Analysis of rural household energy consumption and renewable energy systems in Zhangziying town of Beijing

Rural energy consumption significantly affects the economy of a country and plays a vital role in the rural residents’ lives. This paper analyzed the association of the rural household energy consumption with their demands on renewable energy systems and contributions to the reduction of CO2, TSP (total suspended particulate), and PM2.5 emissions in Zhangziying town of Daxing district of Beijing. This system analysis aimed to evaluate the sustainability of energy supply and economic development in rural area of Beijing by taking Zhangziying town as an example. Specifically, in this paper energy consumed by the rural households was investigated in terms of energy sources (coal, biogas, straw gas, LPG, electricity and firewood), utilization, choices, costs and systems. The results show that coal is still the major energy source for heating during winter, which constitutes that largest portion of the household energy consumption. With the development of renewable energy, the utilization of coal, LPG and firewood for cooking has been replaced by renewable energy such as biogas and straw gas, which are coupled with a higher heating value and lower price. Meanwhile, this study also suggests that the renewable energy generated in the surveyed villages is equivalent to 32,863.68kgce and could annually reduce 81,929.15kgCO2 emissions, 22,347.30kg TSP, and 8938.92kg PM2.5 emissions. The structure of rural household energy consumption of Zhangziying town is sustainable and environmentally sound. The structure of rural household energy consumption is undergoing a transformation from traditional low-efficiency biomass domination to integrated consumption of traditional and renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is not only a solution to the energy shortage problem in rural areas, but also helps conserve fossil resources and protect the environment.