On August 9, a press conference in Yangquan City, Shanxi Province, revealed a major breakthrough in coalbed methane (CBM) technology. The Institute of Physical and Chemical Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, successfully completed an industrial experiment on the separation and liquefaction of oxygen-containing coalbed methane. This marks the first time globally that such a process has been achieved, breaking through long-standing technical barriers in domestic CBM production. The achievement is expected to significantly reduce the massive emissions of oxygen-bearing CBM into the atmosphere, enhancing China’s energy cleanliness and helping to bridge the gap between energy supply and demand.
Oxygen-containing CBM refers to coalbed methane gas with methane content ranging from 30% to 70%, released during coal mining to prevent gas explosions. The successful test enables the separation and liquefaction of flammable gases like methane, while effectively preventing explosion risks. The process is nearly pollution-free, with only minimal byproducts generated.
Coalbed methane is becoming an emerging energy source in China. According to recent data, annual CBM production exceeds the total natural gas output of the same year. However, utilization remains limited, with very few industrial applications. Annually, 6 to 8 billion cubic meters of CBM are released into the atmosphere, causing severe air pollution and significant resource waste.
China's CBM characteristics include low output per well, making pipeline construction economically unfeasible for individual wells. While some mines extract high-purity CBM (over 95% methane) via surface drilling, the pressure during extraction is typically low, with methane content often around 50%, sometimes as low as 30%. Additionally, the gas is mixed with air, and oxygen acts as a combustion enhancer, complicating processing and transportation. Most CBM also has high gas content, leading to inefficient recovery and frequent gas explosions in mines.
The successful experiment was conducted by the Institute of Physical and Chemical Technology, Beijing Pro-International Investment Co., Ltd., and the Yangquan Coal Industry Group. Shortly after this breakthrough, the National Development and Reform Commission Energy Bureau approved a project by China United Coalbed Methane Corporation and U.S. Gas, aiming to produce 500 million cubic meters of CBM annually. This project is a key initiative under China's "11th Five-Year Plan" for CBM development and utilization.
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