マリンバイオマス(<特集>海洋エネルギー・資源の最前線)

概要

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This paper surveyed technology for utilizing the energy of marine biomass. Recently there has been a sudden rise in societal interest in technologies for utilizing the energy in marine biomass, and active efforts are being made to develop technology using a variety of approaches. Marine biomass includes large seaweed, microalgae and marine product wastes, but the information here focuses on technology development for the first two. There are a variety of technologies for converting marine biomass to energy: "direct combustion" such as conversion to solid fuel; "thermochemical conversion" such as gasification via thermolysis; and "biochemical conversion" using biofunctions such as methane or alcohol fermentation. This survey discussed previous efforts, the current situation and future issues regarding these biomass types and technologies. Research on technologies for utilizing marine biomass has about a 40 year history, and research was active prior to 2000 in Japan as well as in Europe and the U.S. The authors believe that the results and clarification of issues achieved during that period will be crucial for accelerating technology development in the future. Regarding the field of ocean energy more generally, this paper went beyond the use of biomass to discuss the important contribution to be made by the field of marine biology in achieving practical application of ocean energy technologies.
2009-07-20