About Biogenic Natural Gas

About Biogenic Natural Gas

Natural gas within coal seams, depending on how it is created, is either thermogenic or biogenic. Thermogenic natural gas is created by thermal cracking of organic matter during the coalification process, whereas biogenic natural gas is created by naturally-occuring methanogenic organisms that, over time, break down organic matter and create natural gas. The deeper lignite seams within EL 4416 contain biogenic natural gas.

Benefits of Biogenic Natural Gas

• Is stored within the coal seams by hydrologic pressure, so that gas is released when the water pressure is removed,
• Is of pipeline-quality gas that can be sold into conventional natural gas pipelines,
• Is made up of nearly 100% methane gas, but may contain minor quantities of other gases, and
• Is associated with large volumes of fresh water (contained in the coal seams) that can be used for livestock and irrigation without significant treatment.

Methanogenic Organisms