The project in north-central Alberta, aims to develop a commercial operation that produces clean, synthesis gas for power generation. The deep formations could also store carbon dioxide after the coal is turned into gas. Underground coal gasification has been used commercially outside of North America for close to 40 years with minimal surface impact when compared to traditional coal mining and production.

“We have centuries of coal supply beneath our feet and it’s important to examine better ways to use this resource,” said Advanced Education and Technology Minister Doug Horner. “Alberta has had success with coalbed methane and cleaner coal technology is part of our overall climate change strategy. This is another project where our province is poised to open new markets and be a global leader in clean energy development.”

Deep underground coal gasification involves the injection of oxygen and saline water into the deeply buried coal to turn it into synthesis gas. This gas can be used as fuel for clean power generation, further processed into gas for home heating, or for other products like hydrogen, methanol or transportation fuels. Underground coal gasification does not use fresh water in its operation and is significantly different than other in situ processes, such as those used in oil sands development. Underground coal gasification is used at depths where conventional coal mining is not economic or currently possible.

Funding for this project and advancing coal gasification technology in Alberta supports the goals of the Provincial Energy and Climate Change Strategies by promoting, demonstrating and deploying clean-energy technology. For information on these strategies, visit: www.energy.alberta.caand www.environment.alberta.ca. The Government of Alberta, through AERI and other publicly-funded research and innovation organizations, moves new technologies forward through partnerships with industry and post-secondary institutions in priority areas for the benefit of Albertans and world markets.