In the context of significant advancements in coal-to-oil, coal-to-olefin, and coal-to-gas technologies, coal-based aromatics have emerged as one of the final frontiers in China's coal chemical industry. After years of dedicated research, this critical sector has now been successfully conquered.
In mid-April, China Huadian Corporation announced in the Great Hall of the People that a coal-based aromatics technology developed in collaboration with Tsinghua University—featuring independent intellectual property rights and reaching international standards—has been launched at the Huadian Coal Yulin Coal Chemical Industry Base. This breakthrough marks a major milestone in China’s energy and chemical development.
Industry experts highlight that the successful development of coal-to-aromatics technology opens up new pathways for coal-based energy and chemical engineering, making China the first country globally to produce petrochemical products from coal across the entire industrial chain. This achievement is not only a technological leap but also a strategic move to enhance energy security by reducing reliance on oil imports.
The Yulin project in Shaanxi Province, led by Huadian Group, represents the world’s first coal-to-aromatics initiative and is a key component of the company’s innovation-driven strategy. According to General Manager Yun Cheng of Huadian, the project emphasizes clean and efficient coal use, offering new opportunities for global energy and chemical industries. The technology is seen as a game-changer in transforming China’s coal resources into high-value chemicals.
In 2012, the world’s first 10,000-ton methanol-to-aromatics industrial test facility was built at the Yulin base. By early 2013, it achieved full commissioning with a methanol conversion rate exceeding 99.99% and aromatic content in the product over 90%. The technology was later recognized as internationally leading, marking a major step forward in domestic coal-based chemical production.
Coal-based aromatics involve three main steps: coal gasification to produce syngas, which is then converted into methanol, and finally transformed into aromatics. While the first two steps are well-established, the industrialization of methanol-to-aromatics remains a challenge. However, this gap has now been filled by Huadian and Tsinghua University.
Professor Jin Yong of Tsinghua University emphasized that methanol-to-aromatics is a strategic technology for China’s oil substitution strategy, enabling more efficient and cleaner use of coal. The development of this technology reflects the nation’s growing strength in basic chemical industries.
With China’s annual aromatic hydrocarbon consumption surpassing 20 million tons, and over 50% of demand met through imports, the need for alternative production routes is urgent. Coal-based aromatics offer a sustainable solution, reducing dependence on petroleum and leveraging China’s abundant coal reserves.
Methanol, a key intermediate, is produced in large quantities in China, and its surplus presents an opportunity. By converting methanol into aromatics, China can effectively utilize excess capacity while meeting rising demand for chemical raw materials.
Huadian’s approach is particularly efficient, as it extends the industrial chain, promotes optimization, and builds core competitiveness through innovation. This not only supports sustainable development but also aligns with broader national goals of resource efficiency and environmental protection.
Environmental concerns have long plagued the coal chemical industry, but the new technology addresses these challenges. The process features high automation, minimal waste, and reduced emissions, embodying the principles of green chemistry. Methanol-to-aromatics produces cleaner outputs, with fewer byproducts and lower energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
Looking ahead, Huadian plans to build a one-million-ton methanol-to-aromatics demonstration plant, expanding the industrial chain from coal-methanol-aromatics to polyester and beyond. This will create integrated industrial clusters, enhancing resource utilization and reducing pollution.
With key challenges like reactor scaling and catalyst stability now resolved, the technology is ready for large-scale implementation. Huadian aims to complete the design and feasibility studies for the demonstration project within the year, laying the foundation for the world’s first million-ton coal-based aromatics unit.
In the coming years, the project is expected to become fully industrialized, further strengthening China’s position in the global energy and chemical sectors. Through continuous innovation and technological transformation, Huadian is driving the shift from low-level energy development to a high-end resource economy, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.
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