Low Carbon Renewable Natural Gas from Depleted Fossil Fuel Reservoirs Michael A. Urynowicz, Director Center for Biogenic Natural Gas Research

The Center’s mission is to add value to fossil fuel resources by keeping them viable in the energy economy of the future.

Coal Biogasification 1. Coal solubilization/ depolymerization 2. Microbial conversion 3. Enhanced biogas production Bridging the Gap between Fossil Fuels and Renewable Energy Biomass Biogasification 1. Alternative substrates 2. Carbon tracking 3. Carbon intensity 3. Metagenomics Center for Biogenic Natural Gas Research

Coalbed Methane In the 1990’s a few small CBM companies began developing the technology to successfully produce natural gas from coal seams.

Coalbed Methane Approx. 30,000 CBM wells in the Powder River Basin. Much of the gas is secondary biogenic. Generally considered a renewable source of carbon-positive natural gas.

Coal Biogasification 1.Coal solubilization 2.Degradation of solubilized products 3.Methanogenesis

Limiting Factors: Presence of a microbial community Environment supporting microbial growth (nutrients) Bioavailability of coal carbon Coal Biogasification

IPCC

Decarbonization Biogas Substrates: -Fossil fuels (e.g., coal) -Wastewater treatment bio solids -Solid waste -Purposely grown energy crops -Agricultural and other organic wastes Carbon Intensity

Biomass Biogasification

Natural Gas Combustion: CH4 + 2O2 = ↑CO2 + 2H2O Biogas Carbon Fixation: ↓CO2 + H2O = CH2O + O2 Combustion: CH4 + 2O2 = ↑CO2 + 2H2 Low-Carbon Renewable Natural Gas Carbon Fixation: ↓CO2 + H20 = CH2O + O2 Carbon Sequestration: ↓C (Biomass) Carbon Sequestration: 2CH2O = CH4 + ↓CO2 Combustion: CH4 + 2O2 = ↑CO2 + 2H2O

Biomass Biogasification

Limiting Factors: Presence of a microbial community Environment supporting microbial growth (nutrients) Locally available source of biomass

Carbon Creek Project Full-Scale Operation Sustainable Gas Production Optimization Development of Supporting Industries Carbon Intensity Market Development

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