In rounds one and two of the program, four projects accounting for $49.47 million funding has been awarded to longwall specific developments. The projects focus mainly on the installation and operation of equipment to capture methane gas for commercial purposes.

The Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program has been designed to reduce Australia's net greenhouse gas emissions by supporting practical and effective activities that will deliver substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions or substantial carbon sink enhancement.

So far 15 projects have already been offered a total of almost $145 million to abate more than 27 million tonnes of greenhouse gas during 2008 to 2012.

Anglo’s Central Queensland German Creek mine were awarded $15.47 million for the installation and operation of equipment to burn methane contained in waste coal mine gas to produce electricity. This will achieve a projected abatement of 2.4 mega tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Centennial Coal were granted $15 million to link the air intake of Vales Point power station to the mine ventilation system of collieries south of Newcastle to capture methane gas previously released into the atmosphere and burn it to generate electricity. This will result in abatement of 4.11 mega tonnes.

Six million was awarded to BHP Billiton to install a specialised combustion unit at West Cliff colliery to generate electricity by burning air containing very low concentrations of methane, resulting in abatement of 1.04 mega tonnes.

Envirogen will work in New South Wales and Queensland with a $13 million grant to install generators to burn methane contained in waste coal mine gas to produce electricity. This will result in around 2.25 mega tonnes of abatement through cuts in methane emissions and displacement of coal fired electricity generation.

The third round of registration for funding is almost up, with registration forms due June 26. Registration forms are available from GGAP website and completed proposals are required by August 21.