Polish coking coal producer Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW) has launched METH2GEN, a EUR 25.6 million R&D project to convert waste methane emissions from its mines into hydrogen, with support from the European Union. 

The first phase focuses on improving methane capture at JSW’s mines, including the Budryk mine, using directional drilling, aiming for about 70% efficiency. The second phase will establish a hydrogen plant using steam methane reforming (SMR) technology, with captured CO2 repurposed for fire prevention. 

The project promises lower production costs compared to electrolysis-based hydrogen. It’s part of JSW’s broader environmental plan, as methane accounts for nearly 73% of its total carbon footprint.