Chinese coal production levels have fallen for the first time since 2000 as the country has increased its efforts to reduce its use of fossil fuels and switch to cleaner energy sources.
According to the latest data from the China National Coal Association (CNCA), China produced 3.5 billion t of coal in the first 11 months of 2014, 2.1% less compared to the corresponding period in 2013. Jiang Zhimin, Vice President of the CNCA, stated that the organisation estimated a 2.5% fall in production for the whole year. The falling production levels were attributed to sluggish coal demand, overcapacity and a large import volume.
Coal oversupply and pressure on coal companies is expected to remain throughout 2015 as China faces stricter environmental regulations and increases its use of cleaner energy.
Eight partnership pacts covering clean coal technology and carbon capture and storage have been signed between the two countries ahead of two days of high-level bilateral talks.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a report on China’s efforts towards greening its economy and industries, including the cement sector.