Natural Gas Resource Potential and Its Role In Improving Environment In China

摘要

Natural gas is a clean energy. Natural gas development and utilization not only improve environment, but also reduce the great pressure from national energy security caused by rising demand for oil. China is rich in natural gas resources, which can ensure gas supplies. According to the new assessment of hydrocarbon resources, China's recoverable natural gas resources are 14000-15000 bcm (47000 bcm natural gas resources in place). By the end of 2000, the total proven recoverable natural gas reserves are 19000 bcm (2900 bcm geological reserves). In the next decade the recoverable natural gas reserves will increase by 1300-1400 bcm (about 2000 bcm geological reserves). In 2000, China's natural gas production was 27.7 bcm and gas proportion in the primary energy mix was only 2.8%. According to forecasts in gas pipeline construction and gas market developing, China's annual natural gas production may reach 50-60 bcm in 2005, 80-100 bcm in 2010, and 120-130 bcm in 2020. Meanwhile, the gas proportion in the primary energy mix may increase to 8-10%. The key to utilization of natural gas resources in China is gas pipeline construction and gas market developing. In order to improve environmental quality, we suggest that the government consider gas pipelines as national basic infrastructure, make laws of environmental protection and the related rules, and encourage people to widely use natural gas.