Question : EXPLORATION OF CBM

(a) the status of exploration of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) in the country;

(b) whether considerable coal bearing area of the country comprising of coal/lignite blocks allocated to end users by the Government are excluded from the purview of CBM exploration and utilization;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor;

(d) the details of loss of opportunity cost due to non-utilization of CBM from the non-operational coal/lignite blocks; and

(e) the details of CBM production so far from the allocated coal/lignite blocks in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS ( SHRI R.P.N.SINGH)

(a) In order to harness potential of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) in the country, a total of 33 CBM blocks have been awarded so far. In-Place CBM reserve of 8.92 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) has so far been established in 5 blocks. The commercial production of CBM commenced in 2007 from Raniganj (South) block in West Bengal operated by Great Eastern Energy Corporation Limited(GEECL) In addition, small quantities of incidentally produced CBM is also being sold from Jharia block of ONGC and Raniganj (East)- CBM-2001/1 block of Essar Oil Limited. The CBM production in the country is estimated to be about 4 Million Standard Cubic Meter Per Day (MMSCMD) by the year 2016-17 as compared to the current level of production of 0.26 MMSCMD.

(b) and (c). Prospective CBM blocks are carved out for offer in consultation with Ministry Coal (MoC). So far, about 17,000 Sq. Km (66%) out of total available coal bearing area of 26,000 Sq. Km in the country has been awarded by Government for exploration and exploitation of CBM resources.

(d). Does not arise in view of (b) and (c) above.

(e) The year-wise details of CBM production are as under:

Year	CBM Production (MMSCM)
2007-08	14.250
2008-09	13.103
2009-10	38.402
2010-11	41.362
2011-12	84.191
Total	191.308