Forest Biomass for Energy Production: Perceptions of State Forestry Professionals from China and India

Abstract

This study investigated perceptions of a group of Chinese and Indian state forestry professionals (SFPs) related to the potential benefits and challenges of developing forest-based bioenergy projects (FBPs) in their countries. A total of 110 SFPs participated in the study (55 from each country). The results showed that the SFPs widely agreed upon the potential economic and ecological benefits from developing FBPs in their countries. The economic benefits of job creation and additional income to forest departments were the two most accepted benefits by the SFPs. Two potential challenges of developing FBPsnamely, the lack of suitable technologies and the absence of supportive policies-were considered the most significant by the SFPs. Principal component analysis revealed three key dimensions (ecological, economic and social) of the SFPs' perceptions of FBPs. The findings from the study imply that in order to become viable, the development of FBPs in these two countries must put emphasis on the sustainability aspects by addressing the environmental, economic and societal elements of FBPs. In addition, framing supportive policies, the development of technologies and building infrastructure for FBPs are needed for their successful implementation in China and India.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Energy Self-Sufficiency of Woody Biomass Utilization for Residential Heating: A Case Study of Nishiwaga, Japan

“…Among these, woody biomass is obviously attractive to those rural communities with access to an abundant supply of forest resources. The utilization of woody biomass for energy offers several key benefits, including job creation, an additional income source for the forestry sector [1], mitigating global warming, and securing a stable energy supply. Moreover, using renewable biological resources for energy contributes to promoting the creation of a bioeconomy [2].…”

Environmental Impacts (ER CO<sub>2</sub>) of an Improved Multi-Fuel Gasifier Forced Air Cookstove in the City of Kinshasa

“…The results showed that the use of woody biomass to solve the needs of residential heating allows to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to mitigate climate change. These results provide new perspectives on sustainable development in rural communities [11] [12].…”