The first commercial coal bed methane project in Turkey - Reservoir simulation and prefeasibility study for the Amasra coalfield

This study plans and models coalbed methane (CBM) recovery from the Amasra coalfield (the east and the west fields) in Zonguldak Basin, Turkey and compares the results from several operational development scenarios in order to identify the most effective development strategy. The reservoir was modelled using GEM, an advanced general equation-of-state compositional simulator. Vertical and multi-lateral CBM development plans were proposed and the cumulative gas production and gas production rates were estimated. Finally, a standard discounted cash flow analysis was performed. It was found that the vertical and multi-lateral CBM plans would yield positive NPV's - US$ 12,148,498 (IRR - 28.35%) and US$ 11,250,167 (IRR - 27.39%) respectively - only at the west field. Financial analysis showed that none of the alternatives are feasible at the east field. It can be concluded that the vertical CBM development plan with higher IRR (28.35%) would be the best alternative for the west field considering the technical difficulties in drilling operations and much higher capital investment in the multi-lateral CBM development plan. By this way emissions of 2.57 MMtCO2e would be avoided over a 20-year period based on the fact that the coal will be mined and the resulting methane will be liberated. © 2016 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd