Re-thinking china's densified biomass fuel policies: Large or small scale?. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shan, Ming; Li, Dingkai; Jiang, Yi; Yang, Xudong
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 93(2016)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Rural energy -- Densified biomass fuel -- Village level -- Sustainable development -- Policy; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2016.02.050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: Current policies and strategies related to the utilization of densified biomass fuel (DBF) in China are mainly focused on medium- or large-scale manufacturing modes, which cannot provide feasible solutions to solve the household energy problems in China's rural areas. To simplify commercial processes related to the collection of DBF feedstock and the production and utilization of fuel, a novel village-scale DBF approach is proposed. Pilot demonstration projects have shown the feasibility and flexibility of this new approach in realizing sustainable development in rural China. Effective utilization of DBF in rural China will lead to gains for global, regional, and local energy savings, environmental protection, sustainable development, and related social benefits. It could also benefit other developing countries for better utilization of biomass as a viable household energy source. This proposal therefore delivers the possibility of reciprocal gains, and as such deserves the attention of policy makers and various stakeholders. Highlights: A field survey of Chinese densified biomass fuel (DBF) development is conducted. The current situation and problems related to China's DBF industry are analyzed. A novel and viable village-scale DBF utilization mode is proposed. Further actions are suggested to boost the utilization of DBF in rural China.