The role of coal in China's development

The aim of the research described in this thesis is to examine the ways in which China's coal should be mined and used to support the rapid economic development necessary to achieve the "four modernizations" by the end of the century. This development is likely to require at least 50% more energy per year than is used at present. Analysis of the capabilities and limitations of China's coal production, transport, consumption and export systems showed that the present policy of developing further coal mines to provide most of this energy is unsustainable. Problems resulting from the present heavy dependence on coal for China's energy needs are already severe, and would become worse: first, the present transport system cannot cope with the current requirement for the transport of coal; second, environmental problems and pollution caused by coal production, transport and storage and by the burning of coal in small industries and households are very severe; and third, the transport sector, small industries and agriculture are unable to respond flexibly to new demands while depending on coal. The low efficiency and poor technology throughout the whole coal consumption system, especially in small industries, transport and households, is the biggest contribution to the present unsustainable situation, as it leads to excessive consumption of coal, which in turn puts pressure on the coal mining and transport systems, and leads to environmental degradation at both the supply and consumption points. The main conclusion of this research is that China would be better served by investing available funds in improving the technology of coal utilization rather than in further development of coal mines