An overview of the Chinese UCG program

Abstract

Coal is the dominant source of energy in China, but about 50% of the coal resource is left underground unmined. Because of this, the "long-tunnel, large section, two-stage" Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) technology has been put forward, and the UCG model platform has been built. Simulation tests are underway and some gasification parameters have been obtained. Five field trials have been completed, which have produced gas with a heating value of about 4.18MJ/m3. Gas containing more than 40% hydrogen and a heating value above 8.36MJ/m3 is produced at two-stage gasification.