China plans ban on imports of coal with high ash and high sulfur

China plans to ban imports of coal with high ash and high sulfur content as the nation seeks to limit the dirtiest fuels to fight pollution.

Mr Ren Lixin head of the coal division at the National Energy Administration said that “The world’s largest coal consumer will encourage imports of higher quality supplies. Domestic demand for the fuel may rise slightly this year and imports are expected to be similar to 2013 levels.

China is considering a ban on imports of some lower quality coal as the government sets an annual agenda to address record pollution. The NEA has drafted different versions of plans since last May. A previous draft proposed limiting imports of lignite with a heating value lower than 4,540 kilocalories per kilogram, more than 1% sulfur and ash higher than 25%.

The China Coal Transport and Distribution Association said that China imported a record 330 million tonnes of coal last year. Overseas purchases may fall this year as the nation tries to meet energy saving targets. The nation seeks to limit energy from coal at 65 percent this year.