China's agro-forestry waste power generation projects have broad prospects, as there are 180 million tons of agro-forestry waste that can potentially be reused, experts revealed at a forum on agro-forestry waste disposal held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Jan. 8.

China has a total of 302 agro-forestry waste power generation projects that are either under construction or currently in operation. These projects can dispose of approximately 90 million tons of waste, save 20 million tons of coal each year and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 50 million tons yearly, experts say.

Recycling agro-forestry waste is eco-friendly and can bring economic benefit to farmers, noted Luo Zhongyang, president of the energy engineering school of Zhejiang University.

Experts used as an example the Fusui agro-forestry waste power generation project in Nanning. With a total installed capacity of 20,000 kilowatts, the project can dispose over 300,000 tons of agro-forestry waste, generate 90 million RMB ($12.9 million) for farmers, save 60,000 tons of standard coal and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 180,000 tons per year.

Experts expressed some concerns, however. Power plants are unhappy with the shortage of high-quality agro-forestry waste, which becomes an air pollutant after being burned by farmers. Another concern is that local governments have neither raised farmers' incomes nor granted renewable energy subsidies to power plants.

The total volume of agro-forestry waste will rise each year, and the industry should be developed in a scientific manner, experts said. What's more, the reuse of agro-forestry waste should be categorized as a green industry, according to Chang Jiwen, an environmental policy advisor with the State Council Development Research Center.