The hidden threat: Abandoned coal mine methane emissions in the EU

The briefing reports that underground coal mines in the EU closed since 2015 may emit approximately 200 kt of methane per year, with Poland being the largest contributor. It notes that active coal mine emissions in the EU are likely underestimated, with GEM estimates being 36% higher than IEA figures. The report emphasizes that emissions from abandoned mines persist for years unless flooded, but data on the flooding status of over 60% of analyzed mines remains unknown, creating significant uncertainty in estimates.

• Methane emissions from operating coal mines in EU coal-producing countries are estimated at 1,721 million cubic meters (MCM) per year, which is 36% higher than IEA estimates and 32% higher than the 907 kilotonnes (kt) officially reported by the EU to the UNFCCC in 2023.
• Underground coal mines in the EU closed between 2015 and 2023 could collectively emit approximately 200 kt (298 MCM) of methane per year if the mines are assumed to be dry.
• Poland is the largest emitter of abandoned mine methane (AMM) in the EU, with 16 abandoned underground mines releasing an estimated 110 MCM of methane, representing nearly 40% of the EU's total AMM emissions.
• A small number of sites dominate emissions, with just six mines accounting for half of the total methane emissions (152 MCM or 102 kt) from the EU's abandoned underground mines included in the report.
• There is significant uncertainty in emission estimates because the flooding or dry status of over 60% of abandoned underground mines is unknown; flooding can dramatically reduce emissions, as seen in Germany where it could lead to a decrease exceeding 36% compared to dry scenarios.
• The primary drivers for coal mine closures in the EU are government policies, such as the phasing out of subsidies, and economic constraints.

APA

Global Energy Monitor (2024). The hidden threat: Abandoned coal mine methane emissions in the EU. https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-EU-Abandoned-Mine-Methane-June-2024-_11.pdf

Chicago

Global Energy Monitor. The hidden threat: Abandoned coal mine methane emissions in the EU. 2024. https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-EU-Abandoned-Mine-Methane-June-2024-_11.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Global Energy Monitor |title=The hidden threat: Abandoned coal mine methane emissions in the EU |date=June 2024 |url=https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-EU-Abandoned-Mine-Methane-June-2024-_11.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{globalenergymonitor2024hidden, author = {{Global Energy Monitor}}, title = {{The hidden threat: Abandoned coal mine methane emissions in the EU}}, institution = {Global Energy Monitor}, year = {2024}, month = jun, url = {https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-EU-Abandoned-Mine-Methane-June-2024-_11.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }