Calls for permanent ban on coal gasification

Burning coal under Scotland’s seabed would cause environmental damage “completely out of step” with the nation’s climate change goals, a report by environmentalists has warned.

Friends of the Earth (FOE) Scotland has urged the Scottish Government to impose a ban on underground coal gasification, claiming the technique will fuel climate change globally.

The Government imposed a moratorium on UCG last year and commissioned an independent review. Professor Campbell Gemmell is due to publish his findings in the autumn.

Energy firm Cluff Natural Resources had been planning to use the technique to extract gas from under the Firth of Forth and had secured licences from the UK Government. The company halted work on the project until the debate on the issue was resolved.

FOE Scotland’s report author Flick Monk said: “Given what we know about this technology’s chequered history around the world, plans to burn coal seams under the Firth of Forth are completely reckless.”