Hybrid Coal Gas Turbine (HCGT) is an ‘enclosed flare’ that destroys fugitive methane which would otherwise be released to the atmosphere.

A rotating kiln combusts the coal mine methane and waste coal at high temperatures to produce thermal energy that can then be used to generate electricity for mine operations, generate steam and produce hot water and heating.

A typical HCGT system is a 5 megawatt hour (MWh) to 30 MWh package, the system is purpose designed for each project application. A 10 MWh electric plant will generate sufficient electricity to provide power to 12,000 suburban homes.

The cogeneration plant qualifies for greenhouse abatement credits and is recognised under the international Methane to Market program as a climate change technology – each plant generates over 350,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas credits per year.

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Mr Hanson said that the plant components are proven technologies being utilised in a new way. The HCGT system is able to accept a wide range of fuel types and qualities including methane fuels such as biomass and bagasse.

The fuels can be used in different combinations, mixes, flow rates and concentrations. The company’s technology controls and regulates fuel input mixes, rate and concentrations, the rotation speed and the slope of the kiln. EESTech has constructed a pilot demonstration system in Brisbane. The company has also recently entered into a joint venture with Aryan Clean Coal Technologies to introduce three 10 MW HCGT power plants to the underground coal mines of India over the next five years.

EESTech CEO Murray Bailey said “This project will demonstrate the economic viability of HCGT as a state of the art clean coal technology and will set an industry benchmark to all coal companies around the world in the fight against global warming.”