Abstract: An analysis of the current global energy consumption structure, natural gas consumption patterns and the current status of coalbed methane (CBM) extraction and utilization reveals that China's approach to CBM development and utilization is relatively limited with low utilization efficiency. This is particularly true for low-concentration CBM, which holds immense potential for development and utilization. Research on the reaction mechanism for the catalytic conversion of low-concentration CBM into syngas indicates that catalysts face issues of carbon deposition and sintering at high temperatures. However, these problems can be mitigated or delayed through appropriate methods, enabling the industrial production of syngas via the catalytic conversion of low-concentration CBM. China vents approximately 19 billion cubic meters of low-concentration CBM annually, equivalent to over 200 million tons of standard coal. Utilizing this vented CBM would significantly help address energy shortages and generate substantial commercial benefits.

Key words: coalbed methane, catalysis, syngas