Household biogas use in rural China: A study of opportunities and constraints

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews 2010, Vol.14 (1), p.545-549
• Main Authors: Chen, Yu, Yang, Gaihe, Sweeney, Sandra, Feng, Yongzhong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Economic data; Energy; Energy economics; Energy policy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; General, economic and professional studies; Household biogas; Household biogas Renewable energy Sustainable development; Miscellaneous; Natural energy; Renewable energy; Sustainable development
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2009.07.019

As a renewable energy, biogas is not only an important part of the development of rural new energy, but also an important aspect of sustainable development in China . The development process and present status of household biogas, specifically the opportunities and constraints of household biogas in rural China, are discussed in this paper. Only about 19% of the biogas potential has been utilized in rural China. There are several opportunities for household biogas development in rural China, including the problem of rural household energy consumption, the availability of biogas fermentation materials, national financial subsidies, legal and international clean development mechanisms. Also, more research needs to be done in straw fermentation and cold fermentation technology. Training should be conducted to raise the level of biogas customers in comprehensive biogas utilization. Measures should be taken to improve the follow-up services and management of biogas plants. The information presented in this paper will be helpful not only to the sustainable development of household biogas in rural China, but also to the development of biogas in similar countries around the world.