China's coalbed methane (CBM) production increased 20.5% year on year to 11.77 billion cubic meters in 2023, accounting for around 5% of the country's total natural gas supply, said China's top energy regulator.

At a press briefing, Zhang Xing, spokesman for the National Energy Administration (NEA), said CBM contributed to the country's gas supply growth by 18% last year, making it an important source of the clean energy.

Developing CBM brings multiple benefits such as ensuring coal mine safety, increasing clean energy supply and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Zhang said.

The NEA has been implementing the directives of the State Council to promote the scaled development of China's CBM industry, Zhang added.

Key progress was made in several areas last year, Zhang noted. Investment in CBM exploration surpassed 3 billion yuan, adding around 290 billion cubic meters to proven reserves.

Over 10 billion yuan was invested in building new CBM production capacity of over 3 billion cubic meters per year.

Notable technological breakthroughs enhanced deep CBM exploration and development, Zhang said.

The NEA will continue to support CBM and other unconventional gas with fiscal funds and preferential policies including value-added tax rebates and lower income tax rates.

In 2024, the NEA aims to boost CBM production and reserves through technology innovation, development of key basins and expansion into new areas, Zhang said.

(Writing by Alex Guo  Editing by Harry Huo)
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