Solid Energy plans underground coal gasification pilot plant in Waikato

Monday, 14 June 2010 11:48:51 (GMT+3)   |  
       

New Zealand-based metallurgical coal producer Solid Energy plans to build and commission, by the beginning of 2011, a NZ$22 million (US$15.2 million) underground coal gasification (UCG) pilot plant in Waikato.

According to the company press release, the successful application of the UCG process will open up access to coal seams which would otherwise be nearly impossible to mine using conventional mining technology.

Solid Energy will shortly lodge the necessary consent applications to build and operate the UCG plant which will convert up to 30,000 mt of coal into synthetic gas (syngas). The pilot plant will operate for up to two years on private property within the company's existing Huntly West Coal Mining Licence area. Working with technology supplier Ergo Exergy, the construction will begin on the proposed plant once consents are granted.

The UCG process gasifies coal very deep underground, producing syngas that can be used in electricity generation, the production of pure hydrogen and to make a range of high-value products such as methanol, synthetic transport fuel, fertilizers or waxes, plastics and detergents.


Similar articles

CISA: Coking coal purchase cost in China down 9.86% in Jan-Feb

28 Mar | Steel News

India’s coking coal imports from Russia hit peak in April-February of FY 2024-24

26 Mar | Steel News

China’s coking coal imports up 36.52 percent in January-February

26 Mar | Steel News

Fitch Ratings raises iron ore price assumptions for 2024-2026 amid limited supply

22 Mar | Steel News

Ex-Australia coking coal prices heading below $250/mt FOB

21 Mar | Scrap & Raw Materials

Turkey’s coking coal imports up 102.2 percent in January

19 Mar | Steel News

Local Chinese coking coal prices - week 11, 2024

15 Mar | Scrap & Raw Materials

Local coke prices in China decline, further cuts expected

15 Mar | Scrap & Raw Materials

Buyers seek $250/mt FOB for ex-Australia coking coal after latest deal

15 Mar | Scrap & Raw Materials

Ex-Australia coking coal drops closer to $280/mt FOB as suppliers try to push sales

14 Mar | Scrap & Raw Materials