Alternative mining technologies, such as Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) are attracting interest both globally and from a number of developers in Scotland. The Scottish Government are supportive of such innovative technologies which offer the potential for a secure, economic and low carbon energy source.
With significant unmineable deep coal reserves, Scotland is well placed to develop these technologies utilising the wealth of skills and experience in drilling techniques gained from oil and gas exploration. The first licence in the UK to carry out UCG has been awarded off the coast of Fife and is a positive step in the development of UCG technology.
What is Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)?
UCG is a method of extracting and exploiting energy from indigenous coal resources which would otherwise be unworkable or uneconomic for conventional mining.
The process involves converting un-worked deep coal into a combustible synthetic gas while the coal is still underground. The conversion is achieved by introducing oxygen and steam into the seam, and igniting the coal. The gas can then be used for electricity generation, industrial heating and the manufacture of ultra clean diesel fuel for transport.