linde Plc, General Electric, Haldor Topsoe, and Royal Dutch Shell.