The global energy sector is currently facing immense upheaval. On the one hand, trends such as sustainability and climate change are continually rising; on the other hand, the production of carbon dioxide and the conditionally recyclable basis of many resources for power generation is a major problem. Therefore, energy policy is forced to be adaptable for the dynamic energy situation. In China, the potential of renewable energies has been recognized for years and a rapid integration into the existing energy mix has been undertaken. Nevertheless, hard coal is and remains the easiest way to provide a secure energy supply. The transition to a low carbon economy is therefore a balancing act and requires a holistic approach ranging from classic post-mining management such as dealing with the eternity tasks, to after-use potentials for closed mines, to the effects of structural change for employees in this sector. Hence, an adjustment of the political framework conditions of the partly strongly diverging starting positions of the different provinces is required for a successful and sustainable change. Meanwhile, in Germany, the coal industry already ended in 2018. Therefore, an efficient management of the post-mining heritage has long been necessary, and the Research Center of Post-Mining in the heart of the Ruhr region (Germany) is particularly dedicated to this. Through the sharing of German experiences with China in the field of post-mining, a transfer of knowledge can be created and value can be added.

Hard Coal Mining,Post-Mining,Transition,Ruhr Area,Management,After-use Potentials