COAL2GAS is a research project co-funded by the European Commission under the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS).

COAL2GAS is addressing underground gasification of lignite seams in order to increase the level of utilization of abandoned reserves by combining a well known but still not mature technology (UCG) under special conditions, i.e. lignite resources in previously active conventional mining areas. The approach is focussing on the case of a decommissioned mine with abandoned workings and the rock mass affected by former lignite exploitation. The project will include preparing a well-monitored field trial and a low cost pilot project in a selected target area of Romania’s major lignite producer Oltenia, which is part of the partnership.

From the results of the project conclusions can be drawn regarding the applicability in other similar deposits which are known to exist in EU countries and world-wide. De-risking and confidence building measures also need to be undertaken include coring to coal seam depth to acquire first hand data for process planning and risk assessment.

The anticipated result of the project is a comprehensive assessment of options for sustainable use of these lignite reserves, targeting a maximized recovery, avoiding a negative environmental impact and providing maximum safety.