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Modern Biomass Energy Projects in China and Their Impacts on Rural Development

Xiong, Wen LU (2014) SGED10 20132
Department of Human Geography
Abstract
The Chinese Central Government has made the promotion of biomass energy an important aspect of China’s national development plans on renewable energy. Numerous biomass energy projects emerged in rural areas in recent years. Official pronouncements regard biomass energy as an effective solution to China’s energy need and environmental problems. However, there is a general lack of understanding on what negative impacts do China’s current biomass energy projects have on rural development. This thesis therefore aims to investigate impacts of biomass energy projects in rural China, both positive and negative. The research is based on a theoretical framework and qualitative study of two biomass energy projects. The theoretical framework presents... (More)
The Chinese Central Government has made the promotion of biomass energy an important aspect of China’s national development plans on renewable energy. Numerous biomass energy projects emerged in rural areas in recent years. Official pronouncements regard biomass energy as an effective solution to China’s energy need and environmental problems. However, there is a general lack of understanding on what negative impacts do China’s current biomass energy projects have on rural development. This thesis therefore aims to investigate impacts of biomass energy projects in rural China, both positive and negative. The research is based on a theoretical framework and qualitative study of two biomass energy projects. The theoretical framework presents circular economy theory and sustainable livelihood approach, which are two guiding theories of China’s biomass energy industry. Qualitative interviews and a questionnaire were used to understand how do local residents response to these projects. The study finds that although these projects have made some contribution to local economy, environment, and livelihoods, they are also accused of resulting in some negative impacts to local regions. Based on China’s massive investment in biomass energy industry and the lack of proper administration on these projects, biomass energy projects may cause more problems to rural regions if no changes are made. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Xiong, Wen LU
supervisor
organization
course
SGED10 20132
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Biomass energy, Rural development, China, Sustainable Livelihoods, Environment
language
English
id
4589391
date added to LUP
2017-12-19 13:11:10
date last changed
2017-12-19 13:11:10
@misc{4589391,
  abstract     = {{The Chinese Central Government has made the promotion of biomass energy an important aspect of China’s national development plans on renewable energy. Numerous biomass energy projects emerged in rural areas in recent years. Official pronouncements regard biomass energy as an effective solution to China’s energy need and environmental problems. However, there is a general lack of understanding on what negative impacts do China’s current biomass energy projects have on rural development. This thesis therefore aims to investigate impacts of biomass energy projects in rural China, both positive and negative. The research is based on a theoretical framework and qualitative study of two biomass energy projects. The theoretical framework presents circular economy theory and sustainable livelihood approach, which are two guiding theories of China’s biomass energy industry. Qualitative interviews and a questionnaire were used to understand how do local residents response to these projects. The study finds that although these projects have made some contribution to local economy, environment, and livelihoods, they are also accused of resulting in some negative impacts to local regions. Based on China’s massive investment in biomass energy industry and the lack of proper administration on these projects, biomass energy projects may cause more problems to rural regions if no changes are made.}},
  author       = {{Xiong, Wen}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Modern Biomass Energy Projects in China and Their Impacts on Rural Development}},
  year         = {{2014}},
}