Japan: Biofuels Annual
Japan’s current renewable energy policy focuses on generating power from solar, wind, biomass and geothermal sources. Japanese imports of wood pellets for thermal power generation reached a record 347 thousand metric tons in 2016, and are expected to increase further in the coming years. For biofuels, the Government of Japan (GOJ) plans to maintain its 500 million liter (crude oil equivalent) mandate until, at least, 2022. Additionally, the GOJ continues to assess alternative sources for fuel ethanol, and U.S. corn ethanol may be designated as an eligible source under Japan’s sustainability policy – a decision that is expected by year’s end.
