Estimation of Coal-Related Co₂ Emissions:The Case of China

The differences in estimations of coal-related CO2 emissions in China among the main international energy research institutes are increasing over years. Inaccurate basic data and inappropriate estimation methods are the two main reasons for the variations. Taking into account process characteristics and ways of coal utilization, this paper uses data of coal flows between provinces in China to systematically analyze the data interrelations and linkages among the different using stages, namely production, washing, preparation, and end-use. We then show that the estimation inaccuracies result primarily from the coal consumption statistics system and the heating value test process. Reliable ways to obtain and represent these data are presented. Finally, an accurate method to estimate CO2 emissions in China is proposed and an updated flowchart of coal flows and related carbon flows is shown.