How is UCG different from conventional coal mining and surface handling?
The environmental footprint of UCG is much smaller than both underground and surface coal mining. UCG is conducted completely underground and UCG-produced syngas extracted from the coal can be utilized near-site for power production or efficiently shipped by pipeline to other destinations. The aboveground landscape remains largely untouched. There are no open pits, mountaintop removal or tailing piles. UCG requires minimal surface infrastructure, no coal or coal-waste handling, and the surface landscape is easily restored upon project completion. Read our Environmental Benefits for more information.
