Introduction

This time, we will focus on biomass power generation, which is probably less familiar than solar and wind power generation.
Biomass power generation is attracting attention as a form of renewable energy.
In particular, it has been praised for its carbon neutral characteristics and for contributing to the realization of a circular society by utilizing local resources.
Below we explain the basics of biomass power generation, its benefits, challenges, and future prospects.

Why is biomass power generation considered a renewable energy source?

Biomass power generation is a system that generates electricity by burning wood, so some people may have a simple question: can biomass power generation be considered renewable energy? (To be honest, I myself am still not entirely convinced.)
The main reasons why biomass power generation is classified as renewable energy are as follows:

Carbon neutral properties
Biomass is produced from living resources such as plants and animals.
Because plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere during their growth, the CO2 emitted when biomass is burned can theoretically be offset by the amount absorbed by the plants.
For this reason, it does not add new CO2 to the atmosphere like fossil fuels do and is considered carbon neutral.
In addition, sustainable forest management will enable the circular use of biomass resources, which is expected to have a long-term carbon fixation effect.

Renewable Resources
Biomass can be supplied infinitely by reusing biological resources.
For example, deforestation residues, agricultural waste, food waste, and livestock manure can be used as fuel.
This reduces the risk of resource depletion and enables a sustainable energy supply.
Furthermore, it also functions as part of waste treatment, contributing to waste reduction and disposal costs.

Contributing to a recycling-oriented society
Biomass power generation is a power generation method that can simultaneously reduce waste and produce energy by utilizing waste and unused resources as energy.
This will contribute to the efficient use of resources and reducing the environmental impact.
In addition, utilizing by-products of local agriculture and forestry will also help revitalize the local economy.

Basics and types of biomass power generation

Biomass power generation is a system that uses organic resources derived from living organisms to generate electricity. There are three main types of power generation:

Direct combustion method
This method involves directly burning biological resources and using the steam to turn a turbine.

Pyrolysis gasification method
This method involves heating biological resources to produce combustible gases that are then used to power a gas turbine.

Biochemical gasification method
It involves fermenting livestock manure and using the biogas to power a gas turbine.

These technologies provide options for efficient utilization of different types of biomass resources.

Benefits and Opportunities

The main benefits of biomass power generation include:

Carbon Neutral
As plants grow, they absorb CO2, which offsets the CO2 emissions that come from burning the fuel.
In terms of time, I think what will happen is that what first becomes carbon positive will become carbon neutral through combustion.
Additionally, sustainable forest management and waste utilisation can optimise the carbon cycle.

Regional revitalization
It will also promote local production and consumption and contribute to the development of local economies.
In particular, by collaborating with local agriculture and forestry industries, it is possible to build a business model that makes maximum use of local resources.

Stable power generation
While solar and wind power generation are greatly affected by the weather, biomass power generation is less affected by the weather and can be said to be more stable than other renewable energies.
This stability is very important for it to serve as a baseload power source, and biomass power generation is expected to play a role in this area.

Issues and Risk Management

On the other hand, biomass power generation also faces the following challenges:
In relation to this point, we recently posted an article entitled " Changes in Renewable Energy Policy in 2025 and Their Impact - Based on the Procurement Price Calculation Committee's 'Opinions on Procurement Prices etc. from FY2025 onwards'", so please do take a look.

High cost of electricity generation
The cost structure of biomass power generation is heavily dependent on the collection, transportation, storage and maintenance of the fuel.
In particular, collecting biomass fuel from a wide area can increase logistics costs.
Additionally, efficiency varies depending on the quality and moisture content of the fuel, which impacts power generation costs.
In response to this, there will be a demand to build efficient supply chains and develop local production and consumption models that utilize local resources.

Competition for food resources
Some biofuels (e.g. bioethanol and biodiesel) are derived from agricultural crops that can also be used for food, such as corn and soybeans.
This could lead to higher food prices and food supply instability.
To avoid this, it is important to utilize non-edible biomass (for example, woody biomass and agricultural waste).

Dependence on imported fuel
Japan has limited biomass resources that can be supplied in a stable manner, and is therefore dependent on imports from Southeast Asian countries, particularly for wood pellets and palm oil.
As long as we depend on imports, we will inevitably be exposed to exchange rate risks and risks due to policy changes in supplier countries.
To solve this problem, companies need to focus on diversifying their import sources and developing and securing domestic resources.

Possible environmental impact
Although biomass power generation is considered carbon neutral, CO2 is emitted during the combustion process and transportation of the fuel.
Furthermore, when deforestation is involved, the risk of adverse impacts on local ecosystems and biodiversity must also be taken into consideration.

To manage these risks, companies need to secure stable fuel supplies, improve cost efficiency, conduct thorough environmental impact assessments and implement sustainable procurement standards.

Summary and Future Outlook

To popularize biomass power generation, it is essential to overcome technical and economic challenges.
Currently, technological innovation and improved policy support are helping to reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of biomass power generation.
In particular, small-scale distributed power generation that utilizes local resources is attracting attention.
Currently, it is difficult to say that there are many biomass power generation projects moving forward in Japan, but we hope that things will become more active in the future.