Start of vegetation tests and wood pelletization tests for plants for biomass power generation that can be co-combusted with coal - Cultivation of sorghum for biomass power generation fuel using idle land at the Ensham coal mine in Queensland, Australia -

This project will cultivate sorghum, which will be used as fuel for biomass power generation. It is suitable for growing in the area where rainfall is low, and by July it was confirmed that it was growing well and was harvested. We are currently conducting tests to turn sorghum into wood pellets, and are planning to test the torrefaction of wood pellets (black pellets) in the second half of 2020. Black pellets, which are made by torrefying wood pellets, have better water resistance and crushability than conventional wood pellets, and can be handled in the same way as coal, so they can be expected to reduce CO₂ emissions in coal-fired power generation.

This project has received a grant of A$20,000 from the Queensland government, as it has the potential to become a large-scale commercial export base for biomass power generation fuel in addition to a coal export base.

In light of the changes in the energy environment, we will contribute to Japan's energy security and promote the spread of renewable energy by diversifying energy sources and creating the best mix.