Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 56-64)

ABSTRACT
High energy consumption and high prices of natural gas have caused an increase in
coal bed methane (CBM) exploration demand for power generation, cement
production and metal production. This study investigates the coal bed methane (CBM)
potential in Nigeria, as an alternative source of energy in the country. The study
investigated the coal quality of four different basins in Nigeria (Okpara, Onyeama,
Okaba, and Owukpa) and compared their quality with other coal seams of United
States, Indonesia, China, India, Australia and Canada. Characterization of coal quality
has been observed while considering the coal parameters (such as moisture content,
ash content, fixed carbon content, volatile matter, and calorific value). Nigeria`s coals
are situated at shallow depths, sub-bituminous in rank, with a high calorific value
(heating value), low sulfur content, with an average moisture content of 10.95%. The
Oyeama coal has great potential when utilized in the power sector considering the
heating value found in this study. This study observed that Nigeria`s seams have the
potential to be the future CBM producer in the country and simulation studies are
recommended for Nigerian coal once the first CBM exploration well will be drilled in
the regions mentioned in this study for methane recovery along with its production
enhancement from its coal beds. The results of this study drawn that the coal available
in these four basins have the possibility to generate 346 terawatts of electricity which
is equivalent to 346,000,000 megawatts (MW).
Keywords: Ash Content, Coal Bed Methane (CBM), Enhanced Coal Bed Methane
(ECBM), Moisture Content, Nigerian Coal, Proximate Analysis.