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CO 2 -ECBM from a Full-Chain Perspective: Mechanism Elucidation, Demonstration Practices, and Future Outlook

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  • Yinan Cui

    (Exploration and Development Research Institute, East China Oil and Gas Company, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China
    Key Laboratory of Deep Coalbed Methane Exploration and Development, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China)

  • Chao Li

    (Exploration and Development Research Institute, East China Oil and Gas Company, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China
    Key Laboratory of Deep Coalbed Methane Exploration and Development, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China)

  • Yuchen Tian

    (School of Resources and Geosciences, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
    Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
    Carbon Neutrality Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China)

  • Bin Miao

    (College of Resources, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Tai’an 271019, China
    Zaozhuang Mining Group Co., Ltd., Zaozhuang 277000, China)

  • Yanzhi Liu

    (School of Resources and Geosciences, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
    Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
    Carbon Neutrality Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China)

  • Zekun Yue

    (School of Resources and Geosciences, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
    Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
    Carbon Neutrality Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China)

  • Xuguang Dai

    (School of Resources and Geosciences, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
    Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
    Carbon Neutrality Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China)

  • Jinghui Zhao

    (Key Laboratory of Deep Coalbed Methane Exploration and Development, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China
    Linfen Coalbed Methane Branch, SINOPEC, Linfen 041000, China)

  • Hequn Gao

    (Exploration and Development Research Institute, East China Oil and Gas Company, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China
    Key Laboratory of Deep Coalbed Methane Exploration and Development, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China)

  • Hui Li

    (Exploration and Development Research Institute, East China Oil and Gas Company, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China
    Key Laboratory of Deep Coalbed Methane Exploration and Development, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China)

  • Yaozu Zhang

    (Exploration and Development Research Institute, East China Oil and Gas Company, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China
    Key Laboratory of Deep Coalbed Methane Exploration and Development, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China)

  • Guangrong Zhang

    (Key Laboratory of Deep Coalbed Methane Exploration and Development, SINOPEC, Nanjing 210000, China
    Linfen Coalbed Methane Branch, SINOPEC, Linfen 041000, China)

  • Bei Zhang

    (China Construction Eighth Engineering Division Guangxi Construction Co., Ltd., Nanning 530000, China)

  • Shiqi Liu

    (School of Resources and Geosciences, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
    Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
    Carbon Neutrality Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China)

  • Sijian Zheng

    (School of Resources and Geosciences, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
    Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-Based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221108, China
    Carbon Neutrality Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China)

Abstract

CO 2 -enhanced coalbed methane recovery (CO 2 -ECBM) represents a promising pathway within carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, offering dual benefits of methane production and long-term CO 2 sequestration. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of CO 2 -ECBM from a full-chain perspective (Mechanism, Practices, and Outlook), covering fundamental mechanisms and key engineering practices. It highlights the complex multi-physics processes involved, including competitive adsorption–desorption, diffusion and seepage, thermal effects, stress responses, and geochemical interactions. Recent progress in laboratory experiments, capacity assessments, site evaluations, monitoring techniques, and numerical simulations are systematically reviewed. Field studies indicate that CO 2 -ECBM performance is strongly influenced by reservoir pressure, temperature, injection rate, and coal seam properties. Structural conditions and multi-field coupling further affect storage efficiency and long-term security. This work also addresses major technical challenges such as real-time monitoring limitations, environmental risks, injection-induced seismicity, and economic constraints. Future research directions emphasize the need to deepen understanding of coupling mechanisms, improve monitoring frameworks, and advance integrated engineering optimization. By synthesizing recent advances and identifying research priorities, this review aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the scalable deployment of CO 2 -ECBM, contributing to global energy transition and carbon neutrality goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Yinan Cui & Chao Li & Yuchen Tian & Bin Miao & Yanzhi Liu & Zekun Yue & Xuguang Dai & Jinghui Zhao & Hequn Gao & Hui Li & Yaozu Zhang & Guangrong Zhang & Bei Zhang & Shiqi Liu & Sijian Zheng, 2025. "CO 2 -ECBM from a Full-Chain Perspective: Mechanism Elucidation, Demonstration Practices, and Future Outlook," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:11:p:2841-:d:1667713
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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