In August 2022, with the support of Energy Foundation China, Tsinghua University completed this research report on how to phase out residential scattered coal use in the rural areas of Qinghai, a landlocked province in northwestern China.

After reviewing the current situation and problems of rural scattered coal consumption in Qinghai, the report puts the region’s typical types of household layout and winter heating usage into three different categories, and formulates a comprehensive quantitative evaluation index system for identifying the best technical alternatives to scattered coal use. The report also proposes new principles for phasing out scattered coal use in the province, i.e., using market-oriented solutions and engaging the rural residents, with the help of government campaigns. The report also proposes a technical pathway and corresponding policy recommendations for how to replace rural scattered coal consumption with cleaner options in Qinghai for the 14th Five-Year Plan period of 2021–2025 and in the longer term.

Besides technical solutions and optimization plans, the report expands the province’s business model of “15,000 RMB initial investment, 1,500 RMB operational cost, one button for heating device, and a single strategy” to cold regions. The authors hope it can provide scientific evidence for the clean heating transformation in Qinghai’s rural areas.