Analysis of carbon emissions for district heating using biomass straw instead of coal: A case study

Decarbonizing district heating requires utilization of low-emitting energy sources. However, earlier studies did not fully consider the district heating potential and CO₂ reduction impacts of limited biomass sources. This study presents a new model that examines the potential for utilizing biomass straw sources as fuel for biomass boilers and thermal power plants, with a case study conducted in Heilongjiang Province, China. Results from the model show that the available biomass straw supply increases from 83,799 kilotons to approximately 127,939 kilotons before declining to around 90,000 kilotons. By employing biomass straw as fuel for district heating, an area between 99.4 and 469.8 million m² can be served by biomass boilers and thermal power plants, leading to CO₂ emission reductions ranging from 15.21 to 30.41 million tons. This reduction represents 19–38% compared to the initial CO₂ emissions, indicating potential positive carbon reduction benefits. The developed model can be useful for policy makers and industry stakeholders seeking efficient strategies for decarbonizing district heating.