biogas utilization and biomass thermal conversion. Biomass energy utilization in
developed countries has mainly focused on conversion of biomass into electricity
and transport or as a combustible fuel. In Japan, the Biomass Comprehensive
Strategy was released in 2006, combining the aims of mitigating global climate
change and creating a recycling-based society. Japan is developing biomass utilization systems considering regional differences in biomass resources (such as lignocellulose, high-humidity biomass, municipal waste, and mixed wet and dry waste) in
order to expand the share of biomass in its energy system. The South Korean
government has formulated a renewable fuel standard (RFS) system, blending
biofuels in gasoline. Energy conversion of domestic waste has also developed
rapidly. For instance, Pohang Construction Co., Ltd., has launched a project using
solid waste as fuel to generate electricity for more than 40,000 households in Busan.
Marine Power Generation
Technological development of marine energy power generation is promoted mainly
in Europe (especially the United Kingdom) and the United States; development in
Asia lags. There are five stages of marine energy technology development: concept
studies on land (stage 1), design verification and tank test (stage 2), small-scale
prototype machine test (stage 3), large-scale prototype machine field test (stage 4),
and multiple full-scale machines arranged for an array project (stage 5). These stages
are a model case for advancing technology development toward practical application
(NEDO 2012). China, Japan, and South Korea are at stages 2–3, which are early
stages of development. In order to promote practical use of this resource, essential
technologies must be developed at an early stage before proceeding to demonstration
tests of small-scale prototypes and full-scale arrays in field conditions.
19.3.3.2 Renewable Energy Industries in China, Japan,
and South Korea
Many countries choose to develop renewable energy sectors in a specific narrow
range based on analysis of renewable resources, development capacity, and other
constraints. China, Japan, and South Korea are all developing renewable energy
generation differently; China has advantages in solar energy, Japan in biomass
energy, and South Korea in tidal energy. The relative advantages in different sectors
provide the potential for technological cooperation.
Regarding manufacturing and production, there has been a marked global shift
from Europe and North America to East Asia and especially to China. In 2018, 70%
of the world’s solar panels, 58% of polycrystalline silicon solar batteries, and 40% of
all wind turbines were produced in China. Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi
and Sumitomo are also significant producers in wind, solar PV, and biomass sectors.
Japanese firms dominate global technology patent registrations. South Korea has a
relatively large number of intellectual property rights in the solar, new energy
19 Potential for Cooperation Among China, Japan, and South Korea in Renewable. . .
351
developed countries has mainly focused on conversion of biomass into electricity
and transport or as a combustible fuel. In Japan, the Biomass Comprehensive
Strategy was released in 2006, combining the aims of mitigating global climate
change and creating a recycling-based society. Japan is developing biomass utilization systems considering regional differences in biomass resources (such as lignocellulose, high-humidity biomass, municipal waste, and mixed wet and dry waste) in
order to expand the share of biomass in its energy system. The South Korean
government has formulated a renewable fuel standard (RFS) system, blending
biofuels in gasoline. Energy conversion of domestic waste has also developed
rapidly. For instance, Pohang Construction Co., Ltd., has launched a project using
solid waste as fuel to generate electricity for more than 40,000 households in Busan.
Marine Power Generation
Technological development of marine energy power generation is promoted mainly
in Europe (especially the United Kingdom) and the United States; development in
Asia lags. There are five stages of marine energy technology development: concept
studies on land (stage 1), design verification and tank test (stage 2), small-scale
prototype machine test (stage 3), large-scale prototype machine field test (stage 4),
and multiple full-scale machines arranged for an array project (stage 5). These stages
are a model case for advancing technology development toward practical application
(NEDO 2012). China, Japan, and South Korea are at stages 2–3, which are early
stages of development. In order to promote practical use of this resource, essential
technologies must be developed at an early stage before proceeding to demonstration
tests of small-scale prototypes and full-scale arrays in field conditions.
19.3.3.2 Renewable Energy Industries in China, Japan,
and South Korea
Many countries choose to develop renewable energy sectors in a specific narrow
range based on analysis of renewable resources, development capacity, and other
constraints. China, Japan, and South Korea are all developing renewable energy
generation differently; China has advantages in solar energy, Japan in biomass
energy, and South Korea in tidal energy. The relative advantages in different sectors
provide the potential for technological cooperation.
Regarding manufacturing and production, there has been a marked global shift
from Europe and North America to East Asia and especially to China. In 2018, 70%
of the world’s solar panels, 58% of polycrystalline silicon solar batteries, and 40% of
all wind turbines were produced in China. Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi
and Sumitomo are also significant producers in wind, solar PV, and biomass sectors.
Japanese firms dominate global technology patent registrations. South Korea has a
relatively large number of intellectual property rights in the solar, new energy
19 Potential for Cooperation Among China, Japan, and South Korea in Renewable. . .
351