January 2014 Vol.2 No.1

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Short Communication

The dilemma on the underground coal gasification at the Thar field of Pakistan

Zakiuddin Ahmed*, Nadir Buksh and Gulzar Hussain Jhatial

Fuel Research Centre, PCSIR, Karachi-75280

*Corresponding Author's E-mail: frc_pcsir@yahoo.hotmail

Accepted January 06, 2014

Abstract

Coal power generation was first experienced in Pakistan at Lakhra coal field which was operated with lignite from the Lakhra but those three 50 MW power stations were shutdown due to high Sulphur as well as medium to high ash contents. Sulphur had corroded all the plant very badly and making them in-operational. The underground coal gasification process is not new in the world (Underground Coal Gasification, 2009; Exergy optimisation of reverse combustion linking in underground coal gasification, 2008; Forward and reverse combustion linking in underground coal gasification, 2008; Theory of reverse combustion linking, 2007; Underground Coal Gasification with Carbon Capture and Storage, 2006; The Exergy Underground Coal Gasification Technology As A Source of Superior Fuel For Power Generation, 2006; The Exergy UCG technology for Power Generation, 2006; The Application of Underground Coal Gasification in South Africa, 2005; Reverse Combustion Linking in Underground Coal Gasification, 2005; The Exergy UCG Technology and the Chinchilla Project: an alternative IGCC pathway, 2005; The Exergy Underground Coal Gasification Technology and Its Application in Commercial Clean Coal Projects, 2005) as practical proof and USSR, USA, Germany and China have much experience in this regard. In Pakistan, the team of the world renowned scientists has done the same successfully at Thar and on their advice; the prototype was also practiced at the lab giving the same conditions. The gas was successfully evolved and power generators were then operated. The technique is in-expensive and can be adopted everywhere in Pakistan same as biogas plants for household use. The contradiction in the national policy with respect to funding on the UCG is very painful for the scientists in promoting this technique at the Thar to achieve the target as it is now essential to make an alternate of Sui gas for our gas requirements in future as well as power generation.

Keywords: Underground Coal Gasification, Dilemma, Thar field, Lignite, Lakhra, Power stations, Gas