On the Doubtful Validity of Bio-ethanol as an Environmental Measures: Can CO2 be reduced by this Method?

The purpose of this study was to conduct a quantitative assessment of the CO2-reducing effects of bio-ethanol in its lifecycle, including CO2 emissions generated in the process of ethanol production, and examine its efficacy as an environmental measure. In the study, the significance of the Biomass Nippon Strategy, which has been implemented by the Japanese government, as well as the feasibility and economic efficiency of its plan were also discussed. Although the government has set the revitalization of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, including farming, mountain, and fishing villages as a goal for the Biomass Nippon Strategy, the results of the study, judging from the amount of the subsidy, suggest that the domestic production of ethanol using fallow fields only increases the financial burden on Japanese taxpayers rather than revitalizing the agriculture industry. The results indicate that an emphasis should be placed on the expansion of food production to revitalize the agricultural sector, instead of providing financial support for an ineffective reduction project. If burning by-products from the production of ethanol generates energy, it will increase the rate of CO2 reduction. However, the domestic production of ethanol and its use proposed in the government's plan are expected to have only limited CO2-reducing effects.