Underground coal gasification
Swan researchers are investigating large-scale sources of essentially carbon-free geothermal energy, and developing more responsible modes of fossil fuel use. Our fossil fuel research encompasses both the use of a novel microbial process, recently patented by Newcastle University, to convert heavy oil (and, by extension, coal) to methane, and the coupling of carbon capture and storage (CCS) to underground coal gasification (UCG) using directionally-drilled boreholes. This hybrid technology (UCG-CCS) is exceptionally well-suited to early development in the North East, which still has 75% of its total coal resources in place.
Currently, Swan researchers are involved in two main streams of research—coal gasification (surface) and underground coal gasification. The institute is developing a unique set of skills in both areas of expertise.
Surface coal gasification is a ‘market ready’ technology that can efficiently release energy from coal and allow for pre-combustion carbon capture. Swan is currently focusing on several research questions key to exploiting coal by surface gasification. Coal and pet coke characterisation is especially important to determine how they will react, including what the anticipated emissions will be. This is a key research area since the UK imports large amounts of coal that may not be fully characterised. To this end, Swan is developing coal testing methods using specialist equipment and methods including optical microscopy; thermo-gravimetric analysis, proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, ash fusion tests, and entrained flow reactor. As this research continues, Swan may set up a dedicated coal characterisation 
facility. Swan also holds unique expertise in petroleum geochemistry to look at differences between asphaltenes. Other areas of interest include gas clean-up using adsorbents, co-gasification of coal and biomass, and power station optimisation. Swan also has links with the Neville Hall Library and the North of England Mining Institute that contains the world’s largest archive of coal-related literature.
Underground coal gasification is an upcoming technology that removes the need for mining coal before gasifying it, reducing indirect emissions associated with coal power, cost of dewatering deep mines, and health and safety risks associated with mining. As a founding member of the UCG Partnership, we have a vested interest in developing the technology and bringing it to the marketplace. To further this technology, the Swan Institute is developing adetailed knowledge of UK coal reserves and the issues involved in accessing them. Swan is also involved in proposals for a large-scale trial, producing syngas in the first instance for power generation. Swan researchers are also developing links between UCG and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, extensions into large sub-sea coal reserves, links to recent UCG-trials in Spain, and quantifying the environmental impact of UCG-CCS.
