Scottish Government has said there is potential to develop underground coal gasification off the coast of Scotland.
The technology could be used to take advantage of major coal seams under the seabed around the UK coast including the North Sea.
Pumping oxygen and steam into the coal seams could allow gas to be released for use in the National Grid.
It was reported yesterday that the UK government was setting up a working group to investigate the potential of the technology.
Algy Cluff , the 1970s North Sea oil exploration pioneer, said there was significant potential for coal gasification in the UK.
“That coal is not only there but, thanks to the astonishing evolution of horizontal oil drilling technology, it can also be cheaply, quickly and safely converted into gas and piped ashore,” said Mr Cluff.
He said the new technology could be used to offset the high levels of imported gas the UK currently relies on.
A Scottish Government spokesman yesterday said: “Scotland has huge energy reserves, but we need a diverse and balanced energy portfolio to provide us with secure and affordable heat and electricity for decades to come. Diversity of sources in our energy portfolio makes our energy system more resilient.
“Many alternative energy sources including underground coal gasification may offer potential, but should only be pursued as long as development and use is consistent with environmental objectives,” added the spokesman.
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