| ADB
approves loan for China's rural renewable energy project
(11/12/2002)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 33.1 million-US
dollar loan to China for a project that integrates biomass-based
renewable energy generation technology into the existing agricultural
production system.
The aim of the project is to improve the environment and promote
economic growth and poverty reduction in rural areas, an ADB press
release said Tuesday.
Vast quantities of agricultural waste are disposed of inappropriately
each year in China. This represents not only a danger to the environment
but also a lost opportunity in terms of potential cheap renewable
energy and nutrient resources.
Crop residues are burned in open fields and animal wastes discharged
in a way that pollutes streams and groundwater. Yet these could
be used to add value to integrated farming systems, reduce farm
input costs, and provide opportunities for integrated pest management
and organic farming techniques, the press release said.
The project is to turn the waste into renewable energy for rural
households and to use the residues as organic fertilizer by using
biogas digesters to produce biogas. Use of biogas reduces the dependence
of farm households on coal, straw, and firewood for heating and
cooking. It also promotes a better living environment, and causes
less stress on forest resources.
By cutting down on waste, pollution and energy costs, these processes
create a win-win situation for both the poor farm households and
the environment.
(xinhua)
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