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Assessment of Coalbed Methane Potential in Thailand:<br />
A New Project in the Mae La Mao, Mae Sod and Khiansa Basins<br />
Wuttipong K., Thawee J. and Sungkom B.<br />
Department of Mineral Fuels, Ministry of Energy<br />
ABSTRACT: Coal is found in all parts of the country totaling 2,121 million tons of<br />
reserves. Coal is a porous medium with relatively low <strong>gas</strong> permeability and<br />
diffusivity. Though coal belongs to the family of reservoir rocks, it differs<br />
remarkably from conventional reservoir rocks in that the volume of <strong>gas</strong>, which it<br />
can stores far exceeds its pore volume capacity, the <strong>gas</strong> being mainly adsorbed onto<br />
the pores large internal surfaces.<br />
Responding to the government policy in term of sustainable energy, a Coalbed<br />
Methane (CBM) project was started in 2003. Three coal basins; the Mae Sod, Mae<br />
La Mao and Khiansa Basins have been selected in which to evaluate CBM potential.<br />
Both Mae Sod and Mae La Mao are located in the northern part of Thailand. These<br />
two basins have been studied by the Department of Mineral Fuels using its own<br />
budget. The Mae Sod Basin is studied by the ATOP Technology Company and the<br />
Mae La Mao Basin by Chiang Mai University. The drilling results, from 5 wells, are<br />
inconclusive.<br />
One basin in the south, the Khiansa Basin, has been awarded to SVS ENERGY<br />
RESOURCES., LTD., a new Thai petroleum company selected for CBM study since<br />
July 2003. Four wells have been drilled but were not successful with relatively thin<br />
and split coal seams. However, CBM is still hoped to be one of alternative source of<br />
energy in Thailand’s quest for energy sustainability.<br />
The Department of Mineral Fuels (DMF) and the Electricity Generating Authority<br />
of Thailand (EGAT) have joined to initiate an Oil Shale Project this year in Mae<br />
Sod Basin in Tak Province and a CBM project in Fang Basin, Chiang Mai Province,<br />
located in the Northern part of Thailand. The objectives of the studies are to<br />
determine the reserves, quality and to establish guidelines for the future<br />
development of Oil Shale and CBM as alternative energy resources.<br />
New Energy Resources in the <strong>CCOP</strong> Region - Gas Hydrates and Coalbed Methane 129
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