Work

Manure Application and Energy Potential in Southeastern China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: China has promoted renewable energy development to adjust its energy structure and improve energy security. The decision-makers consider manure-to-energy a feasible possibility because manure contains a substantial amount of organic materials that are potentially useful for generating power, and its use would also alleviate environmental pressures. Southern China, including Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, and Zhejiang provinces, has launched policies to support manure facilities and energy sales. This study employs a lifecycle analysis and techno-economic assessment to evaluate whether manure application could be an economically feasible alternative. The results indicate that the thermophilic system has greater energy potential, and the mesophilic mode can yield greater agronomic benefits with digestate application. Hog manure can generate biopower ranging from 5599 to 5683 GWh, and it is 653 to 1887 GWh for cattle, 2481 to 2963 GWh for poultry manure, and 1109 to 1536 GWh for sheep manure. The aggregate emission offset could also be substantial. If all manures are properly utilized, the net emission offset could be up to 12.07 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, with an aggregate energy revenue of approximately USD 1086 million annually. In addition to the aggregate result, this study also indicates that manure application would yield a profit ranging from USD 8.36 to USD 34.3, and the benefit from biofertilizer would be roughly between USD 27.72 and USD 43.49. Nevertheless, regional characteristics, such as temperature, precipitation, and soil quality, generally influence agricultural systems, and the benefits associated with agrarian feedback would involve a higher uncertainty. On the contrary, energy sales could be considered a more reliable and stable source of income, even without government subsidies.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17219875

Authors: Yufeng Wang, Hua Deng, Chih-Chun Kung

Institutions: Foshan University, Shandong University

Language: English

Topic: Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Production

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production, Zero hunger, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896