Paper by Shi, X., A. Elmore, X. Li, N.J. Gorence, H. Jin, X. Zhang, et al. 2008. Biomass and Bioenergy, 32(1): 35-43.

Presented by Rick Browne, B.S. Environmental Science, GEOG 370, 3/1/2010

Spatial ProblemMust find ways to meet rapidly growing

energy demands using alternative energy sources like biomass

Not all locations are suitable for biomass energy development

Research questions:- Where does usable biomass exist in the Guangdong Province?- Which of these locations are most optimal for future biomass energy development?

Methods and DataLand-use data was used to identify seven different

vegetation types.Vegetation types were inserted into a generic model

created by the researchers. The model consisted of seven parameters and interpreted a location’s vegetation type to yield a value for usable biomass at the location.

“Biomass points” were marked by the intersection of 2 or more road lines. Usable biomass values were then aggregated to their nearest biomass point.

Candidate sites were ranked according to the amount of usable biomass in their supply area (a distance of 100 km).

As second ranking was conducted by calculating the efficiency score of each site using a function based on the distance from a biomass point to the candidate site.

ResultsThree optimal sites were identified based on

the usable biomass within the supply area.Three optimal sites were also identified based

on the calculated efficiency score.Maps were generated to show the locations

of these optimal sites, their supply areas, and the biomass points within these supply areas.

Optimal sites selected for Guangdong: based on the efficiency score.

Optimal sites selected for Guangdong: based on the total biomass within the supply area.

ConclusionsThe researchers were able to use the results

to establish the spatial distribution of usable biomass in the Guangdong Province.

Concluded which locations are most optimal for future biomass development.

This procedure can be applied to other regions in China for future planning purposes.

Criticism: more research should be done to include additional relevant factors for determining site rankings.