Bio-natural gas industry in China: Current status and development. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zheng, Lei; Cheng, Shikun; Han, Yanzhao; Wang, Min; Xiang, Yue; Guo, Jiali; Cai, Di; Mang, Heinz-Peter; Dong, Taili; Li, Zifu; Yan, Zhengxu; Men, Yu
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 128(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Biogas -- Bio-natural gas -- Biomethane -- Potential -- China; AC absorption column -- AD anaerobic digestion -- BMP biochemical methane potential -- BNG bio-natural gas -- CCER Chinese Certified Emission Reduction -- CDM clean development mechanism -- CNG compressed natural gas -- CSTR complete stirred tank reactor -- DES deep eutectic solvent -- EBA European Biogas Association -- EB executive board -- EU European Union -- FRP Fertilizing Products Regulation FPR -- GHG greenhouse gases -- GLMT gas/liquid mass transfer -- HRAP high rate algal pond -- IEA International Energy Agency -- ILS ionic liquid scrubbing -- LNG liquefied natural gas -- O&M operating and maintenance -- MEA monoethanolamine -- MEP Ministry of Environment Protection -- MHURD Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development -- MLR Ministry of Land and Resources -- MLBP medium and large-scale biogas plant -- MMM mixed matrix membrane -- MOA Ministry of Agriculture -- MOF metal-organic framework -- MF Ministry of Finance -- MOST Ministry of Science and Technology -- NDRC National Development and Reform Commission -- NEA National Energy Administration -- NGA natural gas vehicle -- NGVA Natural & Bio Gas Vehicle Association -- O&M operation and maintenance -- PBLC planting and breeding large county -- PSA pressure swing adsorption -- PtG power-to-gas -- PWS pressured water scrubbing -- R&D research and development -- UASB upflow anaerobic sludge bed/blanket -- VAT value added tax -- WBA World Biogas Association; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2020.109925
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: China has promoted its biogas industry for a long time and begun to support bio-natural gas (BNG; also known as biogas upgrading or biogas-to-biomethane) projects for the first time in 2015 at the central government level. This study presented a comprehensive overview of the BNG industry in China, including its status quo, national strategic planning, upgrading technologies, investment cost, potential, and opportunities and challenges. A total of 65 BNG demonstration projects were approved by the central government between 2015 and 2017, and 197 projects are expected to have been built by 2020 as part of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020). BNG is an emerging industry, and its development provides several opportunities, including a huge natural gas demand, national policy incentives, integrated agriculture, and reduced carbon emissions. The challenges and barriers to such developments include the high upgrading cost, fluctuating natural gas prices, unsound market access mechanism for biomethane and biofertilizer, scarce competition-oriented feedstock resources, incomplete standard system and cross-sectorial management, imperfect policy and subsidy mechanism, and lagging technology and equipment. China can learn from other developed countries in four ways. First, the country must enhance the cost effectiveness of its subsidies. Then, China must highlight the operations of its BNG industry and evaluate its performance; prioritize digestate management in the planning stage; improve its project service level and reinforce research and development. The findings of this work provide a valuable reference for other developing countries that intend to address energy shortage issues and integrate waste management into their regional planning. Highlights: Current status of BNG industry in China is presented and elaborated. Opportunities and potential challenges for BNG industry in China are analyzed. Suggestions for sound development of BNG industry are presented. BNG development in China could provide references for other developing countries.