China Plans to Develop Modern Coal Industry by 2030

China has unveiled a comprehensive plan to develop a modern coal industry by 2030, seeking to balance the country's energy security needs with its ongoing transition towards cleaner energy.

Modernising China's Coal Industry

The plan, issued by China's National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration, outlines targets for improving coal production, mine intelligence and the efficiency of coal use.

By 2030:

• Modern coal production capacity is expected to account for 87% of China's total coal production capacity.

• Intelligent mines are projected to represent 75% of coal mines.

• China's five major coal supply bases are expected to contribute more than 80% of national coal output.

Promoting Cleaner Coal Use

While coal remains an important part of China's energy system, the plan calls for measures to reduce its environmental impact.

Key priorities include:

• Promoting the clean substitution of coal.

• Improving the quality of commercial coal.

• Accelerating the transformation and upgrading of coal-fired power plants.

• Expanding the use of coal as an industrial raw material in an orderly manner.

Coal Remains Important to Energy Security

China is accelerating its development of renewable and other clean energy sources, but coal continues to play a major role in maintaining national energy security.

The country aims to peak coal consumption by 2030 while increasing the share of non-fossil fuels to 25% of total energy consumption.

The latest plan reflects China's attempt to modernise the coal sector while gradually reducing its environmental impact and strengthening energy efficiency.

Expanding Coalbed Methane Production

China also plans to significantly expand the production and utilisation of coalbed methane and coal mine gas by 2030.

The targets include:

• 26 billion cubic metres of coalbed methane production.

• 6.5 billion cubic metres of coal mine gas utilisation.

Improving Mine Safety and Cutting Emissions

The plan encourages large-scale development and utilisation of coalbed methane, which can provide several environmental and operational benefits.

In particular, greater use of coalbed methane could:

• Improve coal mine safety.

• Increase supplies of cleaner energy.

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Improve the overall efficiency of coal resource utilisation.

Balancing Energy Security and Green Transition

China's new strategy highlights the country's dual approach to energy policy: maintaining coal as a key pillar of energy security while continuing to promote cleaner technologies and non-fossil energy.

The 2030 targets are intended to create a more modern, intelligent and efficient coal industry while supporting China's longer-term transition towards a lower-carbon energy system.