DTEK Mine Office Pershotravenske has implemented a pilot scheme for methane utilization at the Stepova Mine. The dangerous gas that is released during coal mining is not only pumped up to the surface to protect the miners, but also converted into electricity and heat using special cogeneration equipment. Utilisation of secondary industrial gases can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental burden on the environment in the region. The project was implemented jointly with Recycling Solutions.
This one of few alternative energy projects in Ukraine which uses cogeneration based on industrial gases. It provides 1.56 MW of nominal electrical power. The produced electricity and thermal energy are used for the Mine’s needs (heating and power supply of Unit No. 2 at the Stepova Mine).
“DTEK is a responsible company that actively implements technologies that help to reduce the negative impact of industrial production on the ecological state of the regions where our enterprises operate. We consider a project for the production of electricity and heat from industrial gases, such as coal mine methane, instead of coal, to be a positive contribution to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a step towards decarbonisation. At the Stepova Mine, where we produce about 2 million tons of coal annually, a large amount of methane gas is released during the extraction process. We pump it out using a degassing system, which replaces the previous process of discharging. This gas is now converted into electricity through combustion with minimal environmental impact. The gradual decline in the consumption of coal and the reduction of waste generation is fully consistent with the goals of the ESG strategy, which the company adopted for implementation in 2019”, said Ildar Saleev, CEO of DTEK Energy.
The project was implemented by Recycling Solutions, a strategic waste and by-product management company. The company was responsible for the development of a technical solution, fund raising, construction, launch of the project and now carries out its operational management. Recycling Solutions’ investment amounted to USD 2.6 mln.
“We develop and implement projects that help industrial enterprises to reduce their environmental burden and use industrial secondary gases efficiently. Currently, in Ukraine, the potential of this energy raw material is underestimated, despite the successful use of the resource in world practices. According to experts, only 1% of coal mine methane is processed in Ukraine”, said Dmitry Anufriev, CEO of Recycling Solutions.
DTEK and Recycling Solutions are planning to implement similar projects at two more mines of the DTEK Pavlohradcoal association in order to halve their emissions. This will allow for the reduction of greenhouse emissions from coal production in the country by about 3% in total.