China’s pragmatic coal-to-gas strategy
A cautious approach to coal-to-gas switching offers lessons to others who are looking to balance cost with cleaner energy
China’s coal-to-gas (CTG) switch remains a work in progress more than a decade after it kicked off, with coal continuing to meet more than half of primary energy consumption last year. But the effort by the biggest economy so far to attempt to wean itself off coal offers useful lessons for other developing countries eyeing the transition, delegates heard at the World Gas Conference in Beijing in May. CTG switching policies in China have needed to balance the classic energy trilemma of security, affordability and development, Fu Chengyu, chairman of the Renewable Energy and Net Zero Council, said on a panel. Fu was chairman of Sinopec—China’s second-largest gas supplier—in September 2013, whe
Also in this section
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
21 January 2026
Petroleum Economist takes a look at the critical developments that look set to govern the course of the market for this year
20 January 2026
The ripple effects of US refiners switching to Venezuela grades will be felt from Canada to China and everywhere in between
20 January 2026
As the global energy system undergoes its most profound transformation in a century, the need for credible leadership, practical solutions and inclusive dialogue has never been greater. In 2026, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will stand at the centre of this conversation as host of the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh.






