In recent years, concerns about global warming and fossil fuel depletion have led to increased interest in environmentally friendly energy sources. Among them, biomass energy is attracting attention. Biomass refers to renewable organic matter derived from living organisms. Wood biomass, in particular, which uses wood as fuel, is one of the most long-standing environmentally friendly energy sources used by humans.

Wakayama Prefecture is actively utilizing wood biomass. Lumber mills use wood byproducts as a heat source, while wood biomass fuel is used for heating in hot spring facilities and private homes. By doing so, they are reducing fossil fuel use, contributing to the prevention of global warming, and helping to build a circular economy.

The use of wood biomass not only contributes to environmental protection but also helps revitalize local industries and forestry. For example, Wakayama Prefecture has installed boilers that use wood powder or wood chips produced from local forests in cooperation with the forestry cooperative. This has enabled the recycling of local wood resources and created jobs related to forestry.

The advantages of utilizing wood biomass do not end there. Compared to fossil fuels, it emits less carbon dioxide, and it can contribute to waste reduction and energy independence. Moreover, as a renewable resource, it can be used as a sustainable energy source.

However, there are also challenges to utilizing wood biomass energy. Cost and efficiency issues, securing a stable fuel supply, and infrastructure construction such as power plant construction are major challenges. To address these issues, multifaceted efforts are needed, including government policy support, technological development, and regulatory reform.

Wakayama Prefecture operates various subsidy programs to promote the spread of wood biomass energy. For example, there is a program that provides support for log transportation costs and interest on loan purchases for wood biomass power generation businesses. Through this, they are reducing the financial burden on businesses and promoting the growth of the wood biomass energy industry.

To address the climate change problem caused by global warming, we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and expand the use of environmentally friendly energy sources. Wood biomass is attracting attention as one of the solutions, and it is time for the government, local governments, businesses, and citizens to work together to promote its use and spread.