Association: Coal use forecast to peak by 2028

China's coal consumption is expected to peak around 2028, the China National Coal Association forecast on Wednesday.

Zhang Hong, a spokesperson for the association, said: "It's important to note that reaching the peak around 2028 doesn't automatically signify an immediate decline in coal consumption afterward. Rather, it marks the beginning of a transitional phase.

"As new energy technologies like hydrogen and energy storage advance during this transitional period, we can expect a discernible decrease in coal consumption afterward," he said.