Coal Mine Methane (Hansard, 15 February 2001)

HC Deb 15 February 2001 vol 363 c283W 283W

§ Mr. Hilary Benn
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the potential for energy generation from coal mine methane. [150101]

§ Mr. Hain
The Coal Authority monitors for methane emissions at over 100 sites and this information is made available to coal mine methane operators and other interested parties on request.
Operators have shown considerable interest in several of the sites and are currently evaluating the potential for commercial gas extraction. To date, schemes are operational at five Coal Authority sites:

Shirebrook

Markham

Steetley

Hinkleton

Sliverdale.