Site Suitability Analysis for Carbon-Neutral Villages Based on Livestock Manure and Forest Biomass Through Geospatial Analysis

Abstract

This study identifies suitable sites for carbon-neutral villages by utilizing livestock manure and forest biomass, key resources in rural areas, contributing to climate change mitigation and the achievement of national greenhouse gas reduction targets. For this purpose, nationwide public geospatial information and statistical data were analyzed using QGIS. First, 9,075 villages with a density of 50 or more households in areas lacking city gas supply were identified as potential candidates suitable for district heating. For the efficient utilization of livestock manure resources, the spatial distribution characteristics of livestock farms were quantified using the Average Nearest Neighbor Index (ANNI) and a Concentration Index (CNI), and then categorized into priority areas for biogas plant construction, areas requiring consolidation, and areas where livestock scale reduction is recommendable. Furthermore, to establish a stable supply chain for unused forest biomass, an analysis of the supply radius (50 km) of the five existing resource centers revealed significant supply gaps, leading to a proposal for nine new center locations. Finally, by spatially overlaying the availability of both livestock manure and forest biomass resources with the distribution of energy demand, 106 optimal candidate sites for carbon-neutral villages that can integrate both biomass types were selected. The findings of this study can serve as fundamental scientific data for establishing effective rural energy transition policies in conjunction with rural spatial planning, thereby contributing to the realization of carbon neutrality and the improvement of energy welfare in rural areas.