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Coal and haze
The surge in coal consumption has become a key driver of air pollution in China, but the real issue lies in outdated coal utilization technologies. As smog becomes more severe, public demand for cleaner air is growing louder, prompting the government to take decisive action against pollution.
In September 2013, the State Council launched the "Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Atmospheric Pollution," setting clear goals and strategies for improving air quality. Local governments quickly followed suit, implementing measures that have won public support. However, some regions have taken an overly simplistic approach by reducing coal use without considering long-term energy security.
Natural gas is considered one of the cleanest fossil fuels, and increasing its use could help reduce pollution. However, China's limited domestic gas reserves and challenges in securing international supplies mean that a rapid shift away from coal is not feasible. Coal will remain a major energy source for many years, and efforts are underway to boost both domestic and unconventional natural gas production.
Advances in coal technology have shown that with proper cleaning and utilization, emissions can be significantly reduced—sometimes even meeting the same standards as natural gas. A recent breakthrough in ultra-low emission technology at a coal-fired power plant demonstrates this potential, with emissions falling well below those of natural gas units.
While large-scale industrial users can manage coal-related pollution through clean technologies, the real challenge lies in managing decentralized sources—like small boilers and household coal burning. These contribute disproportionately to pollution compared to cleaner, centralized coal use.
To address this, a systematic approach is needed. This includes reducing scattered coal use, promoting cleaner alternatives like natural gas, and encouraging industries to adopt advanced coal technologies. The National Energy Administration should work with environmental agencies to develop policies that align with China’s realities and promote sustainable coal use.
First, strict yet realistic emission standards must be set based on proven clean coal technologies. Second, companies should be supported in upgrading their systems and eliminating outdated methods. Finally, natural gas resources should be used strategically to replace scattered coal, ensuring a balanced and sustainable energy transition.