China’s smog reduction plan could add to water stress and boost emissions
▻http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/china-smog-reduction-water-stress
China’s new air pollution control plan includes 18 synthetic natural gas plants, which use 18 times more water and emit up to 108% more CO2 than coal
In September, China’s central government announced its latest major initiative to curb air pollution. The Air Pollution Control Action Plan targets a 25% reduction in particulate matter in the North China Plain and a 65% reduction of coal’s share of the national energy mix by 2017.
That plan’s largest mandate prohibits new coal-fired power plants in the three most important metropolitan areas around Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Among the plan’s proposed alternative energy sources are cleaner-burning natural gas plants, including synthetic natural gas (SNG) converted from coal.
While SNG can mitigate particulate air pollution, it prompts several other types of concerns. A recent analysis from the World Resources Institute (WRI) assessed SNG’s potential risks. It found that the fuel poses serious implications for China’s water security, livelihoods and climate.