Abstract:

Methane is the second greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, significantly contributing to the rise in temperature on earth. Its share in the greenhouse effect has been estimated at around 15%. Methane is also a dangerous gas that poses a huge threat in the implementation of coal production processes. It is an odorless, explosive and flammable gas. An important feature of methane is also its energetic properties. It is a high-energy ecological fuel. The article refers to this feature of methane, which is commonly found in hard coal mines in Poland. An analysis of its emissions over the last 11 years (2009-2019) is presented, with particular emphasis on its economic (business) use. This approach to methane emissions allows to reduce its emissions to the atmosphere and use the obtained gas for economic purposes. These processes are interrelated and their balance in particular years is presented in the article. The obtained results clearly indicate that the process of obtaining and using methane grows in the coming years. It is important because it limits the emission of this gas to the atmosphere. Objectively, however, it should be admitted that the volumes of obtained and managed methane should be larger. The more so because there are quite effective technologies for the implementation of these processes. Nevertheless, the obtained results show that the economic use of methane emitted from mines is a great opportunity for them to reduce operating costs and improve the quality of the natural environment.