In the context of breakthroughs in key technologies such as coal-to-oil, coal-to-olefin, and coal-to-gas, coal-based aromatics have long been seen as the final major frontier in China's coal chemical industry. After years of persistent research and development, this technological barrier has now been successfully overcome.
In mid-April, China Huadian Corporation announced at the Great Hall of the People that its independently developed coal-based aromatics technology—developed in collaboration with Tsinghua University—has reached international advanced levels and is now being implemented at the Huadian Yulin Coal Chemical Base in Shaanxi Province. This marks a significant milestone in China’s energy and chemical sector.
Industry experts highlighted that the successful development of coal-to-aromatics technology has opened a new pathway for coal-based energy and chemical engineering, positioning China as the first country in the world to establish a full industrial chain for petrochemical products derived from coal. This innovation is expected to play a crucial role in China’s oil substitution strategy and enhance national energy security.
The Yulin project, which is the world’s first coal-to-aromatics facility, is a key part of Huadian’s innovation-driven strategy. According to General Manager Yuncheng Citizen of Huadian Group, the project emphasizes the clean and efficient use of coal resources, offering new opportunities for the global energy and chemical industries.
In 2012, the world’s first 10,000-ton methanol-to-aromatics pilot plant was completed at the Yulin base. By January 2013, it achieved successful commissioning, with a methanol conversion rate exceeding 99.99% and aromatic content reaching over 90%. The technology passed national evaluation in March 2013, with experts praising its innovation and global leadership.
Coal-based aromatics involve three main steps: coal gasification, methanol synthesis, and finally, methanol-to-aromatics conversion. While the first two steps are well-established, the third remains a critical challenge.
Professor Jin Yong from Tsinghua University emphasized that direct methanol-to-aromatics production is essential for rapid industrialization. He noted that this technology is vital for China’s oil substitution strategy, deepening coal resource transformation, and promoting clean coal utilization.
Tsinghua’s Vice President Kang Kejun added that this breakthrough allows China to leverage its abundant coal reserves to produce high-end petrochemical products. Aromatics are essential for plastics, fibers, and other materials used in aerospace, transportation, and consumer goods. With annual consumption surpassing 20 million tons, China relies heavily on imports due to limited domestic production.
Meanwhile, China’s methanol production has surged, creating a surplus. Experts suggest that converting methanol into aromatics could not only reduce reliance on petroleum but also utilize excess methanol efficiently.
Huadian’s chairman, Ding Huande, stated that adopting coal-to-aromatics technology helps extend the industrial chain, drive optimization, and build sustainable core competitiveness.
Environmental concerns have long plagued the coal chemical industry, but this technology promotes green chemistry. It features high-efficiency fluidized bed reactors, minimal byproducts, and low emissions. The process produces cleaner aromatics with reduced energy consumption and waste.
Looking ahead, Huadian plans to build a one-million-ton demonstration plant and expand the coal-methanol-aromatics-polyester industrial chain. With technical challenges like reactor scaling and catalyst stability resolved, the company aims to lead the global shift toward coal-based petrochemicals.
This breakthrough not only strengthens China’s energy independence but also paves the way for a more sustainable and innovative future in the chemical industry.
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