The five-year company employee has nearly three decades of experience in the energy industry, including innovative fuels. His responsibilities at Consol have already encompassed greenhouse reduction technology, clean coal combustion and coal conversion technology.

Prior to joining the Pennsylvania producer, Winberg worked for Consolidated Natural Gas and Foster Wheeler. He is a graduate of SUNY Maritime College and the University of Pittsburgh.

"Consol Energy R&D focuses on energy development, improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions from fossil fuel combustion," said company officials.

Consol Energy said it was the only US coal company to possess a research and development department.

Earlier this year, the US Department of Energy said Consol would team with Megtec Systems for a new mine methane capture technology. Scheduled for testing at a closed West Virginia operation, the three organisations were examining a new application of existing technology, trade-named Vocsidizer.