Kirk here. A facility is being built in Yatsushiro to derive energy from woody b…

Kirk here. A facility is being built in Yatsushiro to derive energy from woody biomass (not to be confused with facilities intending to produce energy from Woody’s biomass ;) ).

First of all, a quick definition of woody biomass:

— start quote — Woody biomass is biomass derived from trees. It can be classified into construction scrap wood, sawmill residues, and forest residues (such as branches and leaves shed in the mountains). — end quote —

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/woody-biomass

I became aware of this project through the following article:

— start quote — Nippon Paper also operates the 149MW Ishinomaki Hibarino biomass power plant in northeast Japan’s Miyagi prefecture and the 6MW Yatsushiro biomass power plant in south Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture. — end quote —

https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/2416025-japans-yufutsu-biomass-power-plant-starts-operations

However, the “operates” statement seems to be inaccurate in regard to the Yatsushiro plant, as it is not scheduled to start to function until 2024:

— start quote — The Project Company will construct and operate “Yatsushiro Biomass Power Plant,” a wood-burning biomass power plant that will generate 75 MW and aims to commence operation in June 2024. — end quote —

https://www.chuden.co.jp/english/corporate/releases/pressreleases/1206271_5163.html

Woody biomass has its promoters and detractors:

— start quote — Energy from woody biomass can be very positive for the climate, particularly when applying sustainable forest management practices, and when the biomass is used efficiently. — end quote —

https://www.ieabioenergy.com/iea-publications/faq/woodybiomass/

— start quote — Current biomass policy frameworks are not fit for purpose and require substantial changes to ensure they contribute to mitigating climate change rather than exacerbating it. — end quote —

https://www.chathamhouse.org/2017/02/woody-biomass-power-and-heat Woody Biomass - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics SCIENCEDIRECT.COM Woody Biomass - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics Woody biomass particles also display anisotropic behavior where physical properties depend on whether they are measured along, across, or tangential to the grain of the wood.