Developing bio-energy and establishing sustainable rural energy systems are important considerations for rural development and the protection of the global environment. This study aims to assess the sustainable energy potential of non-plantation biomass resources in China for the years 2005 and 2010. In this paper, the energy potential of the following resources have been assessed: (1) agricultural residues, (2) animal manure, (3) fuelwood saving through efficiency improvement, (4) fuelwood saving through substitution by other fuels, (5) municipal solid waste (MSW), (6) waste water, and (7) black liquor. The sustainable biomass energy potential in China is estimated to be about 8.1 and 8.9 EJ by 2005 and 20 10, respectively. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.