A case study of industrial symbiosis: The Beijiang Power Plant Complex in Tianjin, China

摘要

Industrial symbiosis activities are being implemented in the philosophy of "circular economy" in China. It advocates industries organized along the model of an ecosystem, looking both environment and economy. This paper provides a case study of the Beijiang Power Plant complex in Tianjin, China. After two years of field research, we conducted a material flow analysis of it and formed a symbiotic relationships network of its five sub-projects. We also compared the complex with similar non-circular economy projects from four areas, which are thermal efficiency, resource conservation, waste water discharge and solid waste emissions. Clearly we can see the complex has a greater advantage in economic benefits, environmental benefits and social benefits. Finally we draw some conclusions and summarized the successful experience of the project.