| China is the largest coal producer, consumer and coal-related polluter in the world. China is projected to double its coal consumption by 2020, consequently the existing serious coal-related environmental problems are likely to worsen. This research examined three energy options: (1) continuing to use dirty coal; (2) using clean coal to replace dirty coal; and (3) using advanced biomass fuel technologies to substitute for dirty coal.; This research used an integrated technology assessment method to determine the implications of the three energy options for a range of factors including: economic and investment requirements, air pollutant emissions, human health impacts, global warming effects, water and land use requirements, and transportation requirements. A comparative assessment of economic and environmental aspects of both coal and biomass technologies in the electricity and household sectors was conducted. Three scenarios were examined: Business-As-Usual (BAU), Clean Coal Scenario, and Biomass Intensive Scenario.; The greatest environmental damage would result from the BAU Scenario which would increase air pollutant emissions (particulates, SO{dollar}sb2,{dollar} and CO{dollar}sb2){dollar} by threefold over the 1990-2020 period. The Biomass Intensive Scenario would achieve a modest reduction of all the pollutants with a small increase in total investment levels. The Clean Coal Scenario would have little impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but would result in substantial decreases in particulates and SO{dollar}sb2{dollar} emissions with a considerable increase in investment costs.; The Biomass Intensive Scenario is a cost-effective option to improve human health impacts and reduce global warming effects in China, but is limited by resource availability. The most cost-effective option, with the highest environmental benefits, is the combination of the Biomass Intensive and Clean Coal scenarios.; It is hoped that the results of this study will provide energy and environmental policy makers with useful quantitative implications of different energy scenarios. |
