China: Beijing Air Quality Improvement and Coal Replacement

approved

The project will finance the construction of natural gas distribution networks in and around 510 rural villages of Beijing, including the installation of low-pressure village gas pipelines, household connections and household gas consumption meters. Upon completion, the Project will bring large economic and environmental benefits, including annual energy savings of around 113,000 tons of standard coal equivalent. Net of emissions of burning natural gas, the Project is estimated annually to reduce CO2 emissions by 595,700 tons, PM2.5 by 3,700 tons, SO2 emissions by 1,488 tons, and NOx emissions by 4,442 tons. The Project will also have a substantial social impact. After coal consumption is eliminated in rural villages, ambient air quality and the quality of the environment in Beijing will improve, helping to mitigate the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and ischemic heart disease. The most vulnerable people to such adverse effects in both rural and urban Beijing, such as children, women, the sick and the elderly, will benefit most.