Beijing: China’s coal consumption is expected to peak around 2028, the China National Coal Association forecasts.
Zhang Hong, a spokesperson for the association, said: “It’s important to note that reaching the peak around 2028 doesn’t automatically signify an immediate decline in coal consumption afterward.
Rather, it marks the beginning of a transitional phase.
“As new energy technologies like hydrogen and energy storage advance during this transitional period, we can expect a discernible decrease in coal consumption afterward,” he said.
Zhang underscored the necessity for coal enterprises to spearhead transformation and advancement during this transitional phase.
This year, coal production and consumption are expected to maintain growth, with coal imports potentially decreasing year-on-year but remaining at high levels, according to the association’s estimates.
“Among key coal-consuming sectors, the power industry is anticipated to witness a continued uptick in coal consumption.
“Considering ongoing economic structural optimisations and the growing contribution of hydroelectric and alternative energy sources, there might be an approximate 100 billion kilowatt-hours increase in coal-fired power generation this year, fuelling the demand for coal consumption,” said Guo Zhonghua, director for policy research at the association.
“In contrast, coal usage in the steel and building materials sectors is likely to stabilise with a marginal decrease, while coal consumption in the chemical industry is poised for a moderate uptick,” he said.
Last year, China’s output of raw coal went up by 1.2% year-on-year to 4.78 billion tonnes, said the association, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
According to the General Administration of Customs, cumulative coal imports amounted to 540 million tonnes, an increase of 68.28 million tonnes from the previous year, or growth of 14.4%. — China Daily/ANN
