Holistic suitability for regional biomass power generation development in China: An application of matter-element extension model

In the context of tremendously promoting bioenergy utilization, regional suitability for industrial development of biomass power generation is a critical factor when deploying region-specific strategies. An integrated framework is developed incorporating resource potential, development demands and development conditions to evaluate the suitability for regional industrial development of power generation utilizing agricultural bioresources. Twelve indicators reflecting local resource, environmental and socioeconomic features are used to measure the suitability of 31 provincial regions in China. An improved matter-element extension model combined with the entropy weight method is adopted to attain holistic and hierarchical suitability ranks. The results reveal that the distribution of holistic suitability ranks among regions is imbalanced with the eastern regions presenting more advantages compared with the western regions. Three regions belonging to Rank I (optimum) are Henan, Shandong and Xinjiang. Hainan, Tibet, Qinghai are classified into Rank V (unsuited). Moreover, there are great differences in the limiting factors of the suitability among regions. Resource potential is a limiting factor for Beijing, Shanghai, Fujian, Hainan and Guizhou; Development demands refrain Fujian, Guangxi and Yunnan; Tianjin and Ningxia are limited by development conditions. Tibet and Qinghai have the worst performance on each criterion. The results and region-targeted policy recommendations can provide insights for bioenergy utilization development in accordance with local conditions closely.