Fugitive methane emissions and technologies for their reduction in Kuzbass coal mining

A retrospective analysis of methane emissions in underground and surface coal mining, as well as subsequent activities with coal mined in underground conditions in Kuzbass, is presented. Modern technologies for processing of coalbed methane, which is brought to the surface by ventilation and degassing systems of coal mines, to obtain chemical products, thermal and electrical energy, are considered. It is shown that a rational option for the utilization of degassing methane is its use as a fuel in gas generators; to reduce emissions of ventilation methane, it is necessary to improve and introduce technologies for regenerative thermal oxidation of depleted methane-air mixtures. Based on the use of discount factor analysis, an assessment of the economic efficiency of utilization of degassed and ventilation air methane was made. It has been established that it is economically feasible to obtain heat and electricity by utilizing of degassed methane, the positive economic effect of ventilation air methane processing projects is achieved by using additional incentives, including the sale of emission reduction units, taking into account the prices of the main energy resources. It is substantiated that the utilization of coalmine methane facilitates reduction of the carbon footprint of the coal mining industry. The obtained results can be used to select and implement rational technologies for capturing and processing coal methane in underground coal mining.