CLIMATE · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Japan's Biomass Power Plants Face Safety Concerns Amid Accidents
WHY IT MATTERS
The safety concerns surrounding Japan's biomass power plants raise questions about the future of large-scale biomass plants and the country's decarbonization efforts.
What happened
Japan has been expanding the use of woody biomass for power generation, but concerns over safety have grown due to a spate of accidents at biomass power plants.
At least 14 fires, explosions, and accidents have occurred in the past few years, leading to opposition and calls for stricter regulations.
The government is being urged to prioritize the safety of nearby residents and operators to formulate business plans that take into account the risks.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Concerns grow over ‘green’ biomass power in Japan after spate of accidents
Mongabay · Philip Jacobson · Discovery and factual synthesis only; publisher copyright terms apply