How China is Enhancing Control Over Methane Emissions from Coal Mines (AI Translation)

中国如何加强煤矿甲烷排放管控

In recent years, there has been a shift towards focusing on non-carbon dioxide gases to control global climate warming as some countries failed to fulfill their emission reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement. Specifically, methane, a potent greenhouse gas and the second-largest environmental pollutant after carbon dioxide, has gained attention. China, in particular, has joined the global effort to reduce methane emissions, facing several intricate challenges [para. 1].

Methane emissions in China’s energy sector mainly come from the coal industry. As of 2018, Chinese methane emissions were about 64.11 million tons, with 42% from the energy system and 39% from coal mines [para. 2]. The majority of methane emissions in the Chinese coal industry originate from underground mining, accounting for about 80%, while the rest come from open-pit mines and post-mining activities [para. 3]. Approximately 94% of coal mine methane (CMM) concentrations are below 30%, and over 83% are ventilation air methane, which is usually diluted to prevent safety accidents, resulting in methane concentration below 0.75% [para. 3]. Despite efforts from 2006 to 2020, China has repeatedly failed to meet the development and utilization targets for coal mine methane set by various Five-Year Plans [para. 3].

As China's coal production decreases, CMM emissions are also expected to decline, but methane emissions from coal mines are projected to still account for about 39% to 44% between 2015 and 2030 and around 25% by 2050 [para. 4]. Notably, this data excludes methane emissions from abandoned coal mines, which could see substantial increases as the number of abandoned mines reaches 15,000 by 2030 [para. 4].

The coal sector faces challenges in utilizing low-concentration coal mine methane due to the lack of mandatory policy requirements and inherent safety risks. Current regulations apply only to higher concentrations of methane, dissuading companies from investing in low-concentration methane utilization projects [para. 5][para. 6]. Such projects are highly dependent on government subsidies due to high initial costs and safety considerations, as illustrated by a 15MW regeneration thermal oxidizer (RTO) project costing up to 200 million yuan [para. 6]. There are also some successful practices for utilizing low-concentration coal mine gas, particularly with methane concentrations between 9% and 30% [para. 6].

In November 2023, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment released the "Methane Emission Control Action Plan," guiding governmental action towards methane reduction, though it does not set explicit reduction targets [para. 7]. A subsequent Sino-US "Sunnylands Statement" highlighted methane as a pivotal area for cooperation [para. 7]. The Action Plan aims to enhance methane monitoring and regulation by 2025 and significantly improve these systems further by 2030 while addressing methane leaks and flaring emissions [para. 7][para. 8]. Policymakers need to formulate specific technical and financial measures to address challenges in coal mine methane utilization.

In terms of fiscal stimuli, measures supported by mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) make investment in coal mine methane utilization appealing. However, without the CDM, project profitability would diminish [para. 9]. There is hope for China to restart the National Certified Voluntary Emission Reduction (CCER) mechanism to provide financial incentives for methane utilization [para. 9][para. 10]. Additionally, updated emission standards aim to limit coal mine gas emissions to a concentration not exceeding 8%, encouraging more proactive methane reduction efforts [para. 10][para. 11].

In conclusion, China's multi-faceted approach to methane emission reduction is crucial. Success depends on targeted policies, economic incentives, technological advancements, and up-to-date regulatory standards to overcome the significant challenges in tackling coal mine methane emissions [para. 7][para. 9][para. 11].