The Role of In-Situ Stress in Coalbed Methane Exploration

Abstract

Five years and more of experience gained during coalbed methane exploration in Australia has pointed to the important role that the in-situ stress state has on coal seam permeability, and hence gas/water producability. Similar understanding is also emerging from other parts of the world. The aim of this contribution is to elaborate the context in which stress appears to influence coal seam permeability in Australia, and to investigate some of the mechanisms controlling the in-situ stress state in Australian coal basins. The paper, while generic, draws particularly on experience gained during exploration of the Glouscester Basin by Pacific Power.