In 2021, Poland contributed to 62% of the EU’s total CMM emissions, most of which were emitted from deep, gassy, underground coal mines. Poland has 19 active underground coal mines, many of which will require mitigation measures under the new regulations.
Methane emission threshold at thermal coal mines
Ember analysis estimates that five thermal coal mines will be required to implement mitigation measures in order to achieve the 3 tonnes of methane per kilotonne of coal emission threshold. The operator of 4 of these mines, PGG, can achieve this by improving the efficiency of their drainage capture to 60%. PGG has already committed to increasing drainage effectiveness to at least 50%.
Coal mine methane as a resource
All underground mines will need to capture and use or destroy methane released by the drainage systems.
There is a strong business case for companies in Poland to have high‐efficiency methane gas drainage systems. Enhanced methane control leads to enhanced safety, environmental mitigation, and higher energy recovery.
According to the State Mining Authority (WUG), in 2022 Polish mines had an average methane capture efficiency of 38%, utilising approximately 70% of the captured methane.
If Poland increases its capture efficiency to at least 50%, Ember estimates that coal mining companies could generate around 1 TWh of electricity per year, as well as the potential for local use of waste heat. This is equivalent to 79 million euros of electricity and enough waste heat to heat almost 25,500 hospital beds per year.