Tata Power-led consortium has been awarded three coal bed methane (CBM) blocks for exploration in Satpura, Madhya Pradesh. Seven CBM blocks were awarded by the government to various companies, which will enable them to drill for coal-seam gas trapped in coal blocks that are unviable for mining.
Coal-seam gas typically includes methane that is located on the surface of coal. The gas is extracted from the blocks by removing water. The Satpura block, is likely to hold 900 billion cubic feet of gas, according to a statement issued by Tata Power. Arrow Energy, which has 80% stake, will be the operator of the Satpura block. Initial production is expected to start from 2014. crackcrack
