Methane production from coal seams in northern China's Shanxi province reached a historic peak in 2023, official data showed.
Shanxi's coalbed methane (CBM) output totaled 11.27 billion cubic meters (bcm) last year, up from 9.61 bcm in 2022, according to data published by the provincial statistics bureau.
That represents about 80.8% of China's total CBM production over the period, it added.
CBM is a form of natural gas extracted from coal deposits. Its development can help reduce mining hazards, boost gas supply and lower environmental impact.
As China's top region for CBM reserves, Shanxi had proven geological resources of 760.43 bcm by end-2022. Estimated resources of CBM buried less than 2,000 meters reached 8,310 bcm, accounting for nearly a third of the national total.
(Writing by Alex Guo Editing by Emma Yang)
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