Fourteen Annual Session
The first day of the session featured a joint session organized by the Groups of Experts on Coal Mine Methane (CMM) and on Cleaner Electricity Systems (CES) during which participants discussed the role of fossil fuels in the future energy mix. That item was followed by the ninth joint meeting of the Group of Experts on CMM and the Global Methane Initiative (GMI) Coal Subcommittee.
On 8 November, the Group reviewed the accomplishments achieved under the 2018-2019 work plan, discussed the work plan for 2020-2021, explored research needs in the field of CMM, and addressed gender-related issues, such as barriers impeding women from entering the coal industry, as well as those hindering their professional development at the later stages of their careers. As during the session the Group presented its new publication, i.e. "Best Practice Guidance for Effective Methane Recovery and Use from Abandoned Coal Mines", special focus was given to problems faced by women as a result of the gradual phase-out of coal in many countries around the world, and to particular challenges faced by female employees in the aftermath of the mine closure.
To learn more about the panel discussion on women in the coal sector please read a news article on that matter.
The second day of the meeting also featured the International Centres of Excellence on CMM (ICE-CMM) in Poland and China, which reported on their activities.
In addition, on Thursday, 7 November, following a joint session of the Groups of Experts on CMM and CES, a meeting between the Chairs of the two Groups, Mr. Raymond Pilcher and Mr. Barry Worthington respectively, and the UNECE Executive Secretary, Ms. Olga Algayerova, was held, during which issues related to functioning of both Group and to positioning of UNECE in the debate on the future of energy were discussed, allowing the Chairs to present to the Executive Secretary the achievements of the Groups, their vision for the future, and difficulties which they face in implementing their mandated programs.