ANALYSIS OF CO₂ EMISSIONS SCENARIO AT THE MUNICIPAL SCALE WITH A FOCUS ON BIOMASS ENERGY: A CASE STUDY OF MANIWA, OKAYAMA, JAPAN

Abstract

 This study identified an energy system that will significantly reduce CO₂ emissions by 2050 in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, through the use of an energy technology selection model. The results of the scenario analysis showed that a 58% reduction from 2015 emission levels would be achievable, even under a no-mitigation scenario, by 2050, and an 85% reduction from 2015 levels would be feasible with the implementation of mitigation measures. The primary mitigation measures selected included the use of local biomass resources in the power generation and industrial sectors, achieving 100% electricity self-sufficiency through solar and biomass power generation and the widespread use of electric vehicles. The study also indicated that CO₂ emissions would remain in the industrial sector if extreme measures, such as converting all fossil fuels in the industrial sector into biomass, were not implemented. To compensate for these residual emissions and achieve regional decarbonization, additional measures, including afforestation and the use of synthetic fuels, should be considered.