Factors influencing the adoption and sustainable use of clean fuels and cookstoves in China -a Chinese literature review

Household solid fuel use has attracted extensive public concerns since it yields a large number of air pollutants from incomplete burning process and consequently has significant environmental and health impacts. Adoption of cleaner fuels and cookstoves is expected to achieve great benefits in many aspects, which however needs more research evidences offering a reference for policy makers. Identification of key factors influencing adoption and sustainable behaviors is one of important prior concerns. While a previous global systematic literature review provided valuable information on influencing factors, unfortunately, peer reviewed Chinese publications were not included in the review. Here, we conducted a literature review on peer-reviewed Chinese publications so as to identify main enablers and barriers influencing the deployment and sustainable use of cleaner fuels and cookstoves in China. A total of 47,132 papers were retrieved and after two round read and selection, 87 peer-reviewed papers were finally in-depth reviewed and analyzed after data extraction. Factors like fuel/stove technologies (i.e. thermal efficiency, the operation convenience and cost of fuel/stove); public knowledge and awareness of environmental protection and energy saving; location, household setting and structure, family size, age and gender, have clear impacts on fuel choice. Finanical support and market development is essential for the sustainable of clean fuels and cookstoves. The influence of favorable policies including laws, regulations and standards is obvious and critical. The adoption willing and enthusiasm would be encouraged directly through publicity, neighborhood demonstration and good follow-up service. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.