TOPS: Technology options for coupled underground coal gasification and CO₂ capture and storage

The TOPS project takes a radical and holistic approach to coupled UCG-CCS, and thus the site selection criteria for the coupled processes, considering both geological, reservoir and process engineering aspects and different end-uses of the produced synthetic gas in order to optimise the whole value chain. In particular, the experimental research carried out utilises a newly constructed high pressure gasification reactor investigating several prospective options of UCG technology implementations. Integrated research addresses field based technology knowledge gaps, such as cavity progression and geomechanics, potential groundwater contamination and subsidence impacts, together with research into process engineering solutions in order to assess the role/impact of site specific factors and selected reagents on the operability of given CO₂ emission mitigation options. Ultimately, research aims to minimise the need for on-site CO₂ storage capacity as well as maximising the economic yield of UCG through value added end products.