UCG in combination with CCS (CO₂ capture and storage) shows considerable promise as a low cost solution to carbon abatement. The composition of the syngas is particularly suited to CO₂ capture and the high pressure from deep UCG will require smaller and less costly plant. The possibility of storing CO₂ in nearby coal seams is a further option.

Today, coal fired power generation makes up around 20% of the UK's energy provision. Much of this coal is mined using open cast techniques, where coal close to the surface is mined by removing the overlying rock and soil.

• Absence of coal and ash handling at surface
• Production of clean gas requiring reduced processing
• High efficiency power generation in gas turbines
• No surface gasifiers.

UCG is the coal mine for the 21st. century, this is precision mining at its best, with only a small surface foot print, minimal transport requirements and when coupled with CCS, essentially zero emissions of sulphur or CO₂.

Alternatively, there are numerous opportunities to utilise CO₂ benficially, including, for example, as a feedstock for bio-diesel yielding algae production.