A coalition of 33 organisations and nearly 20,000 individuals have called on Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to reform its renewable energy support system, specifically the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program, concerning wood biomass. A letter from Mighty Earth and GEF, along with a petition organised by the HUTAN group, were delivered to METI on February 11, 2025, reports Mighty Earth.
The groups expressed alarm over the lack of restrictions on imported wood used as fuel in Japan’s biomass power plants. They argue that the current FIT program allows for the import and burning of wood that may be contributing to deforestation, air pollution, and harm to local communities. The rapid expansion of the North American wood biomass industry has heightened these concerns.
The organisations are asking METI to adopt stricter standards for imported wood biomass used in power generation. Specifically, they want METI to:
Ban wood imports from primary and natural forests: They are calling for biomass power generators to prove that their imported wood, including unused wood, waste wood, and sawmill residue, does not originate from these forests. This is to prevent the destruction of these valuable ecosystems and their conversion to plantations.
Ban wood imports linked to air pollution and community harm: The groups want a ban on wood fuel that is associated with air pollution at processing plants (violating laws like the US Clean Air Act) or that harms communities. They emphasise that sustainability certifications should not be considered proof of legal or sustainable practices.
Require full lifecycle emissions accounting: Companies should be required to accurately measure and report all carbon dioxide emissions from the entire lifecycle of biomass power generation, following established accounting standards.
Establish enforcement mechanisms: Clear rules and penalties are needed to address illegal activities and ensure companies comply with the new regulations.
Apply standards to all wood biomass use: These stricter rules should cover all imported wood biomass, not just that used under the FIT program, but also wood used for other purposes like coal co-firing and industrial boilers.
Apply standards to existing and new power plants: Both existing and any new or expanded biomass power plants should be subject to these regulations.
The groups argue that these changes are vital to ensure that Japan’s biomass energy policies truly support sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
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