Spatial distribution of an invasive plant Spartina alterniflora and its potential as biofuels in China

► Mapping an invasion plant, S. alterniflora, in coastal wetlands of China using remote sensing data. ► Estimating S. alterniflora's total annual biomass of China reaching 2.53 Mt. ► Calculating S. alterniflora's total annual bioenergy of China producing 18 PJ. ► Using S. alterniflora as an potential bioenergy plant from negative to positive. ► S. alterniflora being quite significant ecological function for the carbon cycle and carbon sink in China's ocean ecosystem.