USTDA Advances Coal Mine Methane Recovery in Colombia

(USTDA) Supporting Commercial Efforts to Develop Energy Resources that Reduce Carbon Emissions

BARRANQUILLA, Colombia – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Generadora y Comercializadora de Energía del Caribe S.A. (GECELCA), a leading thermal generation company and wholesale supplier of electricity. The grant funds a feasibility study to determine the resource quality and viability for the recovery of coal mine methane (CMM) in the Colombian department of Córdoba.

“This project builds upon USTDA’s track record of supporting clean energy projects in Colombia,” said USTDA Regional Director Nathan Younge. “This effort – which includes contributions from GECELCA and Raven Ridge Resources, the U.S. company that will undertake the study – demonstrates how our countries are working together to reduce carbon emissions and put recovered methane to good use.”

The objective of the study is to assist GECELCA in its decision-making before proceeding with a pilot drilling program and, eventually, a commercial-scale CMM recovery operation. In line with the White House’s Climate Action Plan: Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions, the study will help GECELCA assess various alternatives for captured CMM that could serve to increase generating capacity in the area, be supplied to the regional gas market or be used as vehicular natural gas. Raven Ridge Resources, Incorporated (Grand Junction, CO) is an energy consulting and resource development firm with recognized expertise in CMM and coal bed methane recovery.