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European Climate Policy in the Context of the Problem of Methane Emissions from Coal Mines in Poland

Author

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  • Bożena Gajdzik

    (Department of Industrial Informatics, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Tobór-Osadnik

    (Department of Safety Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Radosław Wolniak

    (Faculty of Organization and Management, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Wiesław Wes Grebski

    (Penn State Hazleton, Pennsylvania State University, 76 University Drive, Hazleton, PA 18202-8025, USA)

Abstract

This paper presents a thorough examination of methane capture from Polish coal mines, contextualized within the framework of the European Union’s (EU) climate policy objectives. Through a strategic analysis encompassing the interior of coal mines, the surrounding environment, and the macro environment, this study elucidates the complex dynamics involved in methane emissions and capture initiatives. The key findings include a declining trend in absolute methane emissions since 2008, despite fluctuations in coal extraction volumes, and a relatively stable level of methane capture exceeding 300 million m 3 /year since 2014. The analysis underscores the critical role of government support, both in terms of financial incentives and streamlined regulatory processes, to facilitate the integration of methane capture technologies into coal mining operations. Collaboration through partnerships and stakeholder engagement emerges as essential for overcoming resource competition and ensuring the long-term success of methane capture projects. This paper also highlights the economic and environmental opportunities presented by methane reserves, emphasizing the importance of investment in efficient extraction technologies. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly regarding the low efficiency of current de-methanation technologies. Recommendations for modernization and technological innovation are proposed to enhance methane capture efficiency and utilization.

Suggested Citation

  • Bożena Gajdzik & Katarzyna Tobór-Osadnik & Radosław Wolniak & Wiesław Wes Grebski, 2024. "European Climate Policy in the Context of the Problem of Methane Emissions from Coal Mines in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-28, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:10:p:2396-:d:1395912
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Proost, Stef, 2024. "Looking for winning policies to address the climate issue in EU-aviation," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    2. Bożena Gajdzik & Włodzimierz Sroka & Jolita Vveinhardt, 2021. "Energy Intensity of Steel Manufactured Utilising EAF Technology as a Function of Investments Made: The Case of the Steel Industry in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-17, August.
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    5. Bożena Gajdzik & Radosław Wolniak & Wies Grebski, 2023. "Process of Transformation to Net Zero Steelmaking: Decarbonisation Scenarios Based on the Analysis of the Polish Steel Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-36, April.
    6. Mathijs Harmsen & Detlef P. Vuuren & Benjamin Leon Bodirsky & Jean Chateau & Olivier Durand-Lasserve & Laurent Drouet & Oliver Fricko & Shinichiro Fujimori & David E. H. J. Gernaat & Tatsuya Hanaoka &, 2020. "The role of methane in future climate strategies: mitigation potentials and climate impacts," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 163(3), pages 1409-1425, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Katarzyna Tobór-Osadnik & Jacek Korski & Bożena Gajdzik & Radosław Wolniak & Wieslaw Grebski, 2025. "Gravity Energy Storage and Its Feasibility in the Context of Sustainable Energy Management with an Example of the Possibilities of Mine Shafts in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-23, June.
    2. Xiaonan Zhu & Cheng Zhou & Clare Richardson-Barlow, 2025. "Assessing Policy Consistency and Synergy in China’s Water–Energy–Land–Food Nexus for Low-Carbon Transition," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, July.

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