Interest in the effective use of unused woody biomass is mounting, from the perspectives of energy security and reducing CO2.

We possess knowledge of multi-energy supply which combines production techniques for bio-oil from woody biomass based on rapid pyrolysis, with gasification and bio-oilification (having reached the stage of practical use thanks to joint research with plant manufacturers). Other knowledge we have concerns distribution and storage of bio-oil according to its properties, and its combustibility. Furthermore, efforts to construct a network for its use, including the ideal for a system for provision of raw materials in cooperation with the forest industry are being implemented through a system of collaboration between industry, academia and the government.

Bio-oil holds promise as an alternative fuel to heavy oil and kerosene. Verification experiments for use in industry are complete and its application as a boiler fuel for professional use is a considered possibility. Development of demonstration projects, that include the supply of raw materials, is now underway, centered in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture. Its possibilities include innovation in the forest industry. In the future, it is expected to be needed as a raw material for chemical products.

Efforts in Japan aimed at liquid biomass fuel tend to emphasize fuels for transport such as bioethanol and BDF. Bio-oilification is a simple process with high recovery rates. Another feature of bio-oilification is its focus on the reuse of heat.

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