Wood Pellets Draw Attention as New Bioenergy Fuel

Kuzumaki Forestry & Co. in Kuzumaki Town, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, is now producing wood pellets - solid granules of wood fuel - derived from bark, wood waste generated in timber processing, or wood produced through thinning forests as a part of forest management. These formerly discarded wood materials are now attracting attention as a useful energy source.

The pellets are cylindrical granules 15 millimeters in length and 6 millimeters in diameter. They are low in water content and thus easy to ignite. Because of their granular structure, they are also easy to store and transport using automated equipment. Since wood pellets contain less sulfur than petroleum, wood pellet fuel is cleaner and its ashes can be used as an agricultural fertilizer. Wood pellets will be available as long as forests are properly managed.

Kuzumaki Forestry collects logs from forests within a 50-kilometer radius of its plant. The company plans to use these forest resources as a local energy source while promoting healthy forest management in the region.

Iwate Prefecture is blessed with vast forests, and is now focusing on the wood pellet market as opposed to the sluggish timber market as a way of promoting wise use of forests. The prefecture is also committed to developing and manufacturing a pellet stove using Nambu iron, a special production of this district, although most pellet stoves in Japan are currently imported. It aims to make the best use of local resources and industries to supply energy to the region.



Posted: 2004/12/10 09:38:41 PM
Japanese version