Coal, with the highest carbon content, is the main raw material to produce human carbon necessities via coal gasification to chemicals technology. However, huge CO₂ emission from the water-gas shift unit included in the coal-based chemicals process to increase the H/C ratio of syngas has caused great concern. Thus, a hybrid energy system that integrates renewable hydrogen from nuclear/renewable energy with coal to produce fuel and chemicals has been proposed. The applicability of hybrid energy systems in coal-rich countries, especially China and the United States, is analyzed as well as the carbon emission reduction potential and economic feasibility. The hybrid energy system is feasible in most coal-intensive countries and will lead to significant carbon emission reduction potential in the coming 5–15 years. Moreover, with the sharp decline in power cost from renewable/nuclear energy and the carbon tax introduction, the hybrid system shows potential to become economically competitive.