Underground Coal Gasification

Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) is a process that converts coal into useful gases by injecting oxygen or air into underground coal seams, causing the coal to combust in-situ. This produces a mixture of gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane, which can be extracted and used for energy or chemical production, reducing the need for surface mining. UCG offers potential for accessing hard-to-minimize coal deposits with fewer environmental impacts. However, it requires careful management to prevent groundwater contamination and control underground reactions.