Coalbed Methane Potential of Pakistan-A Review

DOI: 10.14800/IOGR.1256

Abstract

The continuous decrease in gas reserves and increase in natural gas demand forces Pakistan to explore new reserves. Coalfields in the country offer potential availability of gas reserves in the form of coalbed methane (CBM). These coalfields can accommodate gas demand of the country in long-terms. CBM is a clean energy source and shows a complex storage mechanism as compared to conventional gas reserves. Hence, modern techniques are required for its exploitation. This paper provides a review and analysis of literature for CBM and CO₂-ECBM production from the largest coalfield. Based on available data, similarity among different coalfields assist in calculating potentiality of CBM. The study investigates production potential of CBM and CO₂-ECBM in Thar coalfields. The CO₂ injection can enhance CBM production, and a significant amount of CO₂ can be stored because of process. Being largest coal reserves in the country, the investigation concludes that Thar coalfield can accommodate the country's gas demand. This study proposes technical recommendations for practical implications of large-scale development of CBM and CO₂-ECBM subjected to the in-depth calculation of gas adsorption, gas content, and optimum depth for CO₂ injection.