从沉寂到复兴，煤制天然气为何迎来第二春？

Investment Rating - Industry Rating: Outperform the Market (Maintained Rating) [4] Core Viewpoints - The coal-to-gas industry is experiencing a revival due to improved market conditions, including a market-oriented pricing mechanism, fair access to national pipelines, and advancements in coal chemical technology [1][2][13] - There are currently 12 coal-to-gas projects planned in China, with a total capacity of 44 billion cubic meters per year, indicating a renewed interest in the sector [1][13] - The cost structure of coal-to-gas production shows that coal and depreciation account for approximately 73% of total costs, making coal prices and investment costs critical to competitiveness [2][31] Summary by Sections 1. Historical Context and Current Landscape - Prior to 2017, China planned 70 coal-to-gas projects, but only 4 were realized due to various constraints, including high coal prices and low gas prices [10] - As of 2025, only 4 companies are operational in the coal-to-gas sector, with a total capacity of about 7.5 billion cubic meters per year [10] 2. Catalysts for Industry Growth 2.1 Technological Advancements - Significant improvements in coal gasification technology have been made, enhancing the efficiency and economic viability of coal-to-gas projects [16][17] - The development of large-scale gasification equipment has reduced costs and improved operational efficiency [17] 2.2 Policy Changes - The introduction of a market-oriented pricing mechanism for coal-to-gas has improved profitability potential for projects [20] - The national pipeline reform has facilitated fair access for coal-to-gas companies, enhancing competition and operational viability [21][22] 2.3 Resource Availability - Xinjiang is identified as a major coal resource area, providing sufficient raw materials for coal-to-gas projects [24][25] - The region's coal production has increased significantly, supporting the growth of coal-to-gas initiatives [25] 2.4 Market Demand - The demand for natural gas in China is projected to grow significantly, providing a favorable market environment for coal-to-gas projects [28] - The expected annual increase in natural gas demand during the 14th Five-Year Plan period is estimated at 20.7 billion cubic meters [28] 3. Cost Competitiveness - The cost structure analysis indicates that coal prices significantly influence the profitability of coal-to-gas projects, with a stable low coal price being essential for economic viability [31][38] - A coal price of 200 RMB per ton allows for a production cost of approximately 1.46 RMB per cubic meter of gas, leading to a potential net profit of around 1.6 billion RMB for a 2 billion cubic meter project [2][36][38]