Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Start date
1 April 2025
Duration
48 months
Funding
€ 25 632 936.60 EUR
EU Contribution:
€ 12 816 468.31 EUR
Grant Agreement
101193747 (Call: RFCS-2024-JT)
METH2GEN is an innovative pilot and demonstration project addressing the critical challenge of methane emissions from deep multi-seam coal mining operations, while
simultaneously creating value by converting this potent greenhouse gas into clean hydrogen energy. Funded by a European programme, METH2GEN aims to enhance environmental
sustainability and operational safety in the coal mining sector, which remains vital for industrial applications such as steel production
The project targets a significant reduction in methane emissions through the implementation of an advanced methane drainage strategy based on Long-Reach Directional Drilling (LRDD) boreholes. This technology enables efficient extraction of coal mine methane (CMM) from complex underground strata, overcoming limitations posed by poor coal permeability in deep mines. Captured methane is then converted into hydrogen using Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) technology, with the CO₂ byproduct repurposed for coal mine fire prevention and potential geological sequestration.
Operating at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, METH2GEN demonstrates this integrated solution at JSW Budryk Coke Coal Mine, transforming environmental challenges into sustainable energy opportunities. The project includes scalability assessment for other coal mining regions, including Romania’s Jiu Valley. By increasing methane drainage efficiency from industry averages of 34–37% to 70% using LRDD technology, METH2GEN delivers substantial greenhouse gas reductions while contributing to Europe’s clean hydrogen transition and low-carbon future.
70% Increased methane
Up to 70% Increased methane drainage efficiency from roof layers and up to 30% methane drainage efficiency from floor layers (not captured yet)
METH2GEN introduces LRDD technology as the primary methane drainagesystem in Polish coal mines for the first time, targeting both roof and floor layers to ensure long-term drainage performance during and after longwall exploitation.
2,600,000 m3/ year
2,600,000 m3/yr less methane emission from drainage stations
The inclusion of buffer and storage tanks in the installation design will completely eliminate technological methane venting, limiting releases to emergency situations only.
5,000 MWhr/year
5,000 MWhr / year of additional electric power
The additional captured methane will be used in cogeneration engines to generate energy for powering the methane conversion installation, while any surplus electricity will be fed into the power grid.
700 t/year of H2 produced
700 t/year of clean hydrogen fuel produced from captured methane
By converting methane into clean hydrogen, the installation will deliver around 700 tonnes of zero-emission fuel each year — enough to power industries, reduce carbon footprints, and drive the transition towards a sustainable energy future — at a price significantly lower than that of hydrogen currently available on the market.
The METH2GEN project pursues four objectives that address safety, environmental, and economic challenges simultaneously:
Implementation of state-of-the-art LRDD technology combined with intelligent measuring systems to significantly improve methane drainage efficiency from strata above and underlying operated coal panels, targeting methane resources that conventional drainage methods cannot effectively access.
Substantial reduction of methane concentrations in mining operations through removal of significantmethane volumes, directly enhancing miners’ safety by mitigating methane hazards that pose constant threats in deep coal mining environments.
Demonstration of effective waste-to-energy conversion by transforming methane emissions from mining operations into valuable hydrogen energy source, while utilizing CO₂ byproducts for mine safety applications and potential carbon sequestration.
Comprehensive upskilling and reskilling of mining personnel to operate advanced methane drainage and methane conversion technologies, ensuring sustainable technology adoption and creating new career pathways in the evolvingenergy sector.
Advance the development of hydrogen valleys by ensuring steady supply of low-emission hydrogen produced from captured coal mine methane. METH2GEN is expected to produce up to 700 tonnes of hydrogen annually, creating synergies with clean energy initiatives and accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
The METH2GEN project is structured into seven interconnected Work Packages that systematically address the complete methane-to-hydrogen conversion workflow, from geological characterization and methane capture through conversion technology implementation to comprehensive risk assessment and business case development. This integrated approach ensures optimal coordination between technical demonstration activities, environmental sustainability considerations, and economic viability assessment to deliver a commercially ready solution for coal mining industry decarbonization.
WP2 conducts comprehensive geological characterization using developed data base gathering data from Budryk coal mine, research boreholes and data from six exploratory downhole boreholes, drilled within the project, to build 3D structural and parametric models of the mine using Schlumberger Platform toolkit and FLAC3D simulations to optimize LRDD borehole placement. The work assesses Coal Bed Methane (CBM) and Coal Mine Methane (CMM) resources using statistical methods and develops numerical ventilation models with Ventsim Design Software to identify high-risk methane accumulation areas.
WP3 demonstrates Long Reach Directional Drilling (LRDD) technology by drilling 6-10 boreholes (300-600m length) using DeviGyro or MWD systems, strategically placed above and below coal seams to capture previously inaccessible methane from underlying coal seams. Each borehole is equipped with continuous monitoring sensors from the MASTERMIND project and optimized drilling mud systems to ensure stability and maximize methane recovery.
WP4 conducts comparative analysis between Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) and methane pyrolysis technologies, including material and energy balances, life cycle assessments following ISO 14040/14044 standards, and CO₂ management strategies. The work culminates in conceptual design and construction specifications for the selected methane-to-hydrogen conversion installation, incorporating DNSH principles from EU sustainable investment regulations.
WP5 explores three CO₂ emission reduction approaches: laboratory-scale methane pyrolysis research (600 Nml H₂/min capacity), numerical modeling of CO₂ injection into post-mining goafs using coupled flow-geomechanical models, and terrestrial carbon sequestration through ecosystem restoration. These scenarios provide sustainable alternatives to conventional CO₂ management while enhancing overall environmental performance of the methane-to-hydrogen process.
WP6 provides comprehensive technology evaluation through Environmental Risk Assessment, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis following IEC/ISO 31010 standards, and Eco-Efficiency Analysis using Life Cycle Assessment with ecoinvent 3 database. The work culminates in a Business Case Study incorporating Cost-Benefit Analysis of GHG emissions using EU ETS pricing and key financial metrics to develop a technology transfer roadmap for global mining operations.
Meth2Gen project integrates advanced geological modeling, innovative LRDD drilling technology, methane conversion processes, and comprehensive risk assessment methodologies to demonstrate a complete methane-to-hydrogen technology pathway. By combining optimized drilling techniques with proven conversion technologies and thorough environmental assessments, METH2GEN aims to transform coal mining operations toward greater safety, sustainability, and economic viability while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To turn coal mine methane into a catalyst for change — producing affordable, low-emission hydrogen and contributing to a climate-neutral future, while fuelling industries, powering communities, and accelerating the energy transition.
To pioneer breakthrough technologies that capture and convert methane into clean hydrogen, boosting mining safety, unlocking new economic value, and creating vibrant local hydrogen hubs that lead the way towards a sustainable, climate-neutral Europe.