Gasification of Coal – Plans Which Have a Chance to Come Into Life

In the few recent years, a lot is being said about the possibilities that will arise from gasification of coal, and it seems that the idea has a chance to finally come into life. During IX edition of European Economic Congress, Krzysztof Szlaga, the President of Lubelski Węgiel Bogdanka, revealed that by the end of 2017 a feasibility study on coal gasification installation is going to be ready. If the results of the study would confirm feasibility of the investment, the installation will be situated nearby Bogdanka. Szlaga noted that environment and innovation aspects as well as market needs are also important. According to the President of the Board of Directors of Lubelski Węgiel Bogdanka, there is a need with regard to the existence of a stable source of energy on the so-called eastern wall. Completing the investment would guarantee supplies of fuel for the block at attractive prices, and would also create new jobs, which is quite important in the region.

Tauron together with Grupa Azoty are also thinking of the coal gasification project. In their case, the procedure is to be used for chemical production of ammonia and methanol. However, the companies do not rule out expanding the concept to use gas in the energy block as long as it is feasible. Depending on the chosen technology, works on the projects are to consume from 400 to 600 million of euro.

Due to the more and more restrictive EU’s climate policy, the most important of all coal conversion methods are the ones that offer effective use of the resources. Tauron and Grupa Azoty determined they may replace the current natural gas usage in the ammonia fertiliser industry with synthetized gas obtained through coal gasification. Kędzierzyn-Koźle was chosen as the location for the project. Grupa Azoty have already ordered work on the preliminary choice of licence providers and analysis updates. Letter of intent signed by both companies so far stated only the general rules of cooperation and does not predict, as for now, any financial outcomes for the companies. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Development and Finance Mateusz Morawiecki, after signing the letter of intent, stressed that it is in the interest of all to make coal “ not a thing of the past” but to “be used in numerous modern technological solutions in the industry”.