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Report
No.241007 |
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- Technology - |
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The University of Tokyo Plays Central Role in Launching Project for Commercialization of Bio-fuel from Rice Plant A study group at the Graduate School of the University of Tokyo launched "'Ine-Ine (or paddy-energy)' Nihon Project" on May 30. The project aims to commercialize the production of bio-fuel made out of whole rice plant. Industry and academic circles, government and NPOs will work together in conducting activities from rice production to sale of vehicle fuel so as to demonstrate its commercial viability. The group will invite participation from farms, agricultural co-operatives, industry circles, local governments and non-profit organizations (NPOs). The project is a part of the events commemorating the 130th anniversary of the University of Tokyo. The study group is a mainstay of the project that is composed of professors and postgraduate students as well as researchers for companies. The group has worked to solve issues in the use of biomass (resources of biological origin) on a cross-disciplinary basis, including rice production technology to fermentation technology as well as agricultural economy. Prof. Shigenori Morita at Graduate School of the University of Tokyo, a leader of the project, explained why they made fuel from rice plants, saying that rice were more suitable than sugarcanes or corns when producing (fuel crops) across Japan. With the increase in abandoned farmland and in area of lands under the policy of production adjustment of rice, "Many farmers want to produce rice even not for human consumption. Rice Plants allow the fuel crop production without competition with foods," he said. The project pushes forward a mechanism for production and sale of bio-ethanol made out of rice plants that also ensures income of producers, calling it "Japanese style biomass system". Its vision contains the support for land conservation, rural area promotion and improvement of energy self-sufficiency ratio. For the time being, it conducts technology development and research as well as educational activities while working to create an organization under the cooperation among industry and academic circles, government and NPOs. Building on this, the project plans to construct a plant toward the realization of the practical use. |
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