June 2, 2006—US-based engine manufacturer Caterpillar, Inc., has landed a $58 million contract from China to supply the power generation equipment for what will be the world’s largest power plant fueled by coal mine methane. Caterpillar will provide 60 methane-gas-powered generator sets to produce 120 megawatts of power at the Sihe Coal Mine in Shanxi Province.
The power plant will use coalbed and coal mine methane from the Sihe Mine, in addition to exhaust gas heat that will be recovered to produce usable hot water and steam for the mining operations. Once the project has been completed, an estimated 4.5 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions will be avoided each year.
According to the company, methane gas is found in coal seams and can be hazardous if not properly managed and ventilated from mines. The power plant project is expected to improve methane gas ventilation at the mine site, improving safety while providing an environmentally friendly fuel source to generate electricity.
The project is the result of collaboration between the public and private sectors through the Methane to Markets Partnership, a US-led initiative that now includes 17 partner countries, including China.
