Removing the Bottleneck on Wind Power Potential to Create Liquid Fuels from Locally Available Biomass

Abraham Castro Garcia, Shuo Cheng and Jeffrey S. Cross
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Abraham Castro Garcia: Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 S6-10, Ooka-yama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
Shuo Cheng: Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 S6-10, Ooka-yama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
Jeffrey S. Cross: Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 S6-10, Ooka-yama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-12

Abstract: In order to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy technologies such as wind power and solar photovoltaic power systems have recently become more widespread. However, Japan as a nation faces high reliance on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation despite having great potential for further renewable energy development. The focus of this study examines untapped geographical locations in Japan’s northern most prefecture, Hokkaido, that possess large wind power potential. The possibility of exploiting this potential for the purpose of producing green hydrogen is explored. In particular, its integration with a year-round conversion of Kraft lignin into bio-oil from nearby paper pulp mills through a near critical water depolymerization process is examined. The proposed bio-oil and aromatic chemical production, as well as the process’ economics are calculated based upon the total available Kraft lignin in Hokkaido, including the magnitude of wind power capacity that would be required for producing the necessary hydrogen for such a large-scale process. Green hydrogen integration with other processes in Japan and in other regions is also discussed. Finally, the potential benefits and challenges are outlined from an energy policy point-of-view.

Keywords: green hydrogen; biofuel; kraft lignin; wind power; Japan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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