Second Life: Giving Abandoned Coal Mines a New Energy Purpose

The government has initiated a targeted exploration programme to enhance coal bed methane (CBM) production from unexplored and abandoned coal-bearing areas, with the objective of strengthening energy security and increasing unconventional gas supplies.

The Ministry of Coal will evaluate CBM potential in untapped coalfields as well as in de-coaled or abandoned mines that are no longer suitable for conventional coal mining. Coal India and its subsidiaries are identifying viable locations within their leasehold areas, and one CBM block in Jharkhand’s Jharia region has already been awarded for development.

India is estimated to possess around 92 trillion cubic feet of CBM resources spread across 12 states, positioning CBM as a significant alternative energy source that can also contribute to lower emissions.

At present, CBM production is approximately 2.27 million standard cubic metres per day, and the government has set a target to nearly double this output to about five MMSCMD by 2027–28.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.