Governance can not simply limit coal

In recent years, the sharp rise in coal consumption has become one of the key contributors to air pollution in China. However, the core issue lies not just in the volume of coal used, but in the outdated technologies that are still widely applied. As smog becomes more severe, public demand for cleaner air has grown stronger, and the government has responded with increased efforts to tackle pollution. In September 2013, the State Council released the "Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Atmospheric Pollution," setting clear goals and measures for improving air quality. Local governments quickly followed suit, implementing various actions that have won public support. However, some regions have taken a simplistic approach by reducing coal use and shifting toward natural gas without considering the broader energy landscape. Natural gas is indeed a cleaner fossil fuel, and increasing its use could help reduce emissions. However, this shift should not be done recklessly, given China’s limited domestic energy resources and the challenges of securing sufficient natural gas from abroad. Coal will remain a major energy source for many years to come, as the country continues to invest in both conventional and unconventional gas exploration, as well as import infrastructure. The real problem is not the use of coal itself, but the outdated methods of burning it. Advances in clean coal technology have shown that with proper processing and utilization, coal can be burned efficiently and with minimal environmental impact—sometimes even meeting the same emission standards as natural gas. For example, ultra-low emission projects in coal-fired power plants have successfully reduced particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides to levels comparable to those of natural gas units. Despite these advancements, managing coal-related pollution remains challenging, especially when it comes to decentralized sources like small boilers and household coal burning. These sources contribute significantly more pollution per ton of coal than large-scale, clean coal operations. Therefore, a comprehensive strategy is needed—one that focuses on reducing scattered coal use, promoting cleaner fuels, and encouraging industries to adopt advanced technologies. To achieve this, the National Energy Administration should work closely with environmental agencies to develop policies tailored to China's specific conditions. This includes setting strict emission standards based on proven clean coal technologies, supporting enterprises in upgrading their systems, and ensuring that coal use is not restricted unless it fails to meet new environmental requirements. Finally, while natural gas is an important part of the solution, it should be used strategically to replace coal in areas where it makes the most sense. By balancing technological progress with practical resource management, China can move toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

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