Time to Substitute Wood Bioenergy for Nuclear Power in Japan

Abstract

Damage to the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant by the recent earthquake and tsunami that hit northern Japan should stimulate consideration of alternative sources of energy. In particular, if managed appropriately, the 25.1 million ha of Japanese forests could be an important source of wood biomass for bioenergy production. Here, we discuss policy incentives for substituting wood bioenergy for nuclear power, thereby creating a safer society while better managing the forest resources in Japan.

Keywords

• carbon emissions
• forest management
• forest thinning
• nuclear crisis
• woody biomass