Shanxi province aims to keep its coal production capacity at around 1.3 billion tonnes per annum (Btpa) and coal output stable at about 1.25 Bt by 2030, the provincial energy bureau said, as the top coal-producing region balances supply security with its low-carbon transition.

The province will maintain coal's role as an energy security "ballast" during the 15th "Five-Year Plan" period (2026-2030), even as national coal consumption enters a plateau phase after peaking, Mao Xiaowen, deputy director of the Shanxi Provincial Energy Bureau, said at a press conference on September 10.

Shanxi will pursue both supply security and transition, building a modern coal industrial system that advances intelligence, green development, efficiency and new business models, Mao said.

Supply stability

Shanxi will scientifically plan new modern coal mine projects to ensure smooth production continuity while continuing to phase out inefficient and ineffective capacity, Mao said. The province will also encourage qualified mines to build reserve capacity to improve supply flexibility and emergency adjustment capability.

By 2030, the province aims to ensure stable production and stable reserves, Mao said.

Intelligent mining

Coal mine intelligence is a primary direction for fostering new quality productive forces in the coal sector, Mao said. During the 15th "Five-Year Plan" period, Shanxi will improve standards, establish assessment mechanisms and strengthen the application of intelligent mining results to upgrade from pilot exploration to routine efficient operation.

Green transition

Shanxi will adhere to ecological priority and green mining, promote low-carbon mine construction, raise coal washing and processing levels, deepen coalbed methane extraction and comprehensive utilization, and accelerate the construction of circular industrial parks for coal-based solid waste, Mao said.

Efficiency through innovation

The province will leverage national-level laboratory platforms including the Huairou Laboratory Shanxi Research Institute to drive collaborative research, and accelerate deep integration of digital technology with coal exploration, mining and processing to enhance market competitiveness.

New business models

Shanxi will focus on key technologies for coal-based high-end chemicals and advanced carbon materials, pushing the coal industry up the value chain from primary fuel to high-value products. The province will also use idle land in mining areas to develop wind and solar projects in subsidence and reclaimed zones, promoting coupled development of coal and new energy.

By 2030, Shanxi's coal supply guarantee capacity will be more solid, its development layout further optimized, clean and efficient utilization significantly improved, and a modern coal industrial system featuring safety, efficiency, green development and intelligence basically established, Mao said.