A Comprehensive Evaluation and Optimal Utilization Structure of Crop Straw-based Energy Production in Eastern China

Crop straw is a major agricultural residue and has been recently promoted as a main source for renewable biomass energy production in China. This study used the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (Fuzzy AHP) model considering four major indicators to systematically evaluate the performance of four major crop straw energy utilization methods in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu. The utilization methods include straw power generation, straw gasification, straw liquefaction, and straw densification into briquette fuel. The results showed that environmental friendliness was the most important indicator that should be considered for straw bioenergy production in the province and that straw densification into briquette fuel was the most suitable straw energy utilization method. Under the policy goal proposed by the Chinese central government to use 20% of all crop straw waste for straw bioenergy production by 2030, the estimated results suggested that the optimal allocation towards straw energy production structure is 40.1% for straw densification into briquette fuel production, 35.3% for straw power generation, 19.6% for straw gasification, and 5% for straw liquefaction. The finding that straw densification into briquette fuel was judged to be the most favorable option could guide policy makers and investors to develop suitable straw energy technologies in Eastern China.