Return to NETL Home Go to US DOE  Project Information    Primary
Performer Colorado School of Mines (CSM), Golden, CO 80401
Additional Participants United States Geological Survey, Denver,
CO 80202 University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071 Ciris Energy,
Centennial, CO 80112 Pioneer Natural Resources, Denver, CO 80202
Pinnacle Gas Resources, Sheridan, WY 82801 Coleman Oil & Gas,
Inc., Denver, CO 80202  Research has shown that microorganisms
are capable of converting coal to methane, though at widely
different rates under controlled laboratory conditions. The
methane is produced by methanogenesis, a process in which
microorganisms (methanogenic archaea) convert substrates such as
acetate or CO2 and hydrogen into methane. The overall objective
of the proposed research is to systematically investigate
processes involved in methanogenesis from coal to better
understand how the process can be enhanced and accelerated.
Project activities will include characterizing the following
factors that may lead to enhanced met