Coal bed methane extraction is already present in a number of countries including USA, Canada and Australia.
Fisher German has recently been appointed by Composite Energy to provide land agency services in connection with proposals to develop appraisal sites for coal bed methane extraction in two licence areas, Chester and Wrexham.
Due to the depletion of conventional energy sources, Composite Energy hopes to be able to utilise a valuable existing natural energy source. As opposed to extracting gas from working mines, coal bed methane specifically exploits natural gases from unworked coal seams. Often called virgin coal bed methane, the process involves drilling directly into the unworked coal.
UK Government figures indicate that the best virgin coal bed methane prospects lie in coal seams thicker than 0.4m at depths between 200m and 1200m. The lifecycle of a coal bed methane project is similar to that of oil and gas - starting with appraisal wells and finishing with production wells. Appraisal wells typically take around a month from start to finish, and Composite Energy will be drilling a number of appraisal wells throughout its licence areas which were awarded by BERR in May 2008, to better understand the coal and methane.
Fisher German is one of four firms selected to undertake work for Composite Energy and are delighted to be involved in this scheme. The contract will be managed by the Ashby de la Zouch office.
For further information please contact Amy McSorley on 01530 410867 or email amy.mcsorley@fishergerman.co.uk
For further information on coal bed methane extraction please see www.composite-energy.co.uk
