Summary
Chemical Week reports BP supports Genomics of La Jolla California for methane research from bacteria more than a mile underground to convert coal into methane.
Analysis
The new discovery by Genomics, now supported by BP throws a new light on so called coal seem methane, as commercially practiced in Australia. The following is of interest:
• indeed if bacteria can convert coal to methane all U.S. coal gasification projects become uneconomical, including the DOE FutureGen project
• immediate check of the source of coal seem methane in Australia is in order, determining bacteria action or not
• support of cutting edge bio-chemistry should be ahead of all renewable - old fashioned - wind, solar and biofuel subsidies
In summary, bacteria may play a new role in methane from coal and other energy fields. This effort needs support if proven correct.
Hans Linhardt consults with leading institutions through GLG
Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
