A field study on acceptability of 4-in-1 biogas systems in Liaoning Province, China

Abstract

China plays a leading role in the development and dissemination of household biogas technology. One such technology is the 4-in-1 biogas system, which has been promoted and implemented in colder regions of China. A survey on the acceptability of 4-in-1 biogas systems in two townships in Liaoning Province was undertaken in July, 2010. The purpose of the survey was to clarify the status of these 4-in-1 biogas systems and to learn more about local people's attitude and behavior towards them. This study looked specifically at the economic, social, technical, and environmental aspects of these systems. This study will discuss the advantages as well as the challenges that these systems currently face. From this survey, slurry is more easily accepted and used than biogas is. Farmers are neural towards the sanitation condition of the pigsty and toilet. Breeding pigs is becoming less common, which may restrict the expansion of 4-in-1 biogas systems. The greenhouse aspect of the system greatly supports the farmer's crops, which brings considerable more income to farmers. While the environmental benefits of 4-in-1 biogas systems are often promoted, the economic incentive is a much stronger motivator for farmers. The awareness and promotion of the multipurpose benefits of biogas need to be further popularized.