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Optimizing crop straw utilization for enhancing bioenergy production and sustainable development

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  • Fang, Yan Ru
  • Shouquat Hossain, M.D.
  • Chen, Yushuo
  • Guo, Lanying
  • Wu, Xuefang
  • Kong, Qingyan
  • Yang, Pingjian

Abstract

Using straw for bioenergy production represents a significant opportunity to promote renewable energy, augment rural incomes, and contribute to sustainable development. However, comprehensive research on the impact of straw utilization on rural residents’ incomes remains scarce. This study is based on collected data from field surveys to establish a quantitative relationship between straw utilization and rural income. The results demonstrate an inverted U-shaped relationship at both national and regional levels, indicating that an initial increase in straw returned to fields and utilized within households for cooking and heating purposes leads to increased rural incomes. However, excessive usage subsequently causes a decline. Based on these findings, we propose a strategic combination of (1) on-field straw management with off-field straw treatment for bioenergy production to enhance rural incomes and promote sustainable energy solutions; (2) targeted subsidies for straw collection and bioenergy conversion technologies and (3) awareness programs to demonstrate the dual economic and environmental benefits of optimized straw use.

Suggested Citation

  • Fang, Yan Ru & Shouquat Hossain, M.D. & Chen, Yushuo & Guo, Lanying & Wu, Xuefang & Kong, Qingyan & Yang, Pingjian, 2026. "Optimizing crop straw utilization for enhancing bioenergy production and sustainable development," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PD).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pd:s0960148125018762
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124212
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