UK underground coal gasification would cause pollution
Plans to allow underground coal gasification (UCG) – a process through which coal under the seabed is set alight – in the UK would cause pollution, toxic waste and groundwater contamination according to a report by environmental group Friends of the Earth. The UK’s Coal Authority has granted licenses for UCG at 19 sites around the country. Cluff Natural Resources, led by oil entrepreneur Algy Cluff, is expected to use its licences to develop nine potential underwater coalfields. However, the Scottish and Welsh government have imposed temporary moratoriums on UCG due to the perceived risks.  
Report setting out the serious dangers that Underground Coal Gasification and Coal Chemicals poses in terms of climate change, local environmental impacts, and public health.

Friends of the Earth Scotland are urging the Scottish Government to act swiftly to ban UCG, and end uncertainty for threatened communities around the Forth and Solway Firths.

The report is published by Friends of the Earth International and Friends of the Earth Scotland. It was authored by Flick Monk, campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, with case study materials from Friends of the Earth groups in Australia, South Africa and the US.