On April 16, 2010,Japanese Government (Ministry of the Environment) announced the fixed value of CO2 Emission in 2008. In 2008, Japanese CO2 emission was 1.214 billion ton; this value was emission increase of 6.1% compared with the 1990 in the standard year of Kyoto Protocol. Under “New Strategy Plan for Growth” done by cabinet decision at the end of 2009, Japan has a goal of reducing emissions to 25% below 1900 levels by 2020. Table shows CO2 emission in FY 1990,FY2010,and goal by 2020.

The CO2 emission from transportation sector such as vehicles / ships was 235 million ton; 19% of the total. Compared with the 1990 result, CO2 emission increased 18 million ton(8.3%) , and exceeded total 6.1%.

The CO2 emission from transportation sector is caused by gasoline and light oil from petroleum.CO2 emission reduction is enabled by use biofuel in substitution for fossil fuel. Biofuel emits no CO2 by combustion because of Carbon neutral, but CO2 is emitted by cultivation and production of biomass.

Furthermore, biomass is used for energy generation such as electricity as well as biofuel ,hence more efficient biomass utilization is expected.
From this, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced in March, 2010, that “Biofuel has availability as an anti-warming measure, when CO2 emission by biofuel combustion is less than 50% of CO2 emission by gasoline (81.7g-CO2 /MJ) combustion.”

Biofuel can be used as fuel by itself as well as mix with gasoline and light oil; in addition it is relatively easy to use biofuel for existing internal-combustion engine; and existing circulation infrastructure can utilize for biofuel transportation. Biomass has recognized as measures to prevent global warming.

Table CO2 Emission in Japan (FY1990,FY2008,FY2020 : Unit million ton)

Sector		FY 1990	FY 2008	FY 2020
Energetic Origin	Industry (Works)	482	419
	Transport (Vehicles, Ships)	217	235
	Business (Commerce·Service·Office)	164	235
	Home	127	171
	Energy Conversion (Power Station)	67.9	78.2
Non Energetic Origin	Industrial Process	62.3	50.3
	Waste (Incineration)	22.7	25.9
	Leak from Fuel	0.04	0.04
Total		1,144	1,214	858

 

Fig. CO2 Emission in Japan (FY 2008)

Fig CO2 Emission in Sector (FY 1990, FY 2008)

 

Cf:
Ministry of the Environment press release (April, 2010： CO2 emission in 2008 was fixed), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry press release (March, 2010： Study meeting “Sustainability Standards of Biofuel Utilization”)