In a bold step toward greener energy, China released new guidelines on clean and efficient coal utilization, focusing on 2025 benchmarks. Titled ‘Benchmark and Baseline Levels for Key Areas of Clean and Efficient Coal Use (2025)’, the standard targets the heart of China’s energy infrastructure.
Coal has long powered China’s economic miracle, but rising demands for chemical feedstocks—growing at 20-30 million tons per year—demand smarter usage. The policy seeks to elevate the industry from inefficiency to high-tech, eco-friendly production, turning coal into premium products.
Power plants, district heating systems, and coal-to-gas facilities are now under the spotlight. Each will adhere to defined benchmark and baseline energy efficiency thresholds. This structured approach ensures measurable progress, with regular assessments to track improvements.
Analysts praise the foresight, especially amid international pressure to cut emissions. China’s Coal Industry Association highlights the standard’s role in fostering innovation. Companies investing in upgrades could gain competitive edges, while laggards face regulatory scrutiny.
Looking ahead, these benchmarks align with national goals for carbon neutrality. They encourage technological leaps, like advanced gasification and carbon capture. As implementation ramps up, this could mark a turning point in how the world views coal’s future viability.