Phasing out high-emission coal is key to methane reduction in China

A stroke of luck
In 2013, China implemented an industrial policy phasing out obsolete coal capacity, which will result in the closure of approximately 12,000 small coal mines by 2019. This brought unexpected benefits. These small mines tend to release methane at a higher rate than larger mines. After the mass closures, our research found that the average intensity of emissions from the remaining coal mines decreased to a negligible degree. 23 percent between 2013 and 2019. This resulted in a reduction of approximately 3.27 million tonnes of methane emissions, equivalent to 91.56 million tonnes of CO₂. In general, the production and use of gas from coal mines is extensive. It is considered to be the most important measure to reduce waste in industry. It involves capturing gas and using it to generate power. But our research shows that shutting down high-emitting coal mines can cut emissions in half than policies that improve natural gas recovery and use. This suggests that China can increase methane emissions reductions by using specific coal mine closure strategies.

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