NovaMova LLC

09/07/08

Ukraine Mining

Ukraine Coal Mine Will Use Methane Gas to Create Electrical Power

By Nova Mova from Internet sources.

The Ukrainian joint-stock coal mining company Krasnoarmeiskaya Zapadnaya will modernize its coal mining operations by installing 20 electrical generation units that are powered by the mine’s own methane gas. The units will generate approximately 129 megawatts of electrical power, which will supply enough power to meet the site’s operations and heat requirements.

The privately owned mine is located near the town of Krasnoarmeisk in the coal-rich Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. The company also claims that this initiative will reduce onsite emissions and improve worker safety.

While many coal mines in central and eastern Europe have traditionally used only a small portion of their coal mine methane (CMM) for generating steam, Ukraine has become a regional leader in expanding the use of the gas for onsite power generation. As one of Europe's top coal-producing countries, Ukraine is a founding member of the United Nations-backed Methane to Markets Partnership, an international initiative supporting the cost-effective recovery and use of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

When the Krasnoarmeiskaya Zapadnaya project reaches full operation, it is expected to potentially reduce the equivalent of more than two million tons of CO(2) emissions per year by using gas for power generation instead of venting it into the atmosphere. This will qualify the plant for carbon emission trading certificates.

As part of the mine's new initiative to generate power from CMM, the operator is installing an improved mine gas ventilation system that will further improve worker safety. By capturing mine gas for onsite power, less of the gas will be available to mix with oxygen and create a potentially explosive combination, which is a significant hazard in deep underground coal mining operations.

The CMM electrical generation units are being supplied by General Electric and are scheduled to be installed between 2008 and 2011.

Return

Ukraine Mining

Traffic Problems in Ukraine

Space programs in Ukraine

Industry in Ukraine

International Relations

Ukrainian Economy

Cultural Life in Ukraine

International Relations