1. Unveiling Unprecedented Methane Hotspots in China's Leading Coal Production Hub: A Satellite Mapping Revelation.
- Author
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Han, Ge, Pei, Zhipeng, Shi, Tianqi, Mao, Huiqin, Li, Siwei, Mao, Feiyue, Ma, Xin, Zhang, Xingying, and Gong, Wei
- Subjects
COAL ,COAL mining ,GAS industry ,ENVIRONMENTAL organizations ,MICROIRRIGATION ,METHANE - Abstract
China is likely the world's largest anthropogenic source of methane emissions, with coal mine methane (CMM) being the predominant contributor. Here, we deploy 2 years of satellite observations to survey facility‐level CMM emitters in Shanxi, the most prolific coal mining province in China. A total of 138 detected episodic events at 82 facilities are estimated to emit 1.20 (+0.24/−0.20, 95% CI) million tons of methane per year (Mt CH4/yr) during 2021–2023, roughly equivalent to 4.2 times the integrated flux from the Permian plumes and four times of the integrated flux from the Four Corners plumes, two of the world's largest hotspots for oil and gas methane emissions. This work reveals the heavy‐tailed distribution characteristic of CMM emission sources for the first time, with 20% of emitters contributing approximately 50% of total emissions. Comparison with the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) inventory reveals that the GEM estimate is about 4.1 times our estimate. Plain Language Summary: This study examines methane emissions from coal mines in Shanxi, China, identified as a significant source of global methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Using satellite data over 2 years, we found 138 detected episodic events at 82 facilities in Shanxi emitting an estimated 1.2 million tons of methane annually, far exceeding emissions from known global hotspots in the oil and gas sectors. Our analysis shows that a small percentage of these facilities contribute to the majority of emissions. The results, which challenge previous estimates from environmental monitoring organizations, underscore the need for direct, observational methods to accurately assess and address methane emissions. This work aims to guide efforts in mitigating climate change by identifying key areas for reducing methane release. Key Points: Satellite data identify 82 major methane emitters in Shanxi, China, with high annual emissions of up to 1.2 MtTop 20% of coal mines contribute to half of the region's total methane emissionsFindings highlight the importance of direct measurements for accurate emission estimates [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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