LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2022)The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC), and Kentucky Geological SurveyThe University of Kentucky (UK), has announced a collaborative project that focuses on the state’s mine methane (CH4) emissions. This project was created in response to Kentucky’s new energy strategy. KYE3: Designs for Resilient EconomyThe project will measure methane emission from underground mine ventilation using a combination aircraft, drones, and vehicles.
The EEC plans on using the data to investigate how methane (a potent greenhouse gas) can be captured for methane related economic development opportunities, such as local electricity generation, renewable natural gas, and carbon offset markets.
This collaboration is a wonderful example of collaboration. The KYE3 energy strategy addresses three interrelated issues: energy, environment, economic development, said Kenya Stump.
Accurate measurement is the first step to reducing methane emission. This is a major challenge because methane emission sources are so numerous and widely distributed that it is impossible to take precise measurements at each site.
“Because methane emission can be derived from many sources it is important to take accurate measurements in an efficient manner,” states Thomas Parris, Ph.D., KGS Principal Investigator.
KGS geologists work with UKs College of Engineering and Department of Chemistry, both part of the UK College of Arts and Sciences. GHGSat, Inc., to compare and perform measurements from aircraft, drones and vehicles. KGS began measuring methane emission from 22 active and inactive mines located in the Appalachian Basin in Eastern Kentucky and the Illinois Basin in Western Kentucky in fall 2021. The measurements will be completed in the first part 2022 by the research team. The results will be available to public in a digital product by early summer.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency methane is a hydrocarbon and a primary component in natural gas. Over a period lasting 100 years, methane’s global warming potential is 30 times higher than that of carbon dioxide. Methane is also a contributor to the formation ozone. It can be emitted from both human-influenced and natural sources, such as landfills and oil and natural gas systems and agricultural activities. Methane has a high potential to cause global warming over the next decade. Therefore, reducing methane is an important strategy for limiting global heating.