North China's Shanxi Province just hit a green energy milestone! 🎯 In 2024, the region produced a record-breaking 13.4 billion cubic meters of coal-bed methane (CBM) – an 18.9% jump from last year. Once known as a deadly byproduct of coal mining, this unconventional gas is now being harnessed as a clean energy game-changer.
🔍 Why it matters: Methane emissions from coal seams are a major climate culprit and mining hazard. But with advanced tech, Shanxi is flipping the script – capturing CBM to power homes and slash explosion risks. Win-win! 💡
Mao Xiaowen from the Shanxi Energy Bureau told us: 'We're doubling down on CBM innovation – this is just phase one.' The province already holds 1/3 of China's CBM reserves (8.31 trillion cubic meters!), making it the nation's gas powerhouse.
📊 Fun fact: While producing 26.7% of China's coal last year, Shanxi also delivered 80.6% of its CBM output. Talk about multitasking! This green pivot shows how traditional energy hubs can lead the sustainability charge. 🌏✨
