Oilfield services giant Halliburton has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UK-based underground coal gasification (UCG) explorer Cluff Natural Resources (CLNR) with a view to collaborating on the development of CLNR's UCG and southern North Sea gas assets in the UK.
CNLR said the move marked "a significant step" towards the commercialization of its deep UCG licenses in the UK. It says there is a "vast energy potential" in the UK's un-mined offshore coal resources.
Areas of joint collaboration will include the acceleration of the development of knowledge and capabilities of CLNR in the development of its UCG and southern North Sea gas assets, technical consultation and the provision of technical and consultancy services and projects by Halliburton.
CLNR's UCG portfolio comprises eight licenses across five coal basins in Scotland, England and Wales. The company's initial focus is to progress its Kincardine Project in the Firth of Forth, Scotland, as it looks to develop the UK's first deep offshore UCG project.
In addition, CLNR has recently been granted five promote licenses covering 11 blocks in the southern North Sea.