Exploring the Potential of Microbial Coalbed Methane for Sustainable Energy Development

Abstract

By allowing coal to be converted by microorganisms into products like methane, hydrogen, methanol, ethanol, and other products, current coal deposits can be used effectively, cleanly, and sustainably. The intricacies of in situ microbial coal degradation must be understood in order to develop innovative energy production strategies and economically viable industrial microbial mining. This review covers various forms of conversion (such as the use of MECoM, which converts coal into hydrogen), stresses, and in situ use. There is ongoing discussion regarding the effectiveness of field-scale pilot testing when translated to commercial production. Assessing the applicability and long-term viability of MECoM technology will require addressing these knowledge gaps. Developing suitable nutrition plans and utilizing lab-generated data in the field are examples of this. Also, we recommend directions for future study to maximize methane production from coal. Microbial coal conversion technology needs to be successful in order to be resolved and to be a viable, sustainable energy source.

Keywords: MECoM; biodegradation of coal; biomethane; microbial transformation; sustainable energy development.

Figure 1

Global coal consumption, 2000–2025 (bottom to top: China, India, other Asian countries, the US, the EU, the rest of the world).

Figure 2

Visualization of publications involving ‘coal, degradation, microorganisms’ through keyword co-occurrence networks.

Figure 3

Proposed pathway for biogasifying coal to methane.

Figure 4

Long-chain fatty acid degradation flow chart.

Figure 5

Schematic diagram of biodegradation within a coal seam fissure.

Figure 6

Schematic diagram of coal seam hydraulic fracturing.