Core Insights - The rapid increase in natural gas production in China, from 30 billion cubic meters in 2000 to an expected 240 billion cubic meters in 2024, positions the country as the fourth-largest natural gas producer globally [1] - The discovery of coalbed gas has emerged as a significant opportunity to overcome the limitations of traditional coal seam gas development, with an estimated resource potential of 30 trillion cubic meters in specific geological formations [1][2] Industry Overview - The development of coalbed gas technology began in the 1990s, focusing on extracting gas from coal seams using techniques like horizontal drilling, but initial efforts yielded low production rates and economic viability [2] - Coal rock gas, a new type of gas reservoir, is characterized by its unique geological features and is distinct from traditional coal seam gas, offering higher production potential [2][3] Resource Potential - As of 2024, over 300 coal rock gas wells have been drilled in China, with proven geological reserves of 596.8 billion cubic meters and an expected production of 2.7 billion cubic meters, projected to reach 4 billion cubic meters in 2025 [3] - Preliminary evaluations indicate that the geological resource potential of coal rock gas could reach 38 trillion cubic meters, with a production potential of over 30 billion cubic meters by 2035, accounting for 60% of the planned increase in natural gas production [4] Development Challenges - Despite the economic viability of coal rock gas, challenges remain in scaling up production, including technical adaptability, resource evaluation, and coordination of mining rights [4] - A comprehensive exploration and phased development approach, leveraging the "whole oil and gas system" theory, is recommended to optimize the development of coal rock gas alongside other gas types [4]