MineGas

The overall aim of the proposed MineGas project is to develop and demonstrate a unique system to increase biogenic Coal Mine Methane production (CMM) and hydrogen (H2) in closed or abandoned coal mines, using salmon Soluble Protein Hydrolysate (SPH). The development and technology maturation of our MineGas system, aim to the rapid implementation across the Hofseth BioCare production chain and market introduction of the resulting cost-competitive service to the mining industry. CMM and H2 gases will be collected and used to generate energy instead of being freely released into the atmosphere as common practice dictates. MineGas will enable the first clean method extending coal mines' productive lifespan, by providing a renewable source of energy and contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In order to successfully develop our technology, we have a number of challenges and barriers to overcome. This will be achieved through the novel developments pushing us beyond current commercial products and scientific state-of-the-art: - Assess and optimize the performance of the hardware system, particularly the Effectiveness of the mixer and warmer to produce the required SPH dissolution and the capability of the pump and the atomizer to adapt their performance to on-site conditions according to the system sensor?s readings. - In our lab tests, we have identified some chemicals in the SPH having adverse effect on bacterial methane production. We will Tune up the composition of the SPH by eliminating or reducing to optimal levels those chemical components. - Optimize the production of H2 through biological pathways (bio-augmentation). Selection of the optimal microbial strain that will act as a biocatalyst when added to the native microbial community in the mine, and help us to scale-up H2 production to industrial level.