Synergistic Health Benefits of Household Stove Upgrading and Energy Switching in Rural China

Rural residential energy switching from solid fuels to electricity and natural gas has resulted in substantial health benefits in China. Here, we quantitatively estimated the environmental and health benefits of stove upgrading, energy switching, and the interaction of stove upgrading and energy switching in rural mainland China during the period of 1980-2014. Driven by government intervention, technical progress, and socioeconomic development, domestic stoves have been upgraded from a domination of open-fire and traditional stoves to energy-saving, clean stoves, and gas range/electric stoves. Furthermore, stove upgrading significantly contributed to the overall reductions in PM2.5 emissions (25%), ambient and indoor PM2.5 concentrations (49 and 28%), population exposure (31%), and premature deaths (37%) attributable to residential emissions. The interaction between stove upgrading and energy switching resulted in an additional 15% reduction in premature deaths. The influences of the residential sector and the beneficial effects of stove upgrading and energy switching are magnified along the causal path from emissions to health impacts. The overall benefit of the transition in residential energy would be substantially underestimated without considering stove upgrading.

Automated summary

The transition from solid fuels to electricity and natural gas in rural residential areas in China has led to significant health benefits. Government intervention, technological progress, and socioeconomic development have facilitated the upgrading of domestic stoves to cleaner and more energy-efficient models, resulting in reductions in PM2.5 emissions, premature deaths, and population exposure. The interaction of stove upgrading and energy switching further contributes to reducing premature deaths.