China claims lead in biogas energy supply

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Energy Int.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7209438

Smil, V

China's large peasant population is contributing animal manure and vegetable wastes for biogas generating plants in the densely populated rural areas. Biogas, combining a simple and efficient technology and renewable local resources, represents a feasible source of power which developing countries could emulate without rejecting the concept for political reasons. The People's Republic of China, although self-sufficient in oil and coal, adopted large-scale biogas generation as a goal in 1958. A review of China's progress emphasizes the use of local materials and local distribution from over four million digesters. Household cooking and lighting are the primary uses. The Chinese have acquired knowledge and expertise in digester design, stressing the importance of carbon/nitrogen proportions and maintaining the proper liquidity and pH in the digester. The advantages claimed for anerobic fermentation include savings in fossil fuels, labor, fuel wood and grass, and money, as well as improved hygiene, local power generation, and a general raising of the rural standard of living. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Manitoba, Winnipeg
• OSTI ID: 7209438
• Journal Information: Energy Int.; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Int.; (United States) Vol. 14:6; ISSN ENEIB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
299000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320305 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
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320604 -- Energy Conservation
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& Utilization-- Municipalities & Community Systems-- Municipal Waste Management-- (1980-)
AGRICULTURAL WASTES
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
ASIA
BIOCONVERSION
BIOGAS PROCESS
BIOMASS
CHINA
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DIGESTION
ECONOMICS
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY SOURCES
FERMENTATION
FUELS
MANAGEMENT
MANURES
PLANTS
PROCESSING
PUBLIC HEALTH
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RURAL AREAS
SOCIAL IMPACT
SOLID WASTES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES