Learning from previous failures: scaling up biogas production in the Chinese countryside

This research paper examines the history and potential of rural biogas production in China, arguing that while subsidy-based programs have increased growth, policies must adapt to current livestock production realities to be effective. It explores how China could integrate these policies into a Sustainable Development – Policies and Measures (SD-PAM) mechanism to access international funding and technology.

• China has spent at least 50 years promoting the use of agricultural waste, specifically animal manure, in biogas digesters to provide clean rural energy, improve health, and reduce the reliance on fuelwood.
• While biogas policies had limited impact or failed until the early 2000s, subsequent subsidy-based programs drove growth; however, interviews indicate that this growth masks significant underlying problems and that policies must adapt to the evolving nature of livestock production.
• China could utilize an SD-PAM-based regime to obtain funding and technology for large-scale biogas systems or sell credits, provided it accepts international monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV). Alternatively, a unilateral SD-PAM registration would offer domestic recognition but lack international financing and expertise.

APA

Stockholm Environment Institute (2012). Learning from previous failures: scaling up biogas production in the Chinese countryside. https://www.sei.org/publications/learning-from-previous-failures-scaling-up-biogas-production-in-the-chinese-countryside/

Chicago

Stockholm Environment Institute. Learning from previous failures: scaling up biogas production in the Chinese countryside. 2012. https://www.sei.org/publications/learning-from-previous-failures-scaling-up-biogas-production-in-the-chinese-countryside/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Stockholm Environment Institute |title=Learning from previous failures: scaling up biogas production in the Chinese countryside |date=7 December 2012 |url=https://www.sei.org/publications/learning-from-previous-failures-scaling-up-biogas-production-in-the-chinese-countryside/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{stockholmenvironmentinstitute2012learning, author = {{Stockholm Environment Institute}}, title = {{Learning from previous failures: scaling up biogas production in the Chinese countryside}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2012}, month = dec, url = {https://www.sei.org/publications/learning-from-previous-failures-scaling-up-biogas-production-in-the-chinese-countryside/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }