At the invitation of the China Coal Processing and Utilization Association, ZHGAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences Hefei Gasification Technology Co., Ltd.) participated in the 2019 Western China Coal Chemical High-End Forum and Hydrogen Energy Industry Development Conference on October 30, 2019.

Background: Coal’s Role in China’s Energy Transition

Amid China’s push for low-carbon economic development and intensified air pollution control, clean and efficient coal utilization has become a critical mission. To advance the national energy revolution, promote sustainable coal industry growth, and harness technology for high-quality industrial development, the conference united stakeholders including CAS, the Inner Mongolia Department of Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, and Wuhai-based coal chemical enterprises to explore pathways for optimizing coal resource utilization.

Key Energy Statistics (2018):

China’s energy mix: Coal (60%), oil/gas (25%), non-fossil (15%);

Total energy consumption: ~5 billion metric tons of standard coal equivalent (tce);

Coal production: 3.68 billion tons (69.6% of total energy output);

Coal consumption: 3.9 billion tons (59% of total energy use).

As coal remains China’s most reliable and economical energy and chemical feedstock, its low-carbon transformation through clean utilization is vital to ensuring energy security and supporting socio-economic growth.

Technology Focus: CGAS vs. Conventional Gasification

Conference discussions highlighted gasification technologies recommended under the "Industrial Coal Clean and Efficient Utilization Action Plan". While entrained-flow pressurized gasification (e.g., pulverized coal/slurry) suits large-scale coal chemical projects with high capital and coal input requirements, ZHGAS’s Circulating Fluidized Bed Gasification (CGAS) technology offers distinct advantages for non-ferrous metals, building materials, steel, and small-scale synthetic ammonia projects:

Broad coal adaptability (low-rank, high-ash/sulfur/moisture coal);

Lower investment and operating costs;

Energy efficiency and environmental compliance.

CGAS in Coking Industry Applications

ZHGAS engaged with coking enterprises on coke oven gas (COG) upgrading projects, proposing cost-effective syngas solutions to replace high-value COG, thereby maximizing profitability. The two-day event sparked strong interest and collaboration intent among manufacturers.

Strategic Impact

This conference laid a robust foundation for promoting CGAS technology in western China, aligning with regional industrial demands and national clean energy goals.