The Usage of UCG Technology as Alternative to Reach Low-Carbon Energy

Stefan Zelenak, Erika Skvarekova, Andrea Senova and Gabriel Wittenberger
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Stefan Zelenak: Hornonitrianske Bane Prievidza, a.s., Matice Slovenskej 10, 971 01 Prievidza, Slovakia
Erika Skvarekova: Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Institute of Earth’s Resources, Technical University of Kosice, Park Komenskeho 19, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
Andrea Senova: Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Institute of Earth’s Resources, Technical University of Kosice, Park Komenskeho 19, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
Gabriel Wittenberger: Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Institute of Earth’s Resources, Technical University of Kosice, Park Komenskeho 19, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-15

Abstract: Countries of the European Union have stated transition to carbon-neutral economy until the year of 2050. Countries with a higher share of coal-fired power generation currently have no solution to end their combustion and use clean, emission-free energy immediately. The solution to this problem in the energy industry appears to be the increased use of natural gas, which significantly reduces CO 2 emissions. In this article, we investigated the possibility of using coal in situ, using UCG (underground coal gasification) technology. We focused on verified geological, hydrogeological, and tectonic information about the selected brown coal deposit in Slovakia. This information has been assessed in research projects in recent years at the Technical University. From the abovementioned information, possible adverse factors were evaluated. These factors affect the rock environment around the underground generator by UCG activity. As part of the process management, measures were proposed to eliminate the occurrence of pollution and adverse effects on the environment. In the final phase of the UCG technology, we proposed to carry out, in the boreholes and in the generator cavity, water flushing and subsequent grouting. The proposed are suitable materials for solidification and stabilization. Results of this article´s solutions are crucial in the case of usage of this so-called clean technology, not only in Slovakia but also worldwide.

Keywords: low-carbon energy; UCG technology; grouting; solidification soil; soil air; statistic model; soil contamination; atmospheric geochemical survey; environmental burden (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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