Written question asked by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Thursday, 8 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 February 2001. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Thursday, 15 February 2001 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment he has made of the potential for energy generation from coal mine methane.

Answer: Mr. Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the potential for energy generation from coal mine methane. [150101] Mr. Hain: The Coal Authority monitors for methane emissions at over 100 sites and this information is made available to coal mine methane operators and other interested parties on request. Operators have shown considerable interest in several of the sites and are currently evaluating the potential for commercial gas extraction. To date, schemes are operational at five Coal Authority sites: Shirebrook Markham Steetley Hinkleton Sliverdale.

Secondary information