electra-supply.comAs the weather grows colder, many regions in northern China have begun their heating seasons. What is the current state of coal production in the country? The China Coal Industry Association recently released data regarding coal production for the first three quarters of 2024.
In September, major industrial coal production reached 410 million tons, marking a 4.4% increase year-on-year—a 1.6 percentage point acceleration compared to August. Over the first three quarters, cumulative production amounted to 3.48 billion tons, up 0.6% from last year, while coal imports reached 390 million tons, reflecting an 11.9% year-on-year growth. Currently, coal supply appears to be relatively adequate.
When we examine coal consumption trends, electricity generation from large-scale thermal power plants has shown a monthly decline in growth since April 2024, with negative growth recorded over the months of May, June, and July.
Zhang Hong, a spokesperson for the China Coal Industry Association, explained that with the onset of the heating season in northeastern China, demand for coal is on the rise, and the nation’s coal mines are continuously ramping up production capacity. The substantial increase in coal production and imports lays a solid foundation for ensuring coal supply this winter and spring.
Furthermore, there is a notable enhancement in the clean utilization of coal across China. Recently, six government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, jointly issued a directive aimed at strengthening the clean and efficient use of coal. The China Coal Industry Association has stated that since the beginning of 2024, the country’s capacity for ensuring coal supply has continually improved, coinciding with advancements in the clean utilization of coal.
Clean coal utilization encompasses a range of technologies and management practices designed to minimize pollutant emissions across various stages, including coal mining, processing, conversion, combustion, and waste management. This approach aims to maximize energy efficiency and achieve sustainable use of coal resources.
A recent development involves the official launch of a coal transportation corridor and logistics hub in Xinjiang. This project has replaced truck transportation with a more secure and environmentally-friendly coal conveyance system, resulting in greater production capacity from coal mines and reducing overall logistics costs by over 10%.
The new directive on strengthening clean and efficient coal utilization outlines ambitious goals for 2030, aiming to significantly enhance green and intelligent coal development capabilities, gradually lower energy consumption intensity, continuously optimize storage and transportation structures, and steadily improve the quality of commercial coal. Overall, the focus is on enhancing efficiency and environmental cleanliness in the utilization of coal, aligning with priorities of ecological conservation, resource savings, and green, low-carbon development.
Additionally, the Banji Power Plant’s second-phase expansion project in Anhui Province has recently been completed and put into operation. As the largest coal-fired power integration project in Anhui, this facility utilizes new technologies and equipment to achieve ultra-low emissions of atmospheric pollutants and zero wastewater discharge.
