Background

Briquetting is the process of converting low bulk density biomass into high density fuel briquettes that offer a high concentration of energy. As a greenhouse gas neutral replacement for conventional fossil fuels, biomass briquettes will take on increasing importance in China’s next five-year plan.  Currently, the biomass briquette industry is underdeveloped due to a lack of favourable policies encouraging it.

Purpose

To accelerate the development of the biomass briquette industry in China with a study that analyzes the status quo and makes policy recommendations for how it can be more effectively promoted

Main Activities

• Analyse current status of biomass briquetting  in China and abroad, including the types of raw materials used, equipments, potential customers, and greenhouse gas reductions
• Conduct a comparative analysis of biomass briquetting policies in China v. best practices in other countries in terms of regulations, specifications, control methods, inspection procedures, administration protocols, emergency response measures
• Do a feasibility study of introducing  best practices in China; develop an industrial model and a policy research report based on this analysis
• Depict China’s development roadmap in this field based on the aforementioned studies
• Hold several workshops among scientists, entrepreneurs,  government officials to refine policy plans 
• Work with entities such as the NEA and local industry associations to promote the actual implementation of the policies

Expected Impact

• Clear and comprehensive overview of the industry status and policy best practices provided to Chinese policy-makers in the biomass briquetting field
• Favorable policies assist China in fulfilling the 12th five year plan goal of 10 million tons biomass briquettes in use by 2015
• Significant increase in the market size for biomass briquettes, with corresponding boost in production capacity
• Increased share for clean energy in remote and rural areas through more use of biomass briquettes in the energy mix
• Creation of jobs and improved income prospects for urban and rural residents