Woody biomass resources and conversion in Japan: The current situation and projections to 2010 and 2050

The feasibility of the utilization of woody biomass as energy resources in Japan is discussed based on its amount, availability, and energy-conversion technologies. The amount is currently estimated to be 31.7 Tg y−1 on a dry-weight basis, corresponding to 2.8% of the national primary energy supply. An analysis of the current systems for the harvest and transport of logging residues showed that improvements are needed for them to be sustainable/economic. The prospects for woody bioenergy utilization around the year 2010 and 2050 are also discussed based on the present state-of-the-art energy-conversion technologies. Around the year 2010, both the “on-site” utilization and the “regional” utilization are expected to be feasible as a small-scale and decentralized system. On the other hand, the co-firing of woody biomass with coal at an existing coal-fired power plant is expected as a large-scale and centralized system. Around the year 2050, the “regional” utilization is expected to be the main energy utilization for a small-scale and decentralized system. Biomass plantations in foreign countries will be needed for a large-scale and centralized system in Japan.