『Abstract
Shortages of water and geographically uneven distribution of
coal and water pose great challenges to sustainable development
of the coal industry in China. In this paper, we illustrate the
major challenges existing in the coal industry from a supply chain
viewpoint, and propose technical and policy suggestions to address
them. First, we provide quantitative information about water withdrawal,
consumption, waste water recycling and treatment and pollution
from coal mining, preparation, to final conversion for China's
power generation and coal-to-chemical industry. We then analyze
scenarios of water use in China's coal industry between 2020 and
2030. Our results show that water issues are becoming increasingly
severe constraints for coal development in China, especially in
North and West China, where water is more scarce and ecological
systems are more vulnerable than other regions. Without implementing
effective water-saving measures or regulations the water demand
in the coal industry could dramatically increase and probably
exceed China's water supply capacity in the near-term future,
bringing substantial uncertainty to sustainable development of
China's energy economy. We also illustrate that coal-fired power
generation, with appropriate technical improvement and proper
policy supports, has the greatest potential for water savings
in the coal industry. Our conclusions also underscore the importance
of expanding energy efficiency and renewable energy in China so
as to limit the country's dependence on coal.
Keywords: Coal industry; Water use; Scenario analysis』
1. Introduction: The water footprint of coal
2. Water issues in the coal supply chain in China
2.1. Coal mining
2.2. Coal preparation
2.3. Coal-fired power generation
2.4. China's growing coal-to-chemical industry
3. Scenario analysis: Water use of the coal supply chain in 2020
and 2030
3.1. Scenarios design
3.2. Results and discussions
4. Practicable pathways for water savings
5. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References