Review of biogas models and key challenges in the further development in China

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of biogas models and key challenges of further biogas development in China. A review of the biogas models aim to highlight the complexity of biogas development in China, and thereby draw attention to some easily neglected issues in China’s biogas development. China’s biogas development had stagnated in recent years, and while household biogas projects have always been the leading force of biogas production in China, their proportion declines year on year. “3 in 1”, “4 in 1” and “5 in 1” models are the most common models used in China, but Medium and Large-scale Biogas Projects (MLBPs) increasingly play a significant role. By comparison, MLBPs perform better than household biogas projects in some aspects. On the other hand, household projects have their advantages and are essential aspects of energy system development, particularly in more remote rural areas. This paper strongly recommends paying more attention to the practical application of household biogas models and providing the necessary support to skill development and digester maintenance. Moreover, this paper argues that biogas policies need to be based on scientific evidence.