The role of biomass energy in a 100% renewable energy system for Akita prefecture, Japan

Abstract

This study aims to add the biomass power to the 100% renewable energy system for Akita prefecture in the previous study, and to analyze the energy cost and availability of each facility. It was assumed that the onshore wind power potential would be installed, and the target area was decarbonized. The heat and transportation demand were supplied using renewable electricity and carbon free hydrogen. Hourly renewable energies and electricity demand were analyzed, and the surplus electricity amount was estimated. As the electricity demand cannot meet renewable energy, the shortage was supplied by battery. Three scenarios were considered such as “no biomass” scenario that the biomass power was not installed, “supply shortage” scenario that the biomass power operated when the electricity demand could not meet other renewable energy, and “baseload” scenario that the biomass power operated stable. As a result, although installed biomass power capacity was much smaller than installed wind power, the biomass power reduced the required battery capacity and increased its availability. The energy costs of all demand sector in “baseload” scenario were smaller than “no biomass” scenario.