13th FYP on Coalbed Methane Extraction and Utilization

China has started promulgating coalbed methane-specific Five-Year Plans (FYP) since the 11th FYP (2006 – 2010). In 2016, China has announced the latest coalbed methane FYP, as a guiding framework document on the industry development 2016 - 2020. 

The Plan explicitly recognised accelerating the development and utilisation of coal mine gas as a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It included specific quantitative goals of coalbed methane extraction and utilisation, including a target utilisation rate of 50% by 2020, compared to 35.3% in 2015.

The Plan identified a number of policy options that can support utilisation of coal mine methane, including financial subsidies, preferential taxes and fees, encouraging financial institutions to support utilisation projects, tightening coal mine gas emissions standards, and increasing support for research and development. The Plan also highlights a number of demonstration projects under development to further the state of existing technology.

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