Japan’s Innovative Project: Turning Food Waste into Electricity
Japan has introduced a groundbreaking technology to generate electricity by recycling waste food. JFE Engineering Corporation, in collaboration with JFE Kankyo Corporation, East Japan Railway Company, and JR East Environment Access, has established a new company called “J Bio Food Recycle.” This project, which began in August 2018, focuses on converting food waste into biogas.
How It Works
According to Hajime Oshita, President of JFE Engineering Corporation, the project uses industrial and food wastes from public facilities like station buildings and meat manufacturing plants. The process involves collecting, disposing, and converting waste into power, which is then sold as renewable energy.
Each day, 80 tons of food waste are treated through microbial fermentation. The methane gas produced is used as fuel for power generation. Food waste is crushed, separated, and fermented to create biogas, which is stored in a gas holder for stable power generation.
Future Plans
Satoru Udagawa, Director of J Bio Food Recycle, discussed the project’s future, emphasizing its compact design and efficient methane fermentation process. The project aims to enhance food recycling rates and contribute to a low-carbon society by creating renewable energy.
Doubts Revealed
JFE Engineering Corporation -: JFE Engineering Corporation is a company in Japan that works on engineering projects. They help build things like bridges, buildings, and now, they are working on turning food waste into electricity.
Biogas -: Biogas is a type of gas that is made when food waste or other organic materials break down. It can be used as a source of energy, like electricity, which is what this project in Japan is doing.
Microbial fermentation -: Microbial fermentation is a process where tiny living things called microbes help break down food waste. This process creates biogas, which can be used to make electricity.
Low-carbon society -: A low-carbon society is a community that tries to use less carbon-based fuels like coal and oil. This helps reduce pollution and makes the environment cleaner and healthier.
