The development of agro-residue densified fuel in China based on energetics analysis

Agro-residue is one of the important biomass resources in China and its efficient utilization is crucial for providing bio-energy, releasing risk of environmental pollution, and enhancing rural incomes. Densification is one of the important utilization routes of agro-residues. The objective of this paper is to explore the development of agro-residue densified fuel in China based on energetics analysis. The energetical property and energy potential of main agro-residues in China were firstly analyzed and then the development of agro-residue densified fuel in every region was evaluated based on energetics analysis. The results show that the main agro-residues in China are good feedstocks as densified fuel and they constitute enormous energy potential for developing densified fuel. However, the situation of every region should be considered for the development of agro-residue densified fuel. The primary energy embodied per unit of useful energy indicates that most of the regions in China are suitable for developing agro-residue densified fuel as it is energetically advantageous compared with coal, whereas only about 25% of regions near coal production locations are not suitable as they are less energetically advantageous.