Coal and Coalbed Gas: Future Directions and Opportunities

Coal and Coalbed Gas: Future Directions and Opportunities, Second Edition explores the latest in coal geology research and gas extraction, highlighting a shift towards cleaner energy resources in Western Europe and North America while increasing research and usage in Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe. The book emphasizes the importance of affordable energy and economic security in driving higher production and research, with a focus on global climate change policies and alternative non-fuel uses for coal. It covers global coal endowment and gas potential, groundwater systems, and the changing landscape of coal and coalbed gas influenced by global climate change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 768 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2023
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

Coal and Coalbed Gas: Future Directions and Opportunities, Second Edition delves into the latest advancements in coal geology and gas extraction engineering. Notably, this edition explores how research has evolved over the past decade, both in terms of its focus and geographical distribution. This shift presents a fascinating narrative, divided into two distinct halves: one where Western Europe, North America, and other regions are gradually shifting away from coal and coalbed gas research and production, in favor of cleaner energy sources. On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe, and South America are witnessing a significant increase in both research and utilization of coal. This shift is characterized by a notable decline in coalbed gas production in North America, while Australia, China, and India have experienced substantial growth in coal and coalbed gas production. The driving force behind this higher production and associated research is the pursuit of affordable energy and economic security, which a vast resource base such as Australia's extensive coalbed gas reserves offers. This resource base has played a pivotal role in pioneering large-scale coalbed gas-to-liquid natural gas (LNG) projects, supplying the growing demand for cleaner burning LNG in the Asian-Pacific region. Since the previous edition of this book, global climate change policies have placed increased emphasis on the impact of methane emissions from coal mines, recognizing them as equally harmful or even more detrimental to the environment than carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels. As a result, governmental policies have prioritized the capture, utilization, and storage of CO2, the implementation of new, highly efficient low-emission power plants that burn coal, and the exploration of gas pre-drainage techniques in coal mines to reduce methane emissions. Additionally, countries like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and China have embarked on new research initiatives focused on exploring alternative, non-fuel applications for coal. These applications include the production of carbon fibers, nanocarbons, graphene, soil amendments, and even the utilization of coal as an unconventional ore for critical materials. In conclusion, Coal and Coalbed Gas: Future Directions and Opportunities, Second Edition provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the evolving landscape of coal geology and gas extraction. It sheds light on the changing trends, drivers, and challenges facing the industry, while also highlighting the significant opportunities and advancements that are being made in the pursuit of sustainable and affordable energy solutions.

Dimension: 235 x 191 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323859370
Edition number: 2 ed