Understanding EU Methane Regulation for Coal

In 2021, Poland accounted for 62% of total EU CMM emissions, most of which came from deep, gaseous, underground coal mines. Poland has 19 active underground coal mines, many of which will require mitigation measures under the new rules.

Methane emission threshold in thermal coal mines

Ember’s analysis estimates that five thermal coal mines will need to implement mitigation measures to meet the 3-tonne-methane-per-kilotonne-of-coal emissions threshold. The operator of four of those mines, PGG, can achieve this by increasing drainage capture efficiency to 60%. PGG already we have committed to increasing drainage efficiency to at least 50%.

Coal Mine Methane as a Resource

All underground mines will be required to capture and use or destroy methane released by drainage systems.

There is a strong business case for companies in Poland to have highly efficient methane evacuation systems. Better methane control leads to increased safety, environmental mitigation and higher energy recovery.

According to State Mining Office (WUG), in 2022, Polish mines achieved an average methane capture efficiency of 38%, using approx. 70% of methane captured.

If Poland increases capture efficiency to at least 50%, Ember estimates that coal mining companies could generate about 1 TWh of electricity per year, as well as the potential for local use of waste heat. This is equivalent to €79 million of electricity and enough waste heat to heat almost 25,500 hospital beds per year.