Jharia coal field cracks improve carbon storage and methane extraction: IISER Bhopal study

Researchers at IISER Bhopal have developed a new mathematical model for the Jharia coalfield that predicts gas flow through microscopic cracks in coal seams. The study found that gas flow scales with the power of five of crack width, not the standard cubic law. This allows engineers to estimate fluid movement using only crack width measurements, which are easier to obtain than fracture lengths. The model improves efficiency for coal-bed methane extraction and carbon dioxide injection for permanent storage. By understanding how CO2 plumes migrate through coal, scientists can better design carbon sequestration projects in unmineable coal layers. The research supports India's energy security and climate goals by making domestic natural gas extraction more predictable and enabling large-scale carbon storage in old coal mines.