Current Status of the Biomass Town Concept - 2020s

Current Status of the Biomass Town Concept - 2020s

In the 2020s, the Biomass Town concept has further developed, and initiatives utilizing regional resources have accelerated in municipalities across Japan. Notably, areas such as Taiki Town in Hokkaido and Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture have seen active biomass utilization, balancing regional economic revitalization and reducing environmental impact.

**Case Study in Taiki Town, Hokkaido**
In Taiki Town, a biogas plant that ferments livestock manure continues to operate in the 2020s. In 2023, the plant processed 15,000 tons of manure annually, providing electricity for about 1,500 households. Furthermore, the residue after fermentation is composted and returned to local agriculture, promoting sustainable farming. This project, with technical support from Hitachi Zosen, introduced an efficient methane fermentation process that increased biogas production by 20%.

**Case Study in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture**
In Imabari City, biomass power generation using woody biomass is expanding. Waste materials from local sawmills and wood processing plants are utilized, and by 2024, the plant is expected to supply electricity to approximately 7,000 households by using about 80,000 tons of woody biomass annually. This project, led by Sumitomo Forestry, employs the latest biomass combustion technology. In addition, the power plant's exhaust gases are strictly controlled, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 40% compared to conventional thermal power generation.

**Miyakonojo Biomass Center in Miyazaki Prefecture**
In 2022, the "Miyakonojo Biomass Center" was established in Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture, where biomass power generation using agricultural residues and food waste is underway. The facility processes about 50,000 tons of biomass annually, effectively utilizing regional industrial waste. Mitsubishi Corporation leads this project, with new technology that utilizes methane gas from waste for power generation, and it is expected to achieve a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions.

**Technological Advancements and Corporate Involvement**
In the 2020s, the technological innovations in the Biomass Town concept have been remarkable, with improvements in biomass combustion efficiency and methane fermentation technology. This has led to a 10% increase in energy generation efficiency and a higher recycling rate for waste materials. Companies like Mitsubishi Corporation, Sumitomo Forestry, and Hitachi Zosen are leading the development and introduction of biomass-related technologies, supporting regional projects. With their cooperation, the Biomass Towns are becoming more sustainable, and new municipalities are expected to join the concept.

**Conclusion**
In the 2020s, the Biomass Town concept plays a central role in Japan's energy policy, promoting the effective use of regional resources and renewable energy. Local governments and companies are working together to introduce technologies, accelerating efforts toward building a sustainable society, with further developments expected in the future.