Active Biogenesis of Methane in Wyoming's Powder River Basin

Glenn Ulrich, Mark Finkelstein, Jeffrey Weber, and Roland DeBruyn
LUCA Technologies, LLC, Denver, CO

Coal represents the most plentiful hydrocarbon resource found in the United States. The percentage of the biogenic gas resource from coal has increased significantly over the past decade. In order to better scientifically understand the evolution of this process, numerous coal cores were carefully obtained to limit exposure to air during the course of their extraction from the Powder River Basin (PRB) of northeastern Wyoming. These coal samples were examined for their indigenous microbial populations and their ability to support methanogenesis. Significant populations of anaerobic microorganisms and rates of active methanogenesis were detected in nearly all of the tested coals. Conditions were identified that stimulated or inhibited this microbial methane production. Extrapolated results suggest that a huge potential bioreservoir for natural gas production exists in these PRB coalfields. Furthermore, preliminary results suggest that hydrocarbon deposits of lignite, peat, shale and oil may offer similar opportunities.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005