Unlocking Synergies: Climate Mitigation, Clean Air, and Health Benefits of Sustainable Bioenergy in China

Sustainable bioenergy holds significant potential to advance China’s carbon neutrality and clean air goals. Here, we present a life cycle assessment that quantifies the greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutant emission reductions, as well as the associated health impacts, of deploying bioenergy with and without carbon capture and storage (BE and BECCS). With maximum GHG mitigation, BE and BECCS reduce air pollutant emissions by 4-99% compared to baseline levels, with substantial reductions in particulate matter, primarily black carbon and organic carbon. These reductions translate into substantial health gains, including up to 2.3 million (95% CI: -0.9, +0.9) disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted annually. The benefits are highly region-specific, with the most excellent synergies achieved in the northeast regions, where the open burning of straw and the use of coal remain prevalent. Despite requiring substantial investment, bioenergy remains cost-effective due to its combined benefits, which support its integration into long-term decarbonization and clean air strategies. Our findings underscore the need for integrated bioenergy strategies that align climate, pollutants, and public health objectives under regional constraints.