Converting coal mine methane into clean hydrogen
The objective of this pilot is to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of converting coal mine methane into clean hydrogen at industrial scale. The captured methane from JSW Budryk Coal Mine using advanced Long Reach Directional Drilling (LRDD) technology will be processed through a Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) installation to produce approximately 700 tonnes of hydrogen annually. The pilot will validate the integrated methane-to-hydrogen pathway, achieving up to 70% drainage efficiency compared to current industry averages of 34-37%. The produced hydrogen will supply local industrial users and contribute to hydrogen valley development, while the CO2 byproduct will be utilized for coal mine fire prevention and potential geological sequestration, creating a comprehensive circular economy model for the mining sector.