Technological pathways for clean and efficient coal utilization in response to climate warming

Against the dual backdrop of ongoing global climate warming trend and the full implementation of China's "carbon peak and carbon neutrality" strategy, promoting clean and efficient coal utilization of coal has become a critical link in balancing energy security and climate governance. Based on China's energy consumption structure and carbon emission characteristics, this study constructs a technological system for clean coal utilization centered on "source pretreatment—process efficient conversion—end-of-pipe carbon management". It systematically reviews key technologies, such as coal washing, coal gasification, modern coal chemical processes (including coal-to-liquid, coal-to-gas, coal-to-olefins, etc.), clean coal power generation (ultra-supercritical, circulating fluidized bed, integrated gasification combined cycle, and polygeneration), as well as carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). The principles, development status, existing challenges, and future trends of these technologies are analyzed. Research indicates that China has achieved or approached international advanced levels in multiple clean coal utilization technologies, with conditions suitable for engineering demonstration and promotion. Through systematic integration and synergistic optimization of the entire technological chain—encompassing "washing—gasification—power generation and chemical production—capture"—coal utilization efficiency can be significantly enhanced, enabling effective control of pollutant and carbon dioxide emissions. To achieve the carbon neutrality goal, China should continue developing clean energy while positioning clean and efficient coal utilization as a crucial transitional support. By advancing technological iteration, policy coordination, and industrial collaboration, coal can gradually transition from a traditional fuel to a low-carbon raw material and zero-carbon energy carrier, thereby providing a feasible technological pathway for building a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy system.