While the world focuses on clean energy, China is taking a different path, increasing the use of coal to manufacture plastics and chemical products, modernizing Fischer-Tropsch technology to reduce emissions, and strengthening petrochemical independence in the face of global oil instability.

Written by Caio Aviz

Published on 14/04/2026 at 11:57

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Coal-based energy strategy advances with technology innovation, economic impact, and growing environmental concern

China has intensified the use of coal as the basis for its petrochemical industry. The country has also improved the Fischer-Tropsch process to reduce dependence on imported oil.

This strategy reinforces national security in the face of global instabilities. Information released by the state agency Xinhua in 2025 confirms relevant technical advancements.

The movement occurs in parallel with increasing geopolitical tensions. The volatility of oil prices pressures international markets and accelerates strategic decisions.

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Historic technology gains new industrial relevance

The Fischer-Tropsch process was developed in Germany during World War II. The technology allows for the conversion of coal into fuels and chemicals.

Historically, the method had high levels of carbon emissions. This limitation restricted its application on a large scale.

China decided to modernize the process. The country transformed an old technology into a strategic pillar of industrial policy.

Scientific advancements reduce carbon emissions

Researchers from Peking University introduced small amounts of methyl bromide into the catalytic process in 2025. This information was released by Xinhua.

The result was a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The rate dropped from about 30% to less than 1%.

The innovation allows for the production of olefins with a lower environmental impact. These compounds are essential for plastic manufacturing.

Studies cited by the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering indicate potential for chemical recycling of plastic waste.

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Industrial expansion is already underway

China has begun construction on a large industrial project in Xinjiang. The information was published by the South China Morning Post.

The facility will have the capacity to produce 2.4 million tons of ethylene glycol per year. The compound is widely used in plastics and antifreeze.

Industrial infrastructure continues to expand. The country strengthens its production based on abundant internal resources.

Geopolitical strategy drives self-sufficiency

The pursuit of self-sufficiency gained momentum during Donald Trump’s first term. This data was highlighted by The New York Times.

Xi Jinping emphasized the need to reduce external dependence. The country has begun to invest more intensively in domestic solutions.

International conflicts have raised oil prices. Economies dependent on the resource have faced greater pressure.

Economic impact favors local companies

Chinese companies based on coal have seen significant appreciation. Reuters pointed out a growth of about 30% in the shares of Ningxia Baofeng Energy.

Traditional refineries faced significant losses during the same period. The scenario highlights changes in the global petrochemical market.

The coal-based model has gained competitiveness. The current context favors this type of production.

Growth of coal use in the chemical industry

Coal consumption for chemical production grew from 155 million tons in 2020. The volume reached 276 million in 2024, according to The New York Times.

The growth continued in 2025. The total surpassed the annual consumption of the United States.

The CREA research center noted a 20% increase in coal use in just the first half of 2025.

About 80% of Chinese nitrogen fertilizer already uses coal as a productive base.

Environmental pressures increase with industrial expansion

Experts point out significant environmental concerns. The Financial Times highlighted limited climate goals in the new five-year plan.

The forecast is for a reduction of only 17% in carbon intensity by 2030.

CREA warns of a possible increase in emissions between 3% and 6% in the coming years.

Planned industrial projects until 2029 could further increase carbon dioxide emissions.

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Excess Production Generates Global Impacts

China’s productive capacity may exceed domestic demand. This warning was issued by the European think tank MERICS.

The country is increasing exports at reduced prices. This strategy puts pressure on international markets.

The trade surplus reached $1.2 trillion in 2025. This data was also highlighted by MERICS.

Competition affects industries in other regions, especially in Europe.

Duality Between Clean Energy and Coal

China maintains a dual strategy in the energy sector. The country leads investments in renewable energy and electric vehicles.

The coal-based industry continues to be strengthened. This approach ensures economic stability and productive autonomy.

The scenario reveals a pragmatic strategy in the face of global uncertainties.

The combination of industrial growth and environmental sustainability continues to be a challenge — what will be the limit of this model?

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While the world focuses on clean energy, China is taking a different path, increasing the use of coal to manufacture plastics and chemical products, modernizing Fischer-Tropsch technology to reduce emissions, and strengthening petrochemical independence in the face of global oil instability.

Coal-based energy strategy advances with technology innovation, economic impact, and growing environmental concern

Historic technology gains new industrial relevance

Scientific advancements reduce carbon emissions

Industrial expansion is already underway

Geopolitical strategy drives self-sufficiency

Economic impact favors local companies

Growth of coal use in the chemical industry

Environmental pressures increase with industrial expansion

Excess Production Generates Global Impacts

Duality Between Clean Energy and Coal

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While the world focuses on clean energy, China is taking a different path, increasing the use of coal to manufacture plastics and chemical products, modernizing Fischer-Tropsch technology to reduce emissions, and strengthening petrochemical independence in the face of global oil instability.

Coal-based energy strategy advances with technology innovation, economic impact, and growing environmental concern

Historic technology gains new industrial relevance

Scientific advancements reduce carbon emissions

Industrial expansion is already underway

Geopolitical strategy drives self-sufficiency

Economic impact favors local companies

Growth of coal use in the chemical industry

Environmental pressures increase with industrial expansion

Excess Production Generates Global Impacts

Duality Between Clean Energy and Coal

Scientists enter a narrow, flooded cave 500 meters deep and find giant dinosaur footprints on the ceiling measuring up to 1.25 meters, preserved in such a rare way that a new type of trace had to be created.

A giant half-ton ring fell in Kenya from space, and more than a year later, scientists still do not know where it came from.

In Botswana, a salt flat of up to 16,000 km² that was once an African megalake spends months as an absolute white desert, but during the rainy season it transforms into a shallow sea that reappears from nowhere and can be seen from space in the middle of southern Africa.

Seen from space, an image taken by an astronaut shows an unlikely oasis in the Saudi Arabian desert, protected by a terrain that slows the advance of sand, surrounded by green circles, remnants of an extinct lake and nearly 10,000 years of preserved history.

Bavarian archaeologists unearthed a medieval skeleton that had an articulated iron hand in place of its left arm, and the discovery reveals that doctors were already creating sophisticated prosthetics over 500 years ago.

For the first time, scientists have mapped the Etna magma system in almost real time and discovered where the volcano was storing large volumes of molten material before years of eruptions, revealing an underground reservoir that fills and reorganizes like a living organism beneath the mountain.

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