Biomass power generation: A pathway to carbon neutrality

Abstract

In light of the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions, the biomass power generation industry has gained significant attention and has increasingly become a crucial focus in China. However, there are still considerable gaps in the historical background, status, and prospects of biomass power generation. Herein, the historical and current status of biomass power generation in China are systematically reviewed, with a particular emphasis on supportive policies, environmental impacts, and future projections. By 2022, the newly installed capacity for biomass power generation reached 3.34 MW with a total installed capacity of 41 MW. The power produced from biomass power generation is 182.4 billion kWh in China. The total installed capacity and generated power in 2022 were 1652 and 1139 folds higher than in 2006 when the first biomass generation plant was established. However, disparities in the distribution of biomass resources and power generation were observed. Key drivers of the industry development include tax, finance, and subsidy policies. Under the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan for renewable energy development and the goal of carbon neutrality, biomass power generation may achieve great success through more targeted policy support and advanced technologies that reduce air pollutant emissions. If combined with Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) technology, biomass power generation will make its contribution to carbon neutrality in China.