Lord Campbell of Croyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will classify coal mine methane (CMM) as green in status where it can be captured and removed as a waste gas by making it a source of energy. [HL72]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)Coal mine methane is a fossil fuel and this precludes its inclusion as a renewable form of energy as defined under the Utilities Act 2000. As a fossil fuel, it will not be eligible for support under the Renewables Obligation.
Nevertheless, for both environmental and commercial reasons, the Government welcome greater utilisation of coal mine methane and are examining ways in which support can be given to the industry.