Can Underground Coal Gasification finally make clean coal a reality?
Critics have labeled clean coal an ever-elusive goal that is perpetually over the next horizon, kind of like the hydrogen-powered car. “Clean coal” typically refers to two types of technologies, coal gasification and carbon capture and storage. The former turns coal into a synthetic gas which is then burned in an efficient combined cycle turbine (IGCC). The latter, often discussed in conjunction with gasification, involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, and sequestering the gas underground (CCS). While a number of IGCC projects are being pursued, there isn’t a single one in commercial operation – same is true for carbon sequestration, despite a number of small pilot projects. Cost is the main culprit.
But India and China may have identified an approach that brings clean coal closer to reality – underground coal gasification, which sources say can be done at a significant reduction in cost compared to IGCC:
