New progress and future prospects of CBM exploration and development in China

Efforts to speed up China’s coal bed methane (CBM) exploration developments related to production safety, optimization of energy structures, prevention of energy waste and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are all of great significance. In order to strengthen CBM exploration and development in China and to encourage increased growth in the CBM industry, we firstly give a general overview of the recent technological innovations and other developments in CBM exploration in the U.S., Canada and other countries. Using this background information as the starting point, we further present observations and analyses of CBM exploration and development, preferential policies, technical support and implications of R&D for CBM development in China. The results show that the problems related to CBM exploration technology development and lack of a complete set of management policies are still the major issues slowing down the growth of domestic CBM industry. Development of resource exploration and technology, R&D and establishment of favorable government policy to support the industry and the creation of a relevant information platform, etc. are finally recommended.