Low carbon renewable natural gas production from coalbeds and implications for carbon capture and storage

Zaixing Huang (), Christine Sednek, Michael A. Urynowicz, Hongguang Guo, Qiurong Wang (), Paul Fallgren, Song Jin, Yan Jin, Uche Igwe and Shengpin Li
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Zaixing Huang: University of Wyoming
Christine Sednek: University of Wyoming
Michael A. Urynowicz: University of Wyoming
Hongguang Guo: Taiyuan University of Technology
Qiurong Wang: University of Wyoming
Paul Fallgren: Advanced Environmental Technologies LLC
Song Jin: University of Wyoming
Yan Jin: University of Wyoming
Uche Igwe: University of Wyoming
Shengpin Li: University of Wyoming

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Isotopic studies have shown that many of the world’s coalbed natural gas plays are secondary biogenic in origin, suggesting a potential for gas regeneration through enhanced microbial activities. The generation of biogas through biostimulation and bioaugmentation is limited to the bioavailability of coal-derived compounds and is considered carbon positive. Here we show that plant-derived carbohydrates can be used as alternative substrates for gas generation by the indigenous coal seam microorganisms. The results suggest that coalbeds can act as natural geobioreactors to produce low carbon renewable natural gas, which can be considered carbon neutral, or perhaps even carbon negative depending on the amount of carbon sequestered within the coal. In addition, coal bioavailability is no longer a limiting factor. This approach has the potential of bridging the gap between fossil fuels and renewable energy by utilizing existing coalbed natural gas infrastructure to produce low carbon renewable natural gas and reducing global warming.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00611-7

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