20091130-IEA-Coal_Mine_Methane_in_Russia_70页_2mb

Summary of "Coal Mine Methane in Russia: Capturing the Safety and Environmental Benefits"

Core Content

This document is an Information Paper by the International Energy Agency (IEA), focusing on coal mine methane (CMM) in Russia. It highlights the safety and environmental risks associated with CMM emissions and explores the potential for its recovery and utilisation as an energy resource. The paper also outlines policy recommendations to improve CMM recovery and use in Russia.

Main Points

1. Overview of the IEA and Its Role

• The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous agency established in 1974, with a mandate to promote energy security and advise on sound energy policy.
• It works with 28 advanced economies, including Russia, to enhance international energy cooperation and mitigate environmental impact.

2. Russia's Coal Sector

• In 2008, Russia was the 5th largest coal producer globally, producing 247 million tonnes of hard coal.
• The coal sector is concentrated in Siberia (80%) and the Far East (10%).
• The Kuznetskiy and Kansko-Achinskiy basins account for 70% of Russian coal production.
• 40% of Russian coal comes from underground mining, with a high methane content per tonne of coal.

3. Coal Mine Methane (CMM)

• CMM is a safety hazard and a greenhouse gas, 21 times more potent than CO₂ over 100 years.
• In 2006, Russia emitted 1.9 bcm of CMM, but only 317 Mm³ was recovered, and 40 Mm³ was used.
• The average methane content of Russian coal is 11.6 m³/t, significantly higher than in other countries (e.g., USA: 7.0 m³/t, UK: 10.3 m³/t).

4. Key Drivers for CMM Recovery and Use

• Mine safety is the primary driver for CMM recovery, as methane is a leading cause of mining accidents.
• Economic benefits from CMM recovery are significant, with potential USD 130 million in value at 2008 gas prices.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a secondary driver, as CMM contributes to climate change.

5. Barriers to CMM Use

• Regulated natural gas prices make CMM projects economically unattractive.
• Lack of clarity on ownership and licensing of CMM hampers investment.
• Technical challenges in utilising low-quality methane (e.g., ventilation air methane) exist.
• Geographic and operational limitations affect the feasibility of CMM recovery.
• Fragmented policy frameworks and lack of co-ordination are major obstacles.

6. Policy Recommendations

• Stricter enforcement of mine safety regulations to reduce accidents.
• Promotion of flaring as an interim solution to reduce methane emissions.
• Clarification of ownership and licensing for CMM to support third-party investment.
• Enhancement of renewable energy policies to include CMM in the renewable energy mix.
• Financial incentives such as tax credits or environmental payments to encourage CMM recovery.
• Strengthening international cooperation to support technology transfer and best practices.
• Establishment of a national coordinating body to improve dialogue and communication between government and industry.

Key Information

• CMM Emissions in Russia: Russia is the third-largest emitter globally, accounting for 6% of total CMM emissions, with an estimated 1.9 bcm released annually.
• Projected Growth: CMM emissions are expected to increase by 4% per year if no action is taken to enhance recovery and use.
• Technologies for CMM Recovery: Degasification and methane drainage systems are used, but only 25% of active mines have installed these systems.
• Utilisation of CMM: Currently, only a small fraction of recovered CMM is used, mainly for local electricity and heat generation.
• Economic Value: The potential value of fully utilising CMM emissions in Russia is USD 130 million at 2008 gas prices.
• International Context: The Methane to Markets (M2M) Partnership is a key international initiative focused on CMM recovery and use.

Conclusion

The paper concludes that Russia has significant potential to reduce CMM emissions and enhance mine safety through the recovery and utilisation of coal mine methane. However, economic, regulatory, and technical barriers need to be addressed. The IEA recommends a combination of policy measures, financial incentives, and international collaboration to support CMM recovery. A national co-ordinating body is also suggested to improve policy implementation and stakeholder engagement.

Appendices and Supporting Materials

• List of Figures: Includes global greenhouse gas emissions, CMM emissions in Russia, and major mine explosions.
• List of Maps: Shows Russian coal reserves and coal production in 2007.
• List of Tables: Provides data on methane content, emissions, and recovery rates.
• List of Boxes: Highlights mine safety enforcement, environmental payments, and pilot projects.

References

• The paper draws on data and insights from the US EPA, Russian experts, and international collaboration.
• It references legislative developments in Russia, such as the 2009 decree on renewable energy.
• IEA's Methane to Markets Partnership is highlighted as a supportive international initiative.