Waste Gas Capture Initiative

The Virginia Department of Energy identified that CMM is an abundant greenhouse gas in the state, with 173,564 metric tons of methane emitted from active and abandoned mines annually. The department found that utilizing CMM as an alternative energy source can reduce carbon emissions by almost 90% in the state. Read more about why the department recommended passing incentives for capturing and using CMM: https://lnkd.in/eT_QpPC3

The WGCI is committed to expanding incentives for capturing fugitive methane from mines and other sources. It's time to prioritize sustainable practices that offer long-term benefits beyond just reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Join us in advocating for the expansion of methane capture technology to make a positive impact for communities. https://lnkd.in/dypY-QEt

Argonne National Laboratory's GREET model has been the gold standard for life cycle assessments (LCA) of fuel and transportation carbon intensity analysis for almost 30 years. However, coal mine methane (CMM) detractors insist that it should be disregarded for the purposes of policy implementation that would encourage the capture and productive use of these emissions. Read more about why the WGCI supports including the CMM pathway present in the 2023 GREET model to realize the economic and environmental benefits of CMM capture: https://lnkd.in/exdHfpCn

The recently announced hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel hub at the Pittsburgh International Airport is set to transform the region. This innovative project, led by Waste Gas Capture Initiative (WGCI) members KeyState Energy and CNX Resources Corp., exemplifies ideal circular economy principles by repurposing industrial waste methane into clean fuels. The benefits are far-reaching: reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, new high-paying jobs, and access to federal incentives for distressed communities. Supported by bipartisan leaders, this initiative aligns with the GREET model and recent policy developments. It's a win-win for the environment and the economy, showcasing how smart collaborations can drive sustainable progress in Appalachia. Learn more about this game-changing project and its potential impact in this article from Brent Bobsein, Vice President Sustainable Development, CNX: https://lnkd.in/exdHfpCn

Methane has a global warming potential over 28 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, contributing substantially to climate change. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Coalbed Methane Outreach Program (CMOP) data indicates that methane emissions from coal mining and abandoned coal mines accounted for approximately 8% of total U.S. methane emissions in 2019, but less than 2% of active mines in the U.S. currently capture and use waste methane. Learn more about how methane capture can reduce emissions: www.wastegascapture.com

Capturing mine methane will help reduce the methane emitted to the atmosphere from active underground mines, which, according to the EPA, amounts to 33 million tons CO2e100 of methane per year. That's equivalent to consuming 3,713,289,074 gallons of gasoline or driving 61,951,520 miles in a passenger car. Learn more about how expanding mine methane capture and productive use  will reduce methane emissions while expanding energy production: https://lnkd.in/dypY-QEt

Sen. Bob Casey recently sent a letter to President Biden, advocating for the inclusion of mine methane as a qualified feedstock for clean hydrogen production tax credits: "As your Administration continues to work on final guidance on the 45V credit, I urge your administration to heed the voices in labor and the hydrogen industry who are asking your administration to correct its approach to the hydrogen production tax credit, please ensure that the full hydrogen tax credit will be available for hydrogen produced from coal mine methane, nuclear power, and natural gas processes that can prove low carbon intensity." Read the letter for yourself: https://lnkd.in/gqqqzaja

Mine methane capture presents a great opportunity to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify energy production. By capturing methane released by mining operations and abandoned mines, a greenhouse gas that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere can be utilized for applications like clean hydrogen production. Mine methane capture also offers additional economic benefits, including job creation in economically disadvantaged regions. https://lnkd.in/dypY-QEt

Today, two members of the Waste Gas Capture Initiative (WGCI), KeyState Energy and CNX Resources Corp., announced a collaboration with Pittsburgh International Airport to bring a 70-million-gallon hydrogen/ sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility to the airport's property. The hydrogen/SAF project aims to utilize the 45V hydrogen production credits from the Inflation Reduction Act and waste coal mine methane (CMM) emissions as feedstock to create low carbon intensity alternative fuel, pending forthcoming U.S. Department of Treasury implementation rules. "This is an exciting development at a pivotal time for the clean hydrogen economy. Hydrogen produced from captured coal mine methane is one of the most effective methods to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors, including aviation," said WGCI Executive Director Michael Moore. "This project shows in clear terms what can be possible in the effort to reduce emissions through smart, innovative, and effective policy, enabling industries and consumers to protect the environment while supporting thousands of good-paying jobs." The project is expected to create 3,000 direct construction jobs, creating an immediate impact on the Southwest Pennsylvania economy. Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/eP5FcxKp

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Continuing to allow fugitive methane from mines to escape to the atmosphere is bad for the environment. That's why we're working hard to expand incentives for mine methane capture. Capturing mine methane means more than just reducing emissions. It will also expand access to jobs in economically disadvantaged regions and increase energy resilience. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dypY-QEt