Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Energy Self-Sufficiency of Woody Biomass Utilization for Residential Heating: A Case Study of Nishiwaga, Japan

Daisuke Sawauchi^1*, Daisuke Kunii¹, Yasutaka Yamamoto²

¹Policy Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Tokyo, Japan.
²Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/jep.2015.64032                

Abstract

Renewable energy sources, including bioenergy, are presently attracting considerable attention as possible substitutes for fossil fuels. Among the various sources of bioenergy, biomass can arguably play a significant role in the reduction of greenhouse gases and the provision of a stable energy supply. However, the use of fossil fuels continues in the production of bioenergy. Consequently, the overall extent to which biomass utilization for energy can reduce carbon dioxide emissions as a substitute for fossil fuels and whether this can improve the energy self-sufficiency rate remains largely unknown. This study responds to these questions using a case of a Japanese rural community using firewood for residential heating. The results showed that woody biomass utilization for energy is able to both reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. These findings offer new insights into the development of sustainability in rural communities.

Keywords

Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Energy Self-Sufficiency, Woody Biomass, Bioenergy, Residential Heating, Japan

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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