Trend model and key technologies of coal mine methane emission reduction aiming for the carbon neutrality

It is essential to strengthen the emission control of carbon dioxide and non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases including methane as well under the carbon emission peak & carbon neutrality goal in China. Based on the source and composition of methane emissions from coal mines in China,T3 approach using direct measurements on a mine-specific basis was proposed to analyze and estimate the historical coal mine methane emission trends in China. The influencing factors of methane emissions from coal mines were identified,and the coal mine methane emissions in 2060 was predicted by MFAME (Main Factor Analysis Model of Coal Mine Methane Emissions) according to three scenarios:BAU,rapid,and new policy. Moreover,the overall path of methane emission reduction and key technologies for emission reduction were put forward. Research results show that methane emissions from coal mining in underground coal mines are the most important source of coal mine methane emissions in China,and the methane emissions by surface coal mining and abandoned coal mines are on the rise. The total amount of China’s coal mine methane emissions is still large. The statistic peak coal mine methane emissions calculated based on T3 approach is 5.916 million tonnes. The accelerated demand side of coal consumption reduction under the carbon neutrality goal will lead to rapid decline in coal production,reduction in coal mines numbers,and further adjustment in the structure of coal production. The proportion of high gas mines,coal and gas outburst mines and other disaster stricken mines will gradually decrease. It is predicted that by 2060,China’s total coal mine methane emissions will be 3.65 million-5.42 million tonnes. In the future,it is necessary to strengthen the management and control of key emission parts such as underground coal mining,post mining activities,and methane emissions of abandoned coal mines. In accordance with the technologyeconomypolicy synergetic development roadmap,the deep R&D of key technologies for gas utilization is expected such as high efficiency gas purification technology for low concentration methane,catalytic oxidation and waste heat utilization technology for ultra low-concentration VAM. It is also suggested to establish abandoned coal mine gas emission monitoring and utilization technology system to achieve the target to promote the comprehensive utilization and utilization ratio of coal mine methane.