Ogawa Town, a Breath of Biogas and Circulation - December 2003 - March 2025

Ogawa Town, a Breath of Biogas and Circulation - December 2003 - March 2025

Biogas Project in Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture - December 2003

In the town of Ogawa, Saitama Prefecture, a biogas project is being developed with citizen participation. In this project, local livestock farmers are attempting to generate methane gas from livestock manure and use it as an alternative energy source to propane gas for fuel. For small-scale livestock farmers, utilizing livestock manure as an energy resource, which was previously disposed of as waste, is expected to reduce disposal costs and increase energy self-sufficiency.

The unique feature of this project is that it utilizes a relatively small-scale system that can effectively utilize biogas while reducing installation costs. Local farmers and environmental activists are cooperating to promote the project and are considering using the biogas not only for energy supply but also as liquid fertilizer. Educational activities are also being conducted to promote the spread of biogas with the aim of building a recycling-oriented society within the region.

In Japan, the introduction of a large-scale biogas plant requires an expensive investment, but the possibility of establishing a sustainable energy system is enhanced by the introduction of small-scale, community-based facilities such as the one in Ogawa-machi. It is expected that such efforts will continue to spread throughout Japan, leading to further progress in the use of renewable energy.

Current Status of Biogas Project in Ogawa-machi, Saitama Prefecture - March 2025

In Ogawa-machi, Saitama Prefecture, recycling-oriented organic farming based on biogas technology utilizing unused local organic matter is being promoted. In particular, cultivation without the use of chemical fertilizers using methane fermentation bio-liquid fertilizer and green manure/compost is being practiced, and is highly regarded as a sustainable agricultural model within the region. Mamoru Kuwabara, the pioneer of this initiative, was awarded the grand prize of the "Saitama Agricultural Ecology Award 2024" on March 13, 2025 in recognition of his achievements.

In addition, in April 2022, Ogawa Town changed its method of disposing of its refuse from incineration to dry methane fermentation. In this method, biomass resources such as food waste and paper waste are fermented by methane bacteria, and the gas produced is used as fuel for power generation. This is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, thereby reducing the environmental burden.

In addition, Ogawa-cho is actively promoting the spread of organic farming and the use of natural energy, and is attracting attention nationwide as a model case for sustainable community development.

Related Information
- Announcement of winners of "2024 Saitama Agricultural Ecology Award" (Saitama Prefectural Government official website)
- Introduction of dry methane fermentation process in Ogawa Town (Ogawa Town official website)
- Ministry of the Environment's Organic Agriculture Support Report (Ministry of the Environment's official website)