Zero Emission Natural Gas Power and Liquefaction Plant

A natural gas power plant located at a methane-producing formation traversed by at least one borehole, the natural gas power plant comprising:

• first piping coupled to said borehole, said piping transporting said methane;
• a reformer which receives water and said methane and generates as outputs therefrom hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide;
• a solid oxide fuel cell and separator coupled to said reformer output, wherein outputs from said fuel cell and separator include electricity, heat, water, and carbon dioxide;
• a compressor which receives said carbon dioxide and compresses it;
• and
• second piping coupled to said compressor and transporting compressed carbon dioxide into said formation for sequestration therein.

A combination natural gas power and liquefaction plant located at or near a methane-producing formation traversed by at least one borehole, comprising:

• first piping coupled to said borehole, said piping transporting said methane;
• heat exchange means which receives said methane for producing a liquid natural gas (LNG) stream and a vapor natural gas stream therefrom;
• means for storing said LNG;
• a reformer which receives water and said vapor natural gas stream and generates as outputs therefrom hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide;
• a fuel cell and separator coupled to said reformer output, wherein outputs from said fuel cell and separator include electricity, heat, water, and carbon dioxide;
• a first compressor which receives said carbon dioxide and compresses it;
• and
• second piping coupled to said first compressor and transporting compressed carbon dioxide into a geological formation for sequestration therein.