Core Viewpoint - The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has revised and issued the "Benchmark and Baseline Levels for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Coal (2025 Edition)" to enhance the clean and efficient utilization of coal in line with national policies and the "dual carbon" goals [1][2][3]. Group 1: Policy and Framework - The "2025 Edition" aims to strengthen the leading role of benchmark levels and the constraint role of baseline levels in the coal industry, promoting a transition from low-end to high-end coal products [1][3]. - The document reflects the urgency of updating standards for clean and efficient coal utilization, as the proportion of coal in total energy consumption is projected to decrease from 56.7% in 2020 to 53.2% in 2024 [2][3]. Group 2: Key Updates and Adjustments - Compared to the previous "2022 Edition," the "2025 Edition" expands the applicable scope by adding two new areas: coal-to-natural gas and coal-to-oil, while also introducing new efficiency indicators for existing sectors [5][6]. - The updated indicators reflect recent national standards and policies, enhancing the constraints and guiding roles of the benchmark and baseline levels [6][7]. Group 3: Implementation and Support - The "2025 Edition" encourages enterprises to upgrade projects to meet benchmark levels, with a focus on categorizing management for new and existing projects [7][8]. - Specific timelines for upgrades are set, generally not exceeding three years, with a clear directive for projects failing to meet standards to be phased out [7][8]. - Financial and technical support mechanisms will be enhanced to facilitate the transition to cleaner and more efficient coal utilization, including funding, financial policies, and preferential policies for equipment and technology upgrades [8].