Abstract
We evaluated the efficiency of biomass utilization in Shiso, Hyogo Prefecture, a designated “biomass town”. The biomass town scheme has been implemented only in this single municipality, and not many regions have achieved efficient utilization of biomass. Therefore, we investigated the current situation and use of the scheme both within Shiso and over a wider area incorporating neighboring municipalities. We then applied the Diagnostic Evaluation Model for Biomass Circulation (Morimoto et al., 2009) to each of these cases, estimated the economic efficiency and environmental impact (greenhouse gas emissions), and defined the problems faced and the potential benefits to Shiso and the surrounding area.
