biomass power generation

Initiatives for biomass fuel

A system that promotes forest circulation through the use of domestic timber

Approximately 70% of Japan's land area (37.8 million hectares) is forest, but the utilization of thinned wood that is left unused has been a long-standing issue. Additionally, more than half of Japan's artificial forests are over 50 years old, and if these trees are not cared for, there is a risk of landslides caused by typhoons and other events.
Our company is working on using domestically produced thinned wood and lumber scraps as fuel for biomass power generation. We will contribute to the creation of sustainable forests and the promotion of forestry with consideration for environmental conservation, as well as the cyclical use of domestic forest Resources.

The Idemitsu Kosan Group constructs and operates biomass power generation projects using former Refinery sites. In addition to developing power plants on our own, we also develop power plants in collaboration with other companies.

Power plants operated by our group

Keihin Biomass Power Plant

This power plant was constructed on part of the site of the Keihin Refinery Ogimachi Plant, which closed in 2011. In addition to being able to utilize the infrastructure of a former Refinery and nearby port facilities, it has the advantage of being close to a large consumption area. This is a power plant that uses only wood-based fuel such as palm shells.

Tokuyama biomass power plant

This power plant was constructed on part of the site of Refinery (currently Tokuyama Complex), which closed in 2014. For the time being, we will continue to use imported wood pellets and palm shells, but in the medium to long term, we will use domestically produced thinned wood and lumber scraps to create a sustainable forest that is environmentally friendly. We aim to promote forestry and build and develop a regional circular economy.
Towards the use of domestically produced timber, we are participating as a member of the Shunan City Woody Biomass Materials Utilization Promotion Council, which was established with the aim of local production of energy for local consumption and restoration of the forestry industry. Taking advantage of the characteristics of Shunan City, which has both abundant forest Resources and biomass power generation facilities, we will promote the use of domestically produced woody biomass materials through demonstration experiments of biomass production using fast-growing trees. In December 2022, we planted fast-growing trees in Shunan City.

Power plants operated in collaboration with other companies

Tosa Power Plant

It is operated by Tosa Green Power Co., Ltd., a wood biomass power generation company funded by our company, Tosaden Kotsu Co., Ltd., and the Kochi Prefecture Forestry Cooperative Federation. This power plant is Japan's first power plant that exclusively burns 100% unused materials and performs integrated operations from crushing and drying to power generation. We take the environment into account by controlling noise and odors and creating green areas.

Ohno Power Plant

Our company, Kobe Steel Group member Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd., the local kuzuryu Forestry Association, and New Chip Transport Co., Ltd. are investing in the project. Adjacent to the power plant, the Forestry Association's wood storage yard and chip manufacturing facility are also in operation, providing an integrated system from wood storage to power generation.