Methane-fired power stations in Australia
The methane-fired power station at Moranbah North in Australia
The methane-fired power station at Moranbah North in AustraliaChallenge
Methane accounts for 17% of Anglo American’s GHG
emissions. Each tonne has a global warming potential 21 times
greater than that of CO2 over a 100-year time horizon.
Emissions occur naturally from sources such as wetlands, while
human-influenced causes include landfills, natural gas production
and distribution, agriculture and some forms of coal mining.
Response
In late 2008, Anglo Coal Australia commissioned coal-seam
methane-fired power stations at Moranbah North and Capcoal in
Queensland to reduce the mines’ CO2e emissions. Using coal
seam methane from the mine, the power station reduces greenhouse
gas emissions, improves energy efficiency and strengthens the power
network in the area.
Outcomes
These facilities currently generate a combined 77 MW of power,
which is the equivalent of planting 3.6 million trees or taking
580,000 cars off the road.