Biomass molded fuel in China: Current status, policies and suggestions

China is an agricultural country, approximately producing more than 1000 million tons of crop straw in 2018. The utilization of straw as energy can replace fossil fuels, protect environment and guarantee energy security. Biomass fuel has been regarded as renewable energy with the characteristics of carbon-neutral, and low emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. Biomass molded fuel (BMF), a major type of biomass fuel, has attracted particular attention. Currently, the BMF industry in China develops slowly. To achieve the rapid and healthy development of the industry, in this paper, a three-part standard system as fuel side, production and combustion equipment side and pollutant emission side is proposed to regulate the BMF market. Simultaneously, a policy system consisting of legislation, development plans and incentive measures also is introduced to maintain policy consistency and continuity.