Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of an innovative modular array to eliminate the release of ventilation air methane (VAM) associated with coal production.
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
April 15, 2026
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Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of an innovative modular array to eliminate the release of ventilation air methane (VAM) associated with coal production. Specifically, the project team will (1) test and validate system components in a lab environment, (2) prepare field site for installation of pilot scale VAM test unit, (3) prepare pilot scale VAM system for installation at field test site, (4) install VAM system, conduct and monitor field test of pilot system to meet reliability, durability, and emission standards, and (5) finalize pilot system design for next stage development. If successful, this project would result in system to remove VAM from coal production, reducing energy related emissions and enabling cleaner coal production, ultimately improving energy efficiency and reducing dependence on foreign energy and mineral sources, thereby increasing U.S. energy security.