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Biogas Potential for Improved Sustainability in Guangzhou, China—A Study Focusing on Food Waste on Xiaoguwei Island

Author

Listed:
  • Roozbeh Feiz

    (Department of Management and Engineering, Division for Environmental Technology and Management, Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden)

  • Jonas Ammenberg

    (Department of Management and Engineering, Division for Environmental Technology and Management, Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden)

  • Annika Björn

    (Department of Thematic Studies, Environmental Change, Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden)

  • Yufang Guo

    (School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Magnus Karlsson

    (Department of Management and Engineering, Division for Environmental Technology and Management, Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden)

  • Yonghui Liu

    (School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Yuxian Liu

    (Linköping University–Guangzhou University Research Center on Urban Sustainable Development, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Laura Shizue Moriga Masuda

    (Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil)

  • Alex Enrich-Prast

    (Department of Thematic Studies, Environmental Change, Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden)

  • Harald Rohracher

    (Department of Thematic Studies, Technology and Social Change, Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden)

  • Kristina Trygg

    (Department of Thematic Studies, Technology and Social Change, Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden)

  • Sepehr Shakeri Yekta

    (Department of Thematic Studies, Environmental Change, Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden)

  • Fagen Zhang

    (School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

Abstract

As a result of rapid development in China and the growth of megacities, large amounts of organic wastes are generated within relatively small areas. Part of these wastes can be used to produce biogas, not only to reduce waste-related problems, but also to provide renewable energy, recycle nutrients, and lower greenhouse gases and air polluting emissions. This article is focused on the conditions for biogas solutions in Guangzhou. It is based on a transdisciplinary project that integrates several approaches, for example, literature studies and lab analysis of food waste to estimate the food waste potential, interviews to learn about the socio-technical context and conditions, and life-cycle assessment to investigate the performance of different waste management scenarios involving biogas production. Xiaoguwei Island, with a population of about 250,000 people, was chosen as the area of study. The results show that there are significant food waste potentials on the island, and that all studied scenarios could contribute to a net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Several socio-technical barriers were identified, but it is expected that the forthcoming regulatory changes help to overcome some of them.

Suggested Citation

  • Roozbeh Feiz & Jonas Ammenberg & Annika Björn & Yufang Guo & Magnus Karlsson & Yonghui Liu & Yuxian Liu & Laura Shizue Moriga Masuda & Alex Enrich-Prast & Harald Rohracher & Kristina Trygg & Sepehr Sh, 2019. "Biogas Potential for Improved Sustainability in Guangzhou, China—A Study Focusing on Food Waste on Xiaoguwei Island," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-25, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:6:p:1556-:d:213915
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    References listed on IDEAS

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