The current situation and development trend of coordinated exploration and development of coal and coalbed methane in China

This paper is the result of energy exploration engineering.

Objective Coal is the primary energy source in China, while coalbed methane serves as an important and hazardous source of coal mine production process and a vital clean energy alternative. Methane, the main component of coalbed methane, exhibits a greenhouse effect 80-120 times stronger than the same volume of carbon dioxide. Excessive methane emissions can significantly impact environmental quality. This paper analyzes the patterns and technologies of coordinated exploration of coal and coalbed methane in China to demonstrate the necessity and flexibility of such an approach. Furthermore, it proposes a new technical approach for cooperative exploration of coal and coalbed methane in China.

Methods The paper also analyzes and discusses energy supply and demand, the current state, and development trends of theories and technologies for co-mining coal and coalbed methane in China. Additionally, it studies and evaluates the development and utilization of coal and coalbed methane.

Results The necessity and feasibility of implementing coordinated exploration and development of coal and coalbed methane are scientifically validated, and the main bottlenecks in China's of coordinated exploration and development of coal and coalbed methane are revealed. Moreover, the paper provides a technique system for coordinated exploration and development of coal and coalbed methane and presents a new development mode, key technologies, and development proposals for this approach.

Conclusions In conclusion, the implementation of coordinated exploration and development of coal and coalbed methane is highly necessary and urgent. The characteristics of coalbed methane reservoirs (low permeability, low reservoir pressure, and low gas saturation) and complex geological conditions determine that cooperative exploration and development of coal and coalbed methane, with surface pumping as supplement, is the dominant mode in China. Considering the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, it is crucial to deepen research on the reservoir formation law of coal and coalbed methane coupling mineralization and accumulation, and establish a technical system that combines key technologies of cooperative exploration, development, and utilization of coal and coalbed methane with CCUS technology.