Coal Mine Methane Capture & Utilization Program About the Program
Virginia Energy, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), is leading a major initiative to reduce methane emissions from active and abandoned coal mines in Southwest Virginia.
The Coal Mine Methane (CMM) Capture & Utilization Program is funded through a $80.7 million award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. The program provides $79.5 million in competitive grants to support projects that detect, capture, and reuse fugitive methane-a highly potent greenhouse gas-as a valuable energy resource. The remaining funds will support program oversight, field training, inspections, and methane detection equipment.
Eligible subawardees will be companies doing methane reduction work and coal mines/site entities. Technology companies will be encouraged to work with active and abandoned coal mine site owners/operators to create joint proposals. Entities doing the methane reduction work will be the leads on the proposals.
This program runs through January 2030.
Programs Goals
- Reduce methane emissions by up to 1 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually
- Repurpose legacy mine lands for productive reuse
- Support economic development in historically coal-dependent communities
- Improve air quality and public health
- Enhance Virginia's energy reliability and security
Apply for Funding
Now accepting applications, click here to learn more and apply. Applications are due by 11:59pm on December 20, 2025
Contact Us
Office of Economic Development
cmm@energy.virginia.gov
