Shanxi, May 29, 2024, The Europe Today: China’s coal-rich province of Shanxi extracted a record 4.16 billion cubic meters of coalbed methane in the first four months of this year, marking a 13.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the provincial energy administration.
This significant rise in coalbed methane output underscores Shanxi’s leading role in harnessing this resource, which is crucial for several reasons. The utilization of coalbed methane, a byproduct of coal mining, not only helps mitigate mining risks but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and alleviates gas shortages.
Shanxi boasts abundant coalbed methane reserves, with an estimated 8.31 trillion cubic meters located up to 2,000 meters below ground. This accounts for nearly one-third of China’s total coalbed methane reserves.
The province’s record extraction levels highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability while contributing to the stability of gas supplies.
