This paper presents the result of analyzing the effects of carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and storage systems (CCS) combining with coal bed methane (CBM) utilization on energy systems of China up to 2050 by using GOAL model. The model is a linear programming optimal method, which covers the whole energy systems of seven Asian countries from mining, transportation, and conversion to final demand. The authors assume seven-scenarios which consist of a Base scenario and six CO₂ reduction scenarios of with CCS and without CCS with 10%, 20%, and 30% reduction of CO₂ emission per capita against the level of Base scenario from 2010. Based on the result of the analysis, It is clarified that integrated gasification coal power plant (IGCC) with CCS is the most economic technology among assumed technologies, such as pulverized coal power plant (PC), IGCC and natural gas combined cycle power plant (NGCC), under the constraint of CO₂ emissions in China. In the case of non-CCS, the share of NGCC in 2050 becomes 10%, 50% and 68% in total electricity supply (TES). Introducing CCS can reduce the amount of installation of NGCC and the share of IGCC with CCS in 2050 becomes 7%, 15% and 22% in TES respectively.

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In order to promote production of electricity from renewable energy sources (RES-E), support schemes have been implemented, such as the Renewables Portfolio Standard and green power programs. When people consider and judge costs and benefits associated with those schemes, they need to know the characteristics of RES-E correctly. The objective of this paper is to identify the contents of information to be provided for people to enhance their understanding of RES-E, taking biomass power generation as an example and using a ‘Mental Models Approach’. Following this approach, we conducted open-ended interviews and a questionnaire survey to develop a mental model on biomass power generation. Based on the model, it has been identified that information to be provided should include: a) high generation costs and its main causes such as collection costs of biomass resources; b) sustainable availability of resources, c) the ‘carbon neutral’ concept; d) characteristics of specific power generation technologies, e) no disturbance to food prices in Japan.

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