China's coal-to-ethanol production capacity is primarily concentrated in the northwestern regions (Shaanxi and Xinjiang), which benefit from abundant coal resources and a well-established industrial chain. This region accounts for 32.93% of the national total coal-to-ethanol capacity. Among these areas, Yulin in Shaanxi Province serves as the core hub, hosting leading enterprises such as Yanchang Petroleum and Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group, with a focus on the dimethyl ether carbonylation technology route.
The East and Central China regions (Anhui, Henan, Shandong, and Hunan) account for 56.59% of the total national coal-to-ethanol capacity. Although these areas are not major coal-producing regions, they have developed a certain level of coal-to-ethanol capacity by leveraging their mature chemical industry base and proximity to downstream consumer markets. The production primarily relies on established routes such as dimethyl ether carbonylation and acetic acid hydrogenation. As of May 2026, the total coal-to-ethanol capacity reached 4.1 million tons, with an additional 975,000 tons of new capacity mainly distributed in Henan, Hubei, and Shaanxi.
Regional Distribution of Coal-to-Ethanol Capacity (June 2025)
| Region | Capacity (10,000 tons/year) | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| North China | 23 | 5.61% |
| East China | 123 | 30.00% |
| South China | 20 | 4.88% |
| Central China | 109 | 26.59% |
| Northwest | 135 | 32.93% |
| Total | 410 | 100.00% |
Data source: chempricehub Information
Distribution of New Bio-Fermentation and Coal-to-Ethanol Capacity During the 15th Five-Year Plan Period
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Planned and Under-Construction Coal-to-Ethanol Projects During the 15th Five-Year Plan Period
Unit: 10,000 tons/year
| Province/City | Company Name | Capacity | Technology Route | Planned Commissioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altay, Xinjiang | Xinjiang Zhongrong New Energy | 40.00 | Acetate ester hydrogenation | Expected 2026 |
| Huizhou, Guangdong | Huizhou Yuyou New Materials Co., Ltd. | 22.00 | Acetate ester hydrogenation | Expected 2026 |
| Changji, Xinjiang | Xinjiang Haoyuan Chemical Co., Ltd. | 60.00 | Acetate ester hydrogenation | Expected 2027 |
| Hami, Xinjiang | Xinjiang Jiangna Energy Technology Group | 120.00 | Dimethyl ether carbonylation | Expected 2028–2030 |
| Ordos, Inner Mongolia | Inner Mongolia Zhuozheng Coal Chemical Co., Ltd. | 60.00 | Dimethyl ether carbonylation | Expected 2027 |
| Shangqiu, Henan | Henan Longtai New Material Technology Co., Ltd. | 20.00 | Dimethyl ether carbonylation | Expected 2030 |
| Zhangzhou, Fujian | Longxiang Hengyu Chemical Co., Ltd. | 20.00 | Acetate ester hydrogenation | Expected 2027 |
| Yichang, Hubei | Hubei Hongrui New Materials Co., Ltd. | 50.00 | Acetate ester hydrogenation | Expected 2028 |
| Jieyang, Guangdong | Juzhengyuan (Jieyang) New Materials | 20.00 | Acetate ester hydrogenation | Expected 2027 |
| Total | — | 412.00 | — | — |
Data source: chempricehub Information
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