China starts turning coal into petrol
China starts turning coal into petrol. The energy future requires not only new sources but also a smart approach to traditional resources. When coal – one of the most accessible yet "dirtiest" fuels – is turned into clean liquid fuel with 99.8% automation, it changes the very perception of energy transition possibilities. China's CTL project proves that even in the era of renewables, coal can remain part of the strategy if approached with intelligence and technology.
On Sunday, the world's largest coal‑to‑liquids (CTL) project completed its intelligent upgrade and started production in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China. After the upgrade, the automation level of equipment at this 4‑million‑tonne‑per‑year coal liquefaction project will reach 99.8 percent. The main equipment will be able to operate in automatic mode for extended periods, and process stability is expected to rise from 85 percent to over 99.5 percent. The CTL project, operated by a subsidiary of state‑owned Shenhua Group, was launched in December 2016. As a key outcome of the national innovation strategy, the project aims to explore safe, efficient, clean and low‑carbon energy development and promote the clean and efficient use of coal.
The 4‑million‑tonne‑per‑year coal liquefaction project in Ningxia is one of the key facilities under China's energy security strategy, aimed at reducing dependence on oil imports. CTL technology allows synthetic oil and other liquid hydrocarbons to be produced from coal, which is particularly relevant for a country with abundant coal reserves. The intelligent upgrade completed at the project includes the introduction of automatic control systems, predictive analytics and robotic complexes, significantly improving production reliability and economic efficiency. As CCTV+ reports. Raising process stability to 99.5% and automation to 99.8% is a world record for such facilities, which could serve as a benchmark for other countries developing CTL technologies.
