Abstract
In Japan, most of the biomass currently being used or planned to be used in future, is classified as waste biomass. As it does not incur any environmental load for production, waste biomass holds the advantage not only for profits but also in the life cycle analysis (LCA). It is, however, necessary to take into consideration productivity and added value, including the use of high-energy efficiency (superior economically) and excessive environmental loads so that it does not suffer in the areas of processing and transportation. Regarding sustainability, indicators for biomass are being discussed globally in recent years. Although there are various problems including economics, gaining acceptance from local residents, and rearranging/establishment of regulations, use of waste biomass (including recycled oil and municipal waste) is expected to come into effect in order to make communities more sustainable. Its promotion will be vital in the future once the various bottlenecks are smoothed out.
