LAUSR

Abstract It is important to develop the advanced coal to chemicals industry (ACCI) against a backdrop of coal-based energy structures, excessive imported oil and natural gas, and strict environmental constraints in China. In this study, the technology and industry of China's ACCI are reviewed to explain the effect of using coal to replace oil and natural gas, and the corresponding resource and environmental burdens that this will create. Development trends in technology and industry are also proposed to explore future scenarios. The review shows that although excellent progress has been made on an industrial scale, demonstrative level, and in terms of technology and equipment, the lack of strategic understanding, severe external constraints, partly underdeveloped technologies, and weak foundations must be immediately addressed. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the importance that the ACCI has on the energy revolution and energy system. Based on technological innovation, a variety of external factors should be considered as a whole with emphasis on filling the knowledge gap of theoretical foundations and industry standards to support high-quality development for ACCI.