EVALUATION OF COAL RESOURCES IN EASTERN REGIONS OF RUSSIA FOR CONSTRUCTION OF COAL POWER STATIONS

Abstract

The Eastern regions of Russia have a significant potential for the development of power-generating coal production. High provision with coal reserves allows to treat coal as a long term and reliable fuel for power plants. The PURPOSE of the paper is to evaluate the reserves and resources of coal applicable for use in the power sector. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The set task is solved on the basis of the official statistical data and calculation results of the authors. The study uses the system analysis methods. The calculations are carried out on the economic and mathematical models constructed by the authors. RESULTS. The paper estimates coal reserves in the Eastern regions of Russia applicable for use at existing and new power plants. The coal deposits promising for the construction of power plants in the subjects of the federation and considered in the projects and program documents are described. Coal deposits promising for the construction of power plants but not included in strategic development plans are also described. The coal reserves in these deposits and potential volumes of coal production are assessed. The main qualitative characteristics of the coals in the deposits under investigation are indicated including heat value, content of ash, sulphur and moisture. A brief characteristic of mining-geological and hydrological conditions for deposit development is given. Coals of the Eastern regions are shown to contain valuable accompanying elements. Favorable and limiting factors for the development of the presented coal deposits are evaluated. CONCLUSION. In the long run coal will remain one of the main energy carriers in the energy balance of the Eastern regions. Creation of industrial clusters on the basis of coal deposits seems highly promising in terms of economy and ecology.