Possibilities of utilization of gas reserves in abandoned underground as energy resources

Abstract

New problems revealed after finishing outputs in the coal mines in the Czech Republic and in another countries, too. The economic situation at the end of the last century led to an intense restriction of mining and the mines were closed. In many cases, as well in Ostrava-Karvina basin also the mine ventilation and degasification were interrupted. During the closing of the mines, especially the shafts and mine workings connected underground areas with the surface, laws of gas distribution were not respected often enough. It resulted in the known problems of gas emissions to the surface. The closed underground thus represents a gas reservoir where the gas is not only gathered, but also produced. So there is a possibility to use the gas as a potential power resource.