Actual State of Generation and Utilization of Combustion Ash Associated with Energy Use of Woody Biomass.

Case in Hokkaido

Abstract

A mail questionnaire survey was conducted on the amount and utilization of combustion ash generated from woody biomass in Hokkaido. This survey targeted business entities that had combustion equipment using woody biomass fuel and used the obtained energy for their own use or for sale. A total of 85 business entities provided valid responses. The amount of ash generated per business entity was generally large in the paper manufacturing and power plant/heat supply industries, and the smallest in public institutions. That was moderate in wood-related and other industries. The rate of business entities using ash was high in the paper manufacturing and power plant/heat supply industries and relatively low in the others. Applications of ash included fertilizers, compost, soil improvement materials, snow melting materials, civil engineering materials, and raw materials for recycling. The usage patterns of ash were broadly classified as follows: 1) use of unprocessed ash by themselves or others as fertilizer etc., 2) use of processed ash products by themselves or others for civil engineering, and 3) use by recyclers. We also clarified the awareness of business entities and the issues regarding the use of ash.