Harnessing clean energy from coal

TechNavio has published a new market research report on the global gasification market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.1% from 2014-2019.

The report emphasises the need to harness clean energy from coal, as it is a key source of power and accounts for more than 40% of electricity production worldwide. Harnessing clean energy from coal via gasification has gained increased market importance in recent years.

“Coal gasification transforms a variety of low-value feedstock like coal, biomass, petcoke and petroleum into valuable end-products like synthetic natural gas or syngas,” said Faisal Ghaus, Vice President of TechNavio.

“Syngas, produced through gasification, has the capability to displace natural gas and petroleum and simultaneously help ease the pressure on the chemical and fertiliser industries.”

Furthermore, the report highlights the increased adoption of underground coal gasification (UCG). Recent developments in well-drilling technologies have enabled the deployment of UCG in depths ranging from 4000 – 6000 ft, which increases the process efficiency significantly at such depths.

Some of the advances in UCG technology have been noted by Cluff Natural Resources, which has a number of prospective UCG projects in the UK. The company said well established drilling technology from the oil industry mean it is now possible to perform directional drilling from the surface to facilitate UCG from onshore to offshore.

“Underground gasification is advantageous in terms of feedstock and pressure range, as compared to above-ground processes. Additionally, the life span of UCG wells is also nearing 15 years, making the process a viable alternative,” said Ghaus.

Edited from various sources by Sam Dodson

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/cbm/20012015/new-report-highlights-benefits-of-ucg-cbm192/