North China's coal-rich Shanxi Province has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024 by producing a record 13.4 billion cubic meters of coal-bed methane (CBM), marking an 18.9% increase compared to the previous year, according to the provincial statistics bureau.
CBM, an unconventional natural gas primarily composed of methane, is a byproduct of coal production. Traditionally, CBM has been associated with coal mine accidents due to its flammable nature. However, advancements in modern technology have enabled the stable extraction and utilization of CBM as a clean energy source.
In Shanxi, CBM is being harnessed on a large scale, diverting it from being released into the environment and significantly reducing the risk of gas explosion accidents in coal mines. This sustainable approach not only mitigates environmental pollution but also enhances the safety of mining operations.
Mao Xiaowen, deputy director of the Shanxi Energy Bureau, stated, \"In the next stage, Shanxi will take multiple measures to boost CBM storage and production, and vigorously promote CBM development.\"
Shanxi boasts abundant CBM resources, with approximately 8.31 trillion cubic meters of proven reserves located underground within a depth of 2,000 meters. This accounts for nearly one-third of China's total CBM reserves. Impressively, the province's CBM output in 2024 represented 80.6% of the country's total production, as revealed by the provincial energy bureau.
In addition to its CBM achievements, Shanxi's raw coal output reached 1.27 billion tonnes last year, comprising around 26.7% of the national output, according to the provincial statistics bureau. This underscores Shanxi's pivotal role in China's energy sector and its commitment to advancing clean and safe energy practices.
Reference(s):
N China's Shanxi Province sees record 2024 coal-bed methane output
cgtn.com
