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Coal-based synthetic natural gas (SNG): A solution to China’s energy security and CO2 reduction?

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  • Ding, Yanjun
  • Han, Weijian
  • Chai, Qinhu
  • Yang, Shuhong
  • Shen, Wei

Abstract

Considering natural gas (NG) to be the most promising low-carbon option for the energy industry, large state owned companies in China have established numerous coal-based synthetic natural gas (SNG) projects. The objective of this paper is to use a system approach to evaluate coal-derived SNG in terms of life-cycle energy efficiency and CO2 emissions. This project examined main applications of the SNG and developed a model that can be used for evaluating energy efficiency and CO2 emissions of various fuel pathway systems. The model development started with the GREET model, and added the SNG module and an end-use equipment module. The database was constructed with Chinese data. The analyses show when the SNG are used for cooking, power generation, steam production for heating and industry, life-cycle energies are 20–108% higher than all competitive pathways, with a similar rate of increase in life-cycle CO2 emissions. When a compressed natural gas (CNG) car uses the SNG, life-cycle CO2 emission will increase by 150–190% compared to the baseline gasoline car and by 140–210% compared to an electric car powered by electricity from coal-fired power plants. The life-cycle CO2 emission of SNG-powered city bus will be 220–270% higher than that of traditional diesel city bus. The gap between SNG-powered buses and new hybrid diesel buses will be even larger—life-cycle CO2 emission of the former being around 4 times of that of the latter. It is concluded that the SNG will not accomplish the tasks of both energy conservation and CO2 reduction.

Suggested Citation

  • Ding, Yanjun & Han, Weijian & Chai, Qinhu & Yang, Shuhong & Shen, Wei, 2013. "Coal-based synthetic natural gas (SNG): A solution to China’s energy security and CO2 reduction?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 445-453.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:55:y:2013:i:c:p:445-453
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2012.12.030
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shen, Wei & Han, Weijian & Chock, David & Chai, Qinhu & Zhang, Aling, 2012. "Well-to-wheels life-cycle analysis of alternative fuels and vehicle technologies in China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 296-307.
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    1. Li, Hengchong & Yang, Siyu & Zhang, Jun & Kraslawski, Andrzej & Qian, Yu, 2014. "Analysis of rationality of coal-based synthetic natural gas (SNG) production in China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 180-188.
    2. Yi, Qun & Wu, Guo-sheng & Gong, Min-hui & Huang, Yi & Feng, Jie & Hao, Yan-hong & Li, Wen-ying, 2017. "A feasibility study for CO2 recycle assistance with coke oven gas to synthetic natural gas," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C), pages 149-161.
    3. Zhu, Lin & He, Yangdong & Li, Luling & Lv, Liping & He, Jingling, 2018. "Thermodynamic assessment of SNG and power polygeneration with the goal of zero CO2 emission," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 34-46.
    4. Wang, Kai-Hua & Zhao, Yan-Xin & Su, Yun Hsuan & Lobonţ, Oana-Ramona, 2023. "Energy security and CO2 emissions: New evidence from time-varying and quantile-varying aspects," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 273(C).
    5. Changjian Wang & Fei Wang, 2015. "Structural Decomposition Analysis of Carbon Emissions and Policy Recommendations for Energy Sustainability in Xinjiang," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(6), pages 1-20, June.
    6. Park, Sung Ho & Lee, Seung Jong & Lee, Jin Wook & Chun, Sung Nam & Lee, Jung Bin, 2015. "The quantitative evaluation of two-stage pre-combustion CO2 capture processes using the physical solvents with various design parameters," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 47-55.
    7. He, Yangdong & Zhu, Lin & Li, Luling & Rao, Dong, 2019. "Life-cycle assessment of SNG and power generation: The role of implement of chemical looping combustion for carbon capture," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 777-786.
    8. Zhang, You & Yuan, Zengwei & Margni, Manuele & Bulle, Cécile & Hua, Hui & Jiang, Songyan & Liu, Xuewei, 2019. "Intensive carbon dioxide emission of coal chemical industry in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 236(C), pages 540-550.
    9. Zhou, Huairong & Meng, Wenliang & Wang, Dongliang & Li, Guixian & Li, Hongwei & Liu, Zhiqiang & Yang, Sheng, 2021. "A novel coal chemical looping gasification scheme for synthetic natural gas with low energy consumption for CO2 capture: Modelling, parameters optimization, and performance analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
    10. Huo, Jinwei & Yang, Degang & Xia, Fuqiang & Tang, Hong & Zhang, Wenbiao, 2013. "Feasibility analysis and policy recommendations for the development of the coal based SNG industry in Xinjiang," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 3-11.
    11. Huang, Yi & Yi, Qun & Wei, Guo-qiang & Kang, Jing-xian & Li, Wen-ying & Feng, Jie & Xie, Ke-chang, 2018. "Energy use, greenhouse gases emission and cost effectiveness of an integrated high– and low–temperature Fisher–Tropsch synthesis plant from a lifecycle viewpoint," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 1009-1019.
    12. Jianchao, Hou & Zhiwei, Wang & Liu, Pingkuo, 2022. "Current practice and future projection for coal-to-SNG in China," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).

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