Rural low‐carbon energy development in the information age: Can internet access drive the farmer to participate in personal carbon trading schemes related to bioenergy?

Abstract The internet has become a valuable tool for people to receive and transmit information, thus having a profound impact on their living habits and values. Based on face‐to‐face interview survey data collected in Central China, taking the biogas CCER scheme as an example, we discuss the effects of internet access on farmers' willingness to participate in the PCT scheme and desired carbon price. Our findings revealed that internet access improved the willingness of farmers to participate in the PCT scheme. We also found that it was likely to further increase the desired carbon price for those willing to participate. Further analysis demonstrated that male, young and middle‐aged, and low‐educated farmers were more likely to show greater motivation for participation in the PCT scheme due to internet access influence compared to other farmers. Additionally, we identified that the longer duration of internet access, the more likely farmers are to show a higher willingness to participate in the PCT scheme and hence the desired carbon price. In summary, the findings from this study imply that rural internet building exhibits a significant role in promoting the spread of PCT scheme and also helps to alleviate rural poverty.