In the heart of China’s rural energy landscape, a new study is shedding light on how renewable energy can bolster resilience and drive low-carbon transformation. Led by Zihan Ma, the research, published in the journal “PLOS ONE,” focuses on Shandong Province, offering a blueprint for enhancing energy stability and efficiency in rural areas.
China’s rural energy system is grappling with high carbon intensity, low efficiency, and supply instability. These challenges are significant hurdles in the country’s pursuit of its “dual carbon” goals—peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060—and the broader rural revitalization strategy. Ma’s study aims to address these issues by leveraging biomass and solar energy resources.
Using GIS technology, Ma and the research team constructed a comprehensive evaluation model to assess the potential of biomass and solar energy in 16 cities and counties across Shandong Province. They quantified the amount of agricultural biomass resources using the grass valley ratio method and calculated the convertible power generation from these resources. The study then introduced the “Four Quadrant Model for Renewable Energy Abundance” to categorize regional types based on their renewable energy endowment.
The findings reveal significant regional differences in renewable energy resources within Shandong Province. According to Ma, “The rural renewable energy endowment in Shandong Province showed significant regional differences, indicating that a one-size-fits-all approach to energy transformation is not viable.” The study proposes four distinct development paths tailored to different regions:
1. **Dual-Resource Areas**: These regions, rich in both biomass and solar energy, are encouraged to develop agricultural and light complementary systems and invest in straw power generation.
2. **Photovoltaic Advantage Zones**: Areas with abundant solar resources should explore energy storage solutions and hydrogen production to maximize their renewable potential.
3. **Biomass-Led Areas**: Regions with a surplus of biomass resources should strengthen cogeneration systems, which produce both heat and power from a single fuel source.
4. **Resource-Scarce Areas**: For regions lacking in renewable resources, the study recommends implementing green electricity allocation and energy efficiency upgrades to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The study’s conclusions highlight the importance of multi-energy coordination in improving energy supply stability. By leveraging spatial and temporal complementarity and risk dilution, rural areas can enhance their energy supply resilience. “Multi-energy coordination can improve energy supply stability through space-time complementarity and risk dilution, enhancing energy supply resilience,” Ma explained.
The implications of this research extend beyond Shandong Province, offering valuable insights for other high-carbon provinces in China and similar regions worldwide. As the global energy sector shifts towards renewable sources, understanding regional differences and tailoring solutions accordingly will be crucial for achieving sustainable and resilient energy systems.
For the energy sector, this research underscores the commercial potential of diversified renewable energy portfolios. Investors and developers can identify high-potential regions for specific renewable technologies, reducing risks and optimizing returns. Additionally, the study’s emphasis on energy efficiency and grid integration highlights opportunities for innovation in energy storage, smart grids, and demand-side management.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy transition, studies like Ma’s provide a roadmap for building resilient and low-carbon energy systems. By embracing regional differences and fostering multi-energy coordination, rural areas can become hubs of sustainable development, driving progress towards a greener future.