Abstract: The characteristics of tectonic, coal and coal- bearing strata, coal and coalbed methane resource extent of Tunguska Basin, Lena Basin, Kuznetsk Basin and Pechora Basin in Russia were analyzed. Combining the results from the analysis, coalbed methane development potential of the four basins were evaluated from th ree aspects, material base, gas generation conditions and preservation conditions. The evaluation results show that Kuznetsk Basin is characterized for thick coal seam s and high gas content. The coalbed methane resource densityis 7.16 x 108m3/km2. The permeability of coal is as high as 0.15 μm2. It is much favorable for coalbed methane development. The coalbed methane resource abundance is very high around Vorkuta in Pechora Basin. 30% of total resource extent was found in Vorkuta. As a result, Pechora Basin is favorable for coalbed methane development. The coalbed methane resource extent of Tunguska Basin is 2. 299 x1012m3, but only a lttle res ource extent has been proved. Tunguska Basin is suitable for CBM development while Lena Basin is unfavorable for CBM development due to low CBM resource abund ance.