China has unveiled stricter regulations to curb methane emissions from coal mining as part of its broader efforts to tackle climate change. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), in partnership with the State Administration for Market Regulation, recently released a revised version of the Coalbed Methane (Coal Mine Gas) Emission Standards (referred to as the Emission Standards).
From NEA
China has unveiled stricter regulations to curb methane emissions from coal mining as part of its broader efforts to tackle climate change. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), in partnership with the State Administration for Market Regulation, recently released a revised version of the Coalbed Methane (Coal Mine Gas) Emission Standards (referred to as the Emission Standards). The updated rules ban the release of coal mine gas with a methane concentration exceeding 8% and a pure extraction rate of over 10 cubic meters per minute.
A representative from the MEE's Department of Climate Change explained that the revised standards prioritize safety while imposing stricter requirements for emissions control and monitoring. These measures aim to mitigate climate change, enhance environmental quality, and encourage the efficient utilization of methane.
Key changes include lowering the permissible limits for coal mine gas emissions and introducing the "pure extraction rate" as a determining factor. Under the new rules, methane emissions surpassing 8% concentration and 10 cubic meters per minute extraction are prohibited.
"This revision is pivotal," the MEE spokesperson stated. "By lowering emission thresholds and incorporating new metrics, we are strengthening methane management in the coal industry, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the updated standards align with the current state of coal industry technology, allowing companies to comply using established, reliable methods. This ensures that methane can be utilized efficiently without compromising economic feasibility or operational safety."
The revised standards are expected to deliver significant environmental benefits. According to estimates, the stricter regulations could reduce annual methane emissions by the equivalent of 50 million tons of carbon dioxide.
The new guidelines underline China’s commitment to combating climate change by addressing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. They also align with international efforts to reduce methane emissions, positioning China as an active participant in global climate initiatives while promoting sustainability within its domestic coal sector.