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HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS OF EU FUNDS' AND NATIONAL AGENCIES' SUPPORT FOR COALBED METHANE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN POLAND
Abstract
Attempts of commercial production of coalbed methane (CMM) and coal mine methane (CMM) had been made in Poland since 90. All of them were settled in Upper Silesia Coal Basin, one of three Polish hard coal basins. First trials of CBM production (by vertical wells) were funding by commercial companies. Results were not satisfactory so E&P companies retreated form Poland. Between 2001 and 2008 consortium of industrial companies, universities and research institutions carried out CO2-enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) production project coupled with carbon storage and sequestration (CSS). Project (funded by EU within RECOPOL and MOVECBM grants) demonstrated possibility of implementation this technology, however, because some technical aspects, venture had not been profitable. Dart Energy drilled first horizontal CBM well with intersection with vertical one. Company did not decide on hydraulic fracturing stimulation and, consequently, this projects also did not give revenues. Polish Geological Institute ? National Research Institute (PGI-NRI) supported by National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOSiGW) drilled similar duet of horizontal-vertical wells but this time with fracturing. Early results of gas production rate were promising, however, wireline-tractor stuck during stimulation process and fracturing of all stages was not ended properly. Undeterred by failure PGI-NRI repeated trial of fracturing in horizontal CBM well on abandoned Dart Energy wells. This time production results was rewarding and 1 MWe power generator was installed on site. Success encouraged PGI-NRI and together with PGNiG and hard coal producers established initiative called: Geo-Metan, where production of CBM coupled with coal plays degasification will be supported. Current aim of this project is to select 10 sites for future production wells on concessions belong to coal producers. Meanwhile PGNiG and Gaz-System opened R&D program focused on innovations in oil and gas industry (supported by UE funds and managed by National Center for Research and Development). Two winning projects (of 13) are related to CBM/CMM production. This paper summarized current state of Polish experiences with CBM production trials with special focus on role of UE/Polish agencies funding support.
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