Not enough LNG for China

China’s supergrowth period to 2012 closely mirrors that of Korea and Japan 25 and 40 years ago.  With coal costs already at international levels, coal with its environmental problems may be seeing its limits.  China looks to LNG projects to address growing demand, but unlike Japan in the early 1970ies and Korea in the 1980ies, China’s energy needs are too large for LNG.  Assessing China’s energy demand and supply options to 2031, a mixed strategy seems to be required.  In the process, the effects of China’s energy challenges are likely to be both seen and felt internationally in the next years.