China has made marked progress in controlling methane emissions, particularly in the energy sector, according to remarks made at the 2025 Methane Conference. Liu Wenge,
Source: Science and Technology Daily
China has made marked progress in controlling methane emissions, particularly in the energy sector, according to remarks made at the 2025 Methane Conference. Liu Wenge, Deputy Director of the Institute of Information and Research under the Ministry of Emergency Management, stated that in 2024, the country extracted 13.5 billion cubic meters of coal mine methane (CMM), with over 6 billion cubic meters utilized—resulting in a utilization rate of 44.4%. To date, more than 20 projects have been launched nationwide to capture and oxidize low-concentration CMM and ventilation air methane (VAM), reflecting the growing effectiveness of China’s methane mitigation efforts.
Methane is the world’s second most significant greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential nearly 30 times that of carbon dioxide. It is particularly potent in the short term. In China, coal-related activities remain the primary source of methane emissions from the energy sector.
Liu noted that China’s national voluntary carbon trading program (CCER) has provided new momentum for methane reduction in coal mines. Under methodologies jointly released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the National Energy Administration, CMM and VAM projects with methane concentrations below 8% are eligible for CCER credit issuance.
Meanwhile, various regions have stepped up efforts to harness methane as a resource. For example, Jincheng Anthracite Mining Group has built a large-scale liquefaction plant capable of processing over 1 billion cubic meters of methane annually. Using membrane separation and pressure swing adsorption technologies, the facility converts methane into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for use in vehicles and urban gas supply. The project also participates in carbon markets and reduces CO₂ emissions by more than 2 million tonnes annually—highlighting the potential for resource utilization to align with market-based climate action.
Liu emphasized the need for further technological innovation, particularly in utilizing low-concentration CMM and VAM. Promising approaches include direct combustion and porous media combustion technologies.
Xu Huaqing, Chief Scientist at the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation, added that China must accelerate the development of an integrated, intelligent monitoring and verification network for all greenhouse gases, including methane. He also called for the establishment of big data simulation platforms to assess policy outcomes and the continued development of relevant standards and methodologies.
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