Coalbed methane (CBM)

About Coalbed methane (CBM) in India

• Coalbed methane (CBM) is an unconventional form of natural gas found in coal deposits or coal seams.
• CBM is formed during the process of coalification, the transformation of plant material into coal.
• India has the fifth-largest coal reserves in the world, and CBM has been looked at as a clean alternative fuel with significant prospects.
• India’s CBM resources are estimated at around 92 trillion cubic feet (TCF), or 2,600 billion cubic metres (BCM).
• The country’s coal and CBM reserves are found in 12 states of India, with the Gondwana sediments of eastern India holding the bulk.
• The Damodar Koel valley and Son valley are prospective areas for CBM development.

CBM can be used:

1. In Power generation.
2. As Compressed natural gas (CNG) auto fuel.
3. As feedstock for fertilisers.
4. Industrial uses such as in cement production, rolling mills, steel plants, and for methanol production.

PRELIMS QUESTION:

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Coalbed methane (CBM) in India:

1. CBM is formed during the process of coalification, the transformation of plant material into coal

2. The Damodar Koel valley and Son valley are prospective areas for CBM development in India.

3. CBM can also be used as feedstock for fertilizers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a. 1 only

b. 2 and 3 only

c. 1 and 3 only

d. All of the above

Answer to prelims question