What Is Coalbed Natural Gas?

Coalbed natural gas is generated and stored in coal beds. Within the coal seam, the natural gas is held in place by water pressure. In order to release the natural gas, the water pressure must be reduced. This is accomplished by pumping a small percentage of the water out of the coal seam. A useful analogy is a can of soda pop. When the can is opened, pressure is released and the carbon dioxide in the liquid escapes from the can.

Gas produced at individual wells is piped to a metering facility where the amount of production from each well is recorded. The natural gas then flows to a compressor station where the gas is compressed for shipment in a pipeline.

Natural gas, the most efficient and clean-burning fossil fuel, is seen as an answer to the country’s reliance on foreign oil. In addition, the calls from the Environmental Protection Agency and environmental groups to encourage the use of alternative fuels make coalbed natural gas an excellent energy choice.

Powder River Basin coalbed natural gas is being used as a heating fuel in homes throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Thanks to pipelines that have been installed throughout northeastern Wyoming, the Powder River Basin provides a significant amount of natural gas that is used to heat and cool homes, cook food and provide electricity to millions of Americans.

Why call it “coalbed natural gas” instead of “coalbed methane”?

Industry chooses to call it what it is. Coalbed methane is simply natural gas extracted from a coal seam. It’s the same natural gas that you use to heat your home, cook your food and warm your water.

Members of the Coalbed Natural Gas Alliance have participated in numerous trade fairs and calling coalbed natural gas – coalbed natural gas – addresses the most common question we hear: Is coalbed methane the same as natural gas? Calling it coalbed natural gas also dispels the negative association that some people have made to methamphetamine. We have been asked if coalbed methane is used to make “meth”. Calling it what it is eliminates much of this confusion.