Underground Coal Gasification. The Final Frontier – Developing a Regulatory Framework

Underground Coal Gasification (“UCG†) is a long-standing, proven process for converting coal to a synthetic gas (“syngas†) with a wide range of potential end uses. Its commercial development has been restricted due to the need to match resource and end use opportunities in a supportive environment, although it is widely recognised as a future clean unconventional new energy source. The Paper reviews the factors necessary for commercial development to occur, with particular reference to the Asian region, where energy demands for the future are significant. Based on the authors' past experience and knowledge of the Asian region, regulatory issues, especially in relation to environmental control, are considered to be the most significant constraints to rapid deployment of the technology. Current international regulatory regimes are discussed and recommendations made to enable both developer, regulator and other stakeholders to understand and advance project development in a manner that meets all environmental compliance requirements, and provides an alternative clean energy supply matching local needs.