Introduction

Identification of coal mine gas abatement opportunities for a multi-billion dollar State Government emissions reduction initiative. The project focussed on the gassiest UG coal mines in the state

Mandate

As part of a multi-billion dollar emissions reduction initiative, the NSW Government department engaged Palaris to identify potential gas abatement projects across the State’s gassiest coal mines and recommend incentive options to assist mines implement abatement solutions. Solutions were to focus on ventilation air methane (VAM) abatement, gas destruction and optimised gas drainage.

The scope covered 8 underground mines and projects with part of the initiative including an innovation program to commercialise and deploy new coal technologies

Approach

Working with mining companies and government, Palaris developed Business as Usual emissions and technology cases and utilising technical specialists identified 10-30% decrease in emissions including multi-technology solutions for most sites.

To understand who initiatives should be prioritised Palaris used Marginal Abatement Cost (MAC) curves. Using its global networks (including alliances with Hofstetter ( Netherlands), Palaris identified many developing technologies and how they could be used for each site.

Outcome

A suite of options for abatement opportunities was provided. The outcome of the overall assessment was presented on MAC curves to the government, with individual companies getting results for their respective site.