Potential Utilization of Forest Biomass as an Option for Carbon Emission Reduction

Abstract

This research focused on the role of forest biomass power generation as a new alternative source of bioenergy replacing the utilization of high CO2 emitting fossil fuel and natural gas. Hyogo prefecture is chosen as a case study. According to Japan’s "the forest and the forestry master plan", forest resources should be managed for maximum growth as a means to sequester atmospheric carbon, and forest biomass should be utilized as an option for carbon emission reduction. This paper aims at estimating forest biomass and its potential utilization as source of bioenergy in Hyogo prefecture. Data of forest production from natural and plantation forests in Hyogo from 1971 to 2003 were analyzed. Forest biomass is classified to onsite and offsite biomass. Onsite biomass includes branches, foliages and stumps, while offsite biomass includes industrial waste wood. Energy generation using onsite and offsite biomass as source is estimated. Lastly, this research estimates carbon emissions resulting from energy generation under two scenarios. Potential carbon reduction during the first commitment period between 2008 and 2012 of the Kyoto protocol was conducted. Additionally, a case study of bioenergy in a local company in Hyogo was conducted. Our results suggest that Hyogo prefecture could potentially reduce its emissions about 356,000 to 726,000 ton CO2 during the first commitment period depending on chosen management scenarios. This potential emission reduction accounts for 5.4 to 11.0% of the prefecture’s commitment reduction. This paper is concluded by providing a framework for possible utilization of forest biomass as an option for carbon emissions reduction in Hyogo prefecture.