PRZYDATNOŚĆ WĘGLA BRUNATNEGO W POLSCE DLA PROCESU ZGAZOWANIA PODZIEMNEGO (UGC) - PROBLEM KRYTERIÓW BILANSOWOŚCI

Abstract

USEFULNESS OF LIGNITE IN POLAND FOR THE UNDERGROUND COAL GASIFICATION (UCG) - THE PROBLEM OF CRITERIA OF ECONOMIC VIABILITY

Abstract. Among unconventional clean coal utilization technology, the underground coal gasification within the deposit (UCG) appears to be the most advanced. The produced synthesis gas is a substitute for natural gas and it can be used directly or to produce electricity, while CO₂ emission is much lower than during the "classic" coal combustion. Experimental installations, operated or currently work in many countries. In several countries (China, India, Uzbekistan) small blocks of power plants also operate. The advantage of UCG technology is primarily the less transforming effect on soils and the low cost of the product. The disadvantage is the possibility of harmful impact on groundwater and soil. In addition to deposits documented for the opencast lignite mining, UGC technology could be useful for thin beds and seams situated below a deph of 350 m under the ground surface, which limited the depth of recent prospection. At the present stage of research, the lack of mining and ecological criteria for the UGC makes it impossible to compare between the deposit from the viewpoint of this exploitation technology. The elements of the process are also not fully resolved, particularly in the area of environmental impact, indicating a need for further research in technical scale in pilot installations.