Methanogens!

Key component of natural gas is methane, and now we can get this methane easily through micro-organisms called methanogens that feed on coal, so that electricity can be generated! This could help reduce carbon-dioxide emissions, and eliminate an anticipated need to import natural gas in the future.

The process goes like this - Long hydrocarbon molecules in coal are broken into shorter molecules by one type of microbe. These molecules are then converted into organic acids and alcohols by other micro-organisms. Finally, the methanogens feed on these and produce methane!

Kudos to Luca Technologies, researchers and scientists involved in this and lets hope this proj becomes success in near future!