Could burning coal under the sea provide 200 years of ‘clean’ energy?
Back to Topic
Click to Print
Useful Websites
Glossary Term Selection
By Mat Hope
The Government claims it’s on a mission to clean up the UK’s energy system. You could be forgiven for thinking that means an end to coal power – the most polluting energy source of all. But, thanks to new technology, the Government hopes there’s a new, ‘clean’ way to keep using coal.
Writing in The Telegraph this weekend, Algy Cluff, chief executive of energy company Cluff Natural Resources, says ‘underground coal gasification’ could ‘provide a vital energy solution and produce abundant and cheap gas for generations’. The prospect has piqued the Government’s interest, and energy minister Michael Fallon has established a working group to explore its feasibility.
But is it too good to be true?
What is underground coal gasification?
Underground coal gasification (UCG) involves drilling down into coal – normally deep underground – then igniting it. The resulting gas then runs up another borehole and is collected on the surface.
Once the gas is collected, companies can use it...
Want to see the rest of this article?
Would you like to see the rest of this article and all the other benefits that Issues Online can provide with?
- Useful related articles
- Video and multimedia references
- Statistical information and reference material
- Glossary of terms
- Key Facts and figures
- Related assignments
- Resource material and websites
