Underground Coal Gasification Policy

The Queensland government's policy on underground coal gasification (UCG) was announced on Wednesday 18 February 2009.

The policy provides for a UCG pilot phase over the coming years to gather the necessary information to assess the future viability of a prospective UCG industry in the State.

There are currently three (3) pilot projects:

• Carbon Energy at Bloodwood Creek, Chinchilla
• Cougar Energy near Kingaroy
• Linc Energy near Chinchilla.

Additional UCG pilot projects will only be considered at the discretion of the Minister for Mines and Energy.

An independent, scientific expert panel will be established to review and assess the findings from each of the prescribed UCG pilot projects.

The policy also resolves the issue of tenement overlaps between UCG and coal seam gas (CSG) organisations, thereby providing certainty for both UCG and CSG investors.

Industry consultation will initially assist the successful implementation of the new policy, and then continue throughout the UCG pilot phase.  A key aspect of industry consultation is an industry consultative committee which will be chaired by Mr John Pegler, the immediate past president of Queensland Resources Council, and comprising representatives from UCG and CSG companies.

Download the policy: Underground Coal Gasification Policy (PDF - 351KB)

Contact

For further information contact:
A/Director, Strategic Projects

Strategic Projects
Department of Mines and Energy
PO Box 15216
CITY EAST QLD 4002

Telephone: +61 7 3404 8271
Fax: +61 3238 3088