Combined strategies to extinguish underground coal fires and to extract geothermal energy

该项目旨在解决世界范围内发生的两个严重的环境问题。首先，它的目的是制定战略，以打击地下煤火，这是一个严重的环境问题。据估计，仅中国的地下煤火就占世界燃烧化石燃料产生的二氧化碳总量的2%至3%。在地下煤火产生的气体中，CO2和CO（一氧化碳）的浓度分别高达2200 ppm和1000 ppm。其次，该项目是一个概念验证，以验证从燃烧煤层生产地热能的可行性。这方面有可能收获大量目前被浪费的地热能。

This project addresses two serious environmental issues that occur worldwide. Firstly, it aims to develop strategies to combat underground coal fires which are a serious environmental problem. It has been estimated that underground coal fires in China alone contribute 2 to 3 per cent of the total world output of carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuel. Concentrations of CO2 and CO (carbon monoxide) of up to 2200 ppm and 1000 ppm, respectively, have been measured in gases produced by underground coal fires. Secondly, the project is a proof of concept to validate the feasibility of production of geothermal energy from burning coal seams. This aspect has the potential to harvest large amounts of geothermal energy which is currently wasted.