Central China's Henan Province has built Asia's biggest coal gas project amid efforts to provide cleaner energy and reduce pollution.

Coal production in Henan Province

The second phase of the project started trial operation on Thursday with daily gas output being three million cubic meters, said Chen Dangyi, deputy director of the provincial coal industry bureau.

The first phase facilities had produced 850 million cubic meters of coal gas since starting operations in February 2001, Chen said. Daily output is 1.2 million cubic meters.

The project will have a positive impact on the environment, Chen explained.  It'll reduce annual sulfur dioxide emissions by 76,250 tons and carbon dioxide discharges by 11,500 tons, Chen explained. 

The development, located in the coal-rich city of Yima, has involved a total investment of US$332.8 million. Construction work started in 1997.

(Xinhua News Agency September 22, 2006)