Analysis of changes in the structure of rural household energy consumption in northern China: A case study

There is currently a paucity of research examining changes in the structure of household energy consumption in rural areas of northern China. Here, we thoroughly analyze household energy consumption in terms of energy sources and energy end-uses in villages of Huantai County from 1989 to 2005. Results indicated that commercial energy consumption increased, both in the absolute amount and the relative proportion. Non-commercial energy (traditional biomass energy) use decreased greatly but still accounted for a significant proportion of all energy sources. In terms of energy end-uses, cooking and home-heating energy consumptions were of nearly equal importance. While energy for cooking has historically dominated total consumption, energy used for recreational activities increased dramatically in comparison. In addition, we discuss the influence of changes in energy consumption structure on household energy expenditures, environmental effects and supply-demand balance of energy. Results showed the payout of household energy consumption was stable, the environment deteriorated, the fossil fuel supply was unsustainable in the long term. For the sustainable development of local energy sources, the environment, and the economy, it will be imperative to fully exploit suitable, local renewable energy resources.