Outline of Biomass Nippon Strategy

1. Background: Why "Biomass Nippon" now?

(1) Prevention of Global Warming

We have to promote the use of biomass having the characteristics of "carbon neutral," which will lead to the replacement of energy and products derived from fossil fuels with alternatives, and thus to mitigation of carbon dioxide release.

(2) Creation of a Recycling-Oriented Society

We have to use our limited resources in an effective manner by utilizing renewable biomass, thus accelerating the process of shifting our society toward one which develops in a sustainable manner.

(3) Fostering of New Strategic Industries with Competitive Edges

We have to restructure the industrial competitiveness of Japan by fostering biomass-related industries as a strategic industry uniquely originated in Japan.

(4) Activation of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery, as well as Associated Rural Communities

We have to utilize the abundant biomass growing in our bountiful nature, which will result in the activation of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as the rural communities involved with these activities.

2. Goals of the Biomass Nippon Strategy

(1) An Evolution Scenario for "Biomass Nippon"

1) Direction of Evolution for Biomass Utilization

An increased utilization of paper waste, livestock waste, food waste, construction-derived wood residues, black liquor, and sewage sludge can be promoted relatively quickly.

By around 2010, the utilization of biomass which has never been used before will become quite visible: e.g., unused portions of farm crops such as rice straw or rice husk, and forestry residues left unused at sites, etc.

By around 2020, energy crops will be widely cultivated so that they can be utilized as an energy or product source.

By around 2050, newly developed crops such as marine plants and genetically modified crops will contribute to an increased production of biomass.

● The total amount of intrinsic chemical energy content in waste biomass, unused biomass, and energy crops :

○ Approximately 1,300PJ of energy equivalent (equivalent to 35 million kl of crude oil), or

○33 million tons of carbon equivalents (equivalent to 3.3 times as much as the total amount of carbon contained in the plastic materials produced in Japan).

2) Direction of Development for Biomass Utilization

In order to achieve the utilization of biomass-derived energy and products across a broader range, the most effective approach would be to construct a "biomass refinery" which makes use of the characteristics of biomass, producing a diverse range of fuels and useful materials using biomass as raw material.

Alongside the development of individual relevant technologies, a cascade (multi-stage) use of biomass is required for the purpose of utilizing biomass as a resource to the fullest, by using it repeatedly, as many times as possible, from the top end to the bottom in terms of product value, and by burning it to generate energy at the last stage of this utilization cascade.

(2) Specific Goals for the Materialization of "Biomass Nippon"

It is essential to set specific goals for the parties involved so that they can promote the utilization of biomass effectively.

We have to set up certain goals from technological perspectives (energy conversion efficiency, cost target of process equipment/systems, etc.), the local community's standpoint (such as an increase in the number of communities which utilize biomass more than a certain level), and also the nationwide viewpoint (such as posting a clear target level of biomass utilization).

● Nationwide Viewpoint: We will aim at 80% or higher for the utilization of waste biomass and 25% or higher for the unused biomass, in terms of their carbon equivalent.

3. Basic Strategies for Materialization of Biomass Nippon

(1) General aspects on the Promotion of Biomass Utilization

1) Maturing of the nation's understanding

2) Designing the comprehensive system

3) Local ingenuity

4) Clear definitions of the roles taken by various parties, and discussions among them

5) Development of competition conditions aiming at the promotion of biomass utilization

6) Consideration of global perspectives

●　To establish a Biomass Information Headquarters, which works as the central base for information.

●　To establish the "Biomass Japan Comprehensive Strategy Promotion Council" in order to facilitate a solid promotion of the relevant strategies.

●　To study new laws needed for promoting the Biomass Nippon Strategy.

●　To undertake research and development for designing a social system in which an efficient utilization of biomass is encouraged, and to conduct a demonstration test for the envisioned outcomes.

●　To implement a comprehensive package of measures in model communities under a coordinated program headed by relevant government offices.

●　To undertake steps towards the evaluation of possible merits and demerits of their introduction into Japan, taking into account Japan's situation, in an attempt to establish new competition conditions for bio diesel fuels.

(2) Strategies for the Production, Collection, and Transportation of Biomass

1) An increase in economical efficiency

2) Correction of costliness other than that of economical cost factors

3) Development of an environment needed for the production of biomass

●　To formulate an efficient collection/transportation system for biomass.

●　To explore possible means of expanding the boundaries of the recycling qualification of waste biomass which shall meet certain requirements; for example, the biomass should not decompose so easily.

●　To produce biomass efficiently by utilizing special zones for structural reform.

(3) Strategies for Conversion of Biomass

1) Improvement of commercial efficiency

2) Development of innovative conversion technologies, and establishment of technological coordination with other fields

3) Correction of costliness other than of economic factors

●　To develop conversion technologies, and promote their application

●　To support the establishment of a model facility.

●　To explore any possible means to simplify the entire approval procedure required for the installation of waste treatment facilities intended for handling biomass of the same kind in terms of its properties.

(4) Strategies for the Use of Biomass after its Conversion

1) Creation and expansion of demand

2) Activation of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as the rural communities involved in these activities

3) Establishment of an environment needed for the use of biomass

●　To investigate a handling procedure to be applied to biomass-derived plastic materials as specific procurement items covered by the Green Purchasing Law.

●　To arrange matters so that power generation from biomass can be handled in the same manner as other kinds of new energy under the New Energy Law.

●　To promote the kind of agriculture which is oriented toward environment conservation

●　To facilitate power supply by means of locally distributed power sources, including biomass power generation.

●　To undertake quality evaluation of biomass-derived automotive fuels, assess their safety and environmental performance, and conduct driving tests on those fuels as well as evaluate the merits and demerits of their introduction into Japan in view of Japan's situation.