Morisora Biorefinery LLC
Background
Background of the Morisora Project
Harnessing the power of the forest for the power of flight.
While Japan's forest resources are increasing,
As the number of aging trees increases, the growth in carbon sequestration slows down, creating a situation where we cannot fully utilize the "power of the forest."
The Morisora Project aims to promote forest cycles by effectively utilizing domestically produced timber in a sustainable manner.
For Japan, which relies heavily on imports for its energy, creating a system of local production for local consumption using domestic resources is crucial. Japan is rich in forest resources. In this context, bio-manufacturing technologies that utilize forest resources are gaining attention, as seen in the formulation of the Bioeconomy Strategy. By connecting production, supply, and utilization through a domestic supply chain, we aim to contribute to the revitalization of regional economies and job creation, while also striving for a sustainable society from the perspective of resource security.
To decarbonize the aviation sector, the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is advancing. As technological development progresses to utilize ethanol as a feedstock for SAF, Project MORISORA aims to supply non-edible bioethanol derived from domestic timber, transforming the "power of forests into the power of flight." Through the establishment of a domestic supply chain, we will strive to balance stable supply with environmental value, contributing to the creation of a sustainable future.
The Morisora Project will address these issues.
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Features
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Utilizing wood in a cascading manner, without wasting any.
We primarily utilize offcuts and sawmill waste generated during the process of manufacturing building materials from coniferous tree logs.
This will be part of the "cascading use of wood" initiative.
By utilizing resources to their fullest extent, we achieve both the effective use of forest resources and a reduction in environmental impact.
Local production and consumption for regional revitalization
Beyond simply utilizing timber, we will promote collaboration with "Elite Trees" for reforestation after use. These trees grow faster than conventional species, sequester over 1.5 times more CO2, and produce less than half the pollen. By doing so, we will improve the efficiency of forestry management and create a cycle of resources and value, thereby supporting regional revitalization and sustainable decarbonization from the local level.
The power of the paper and pulp industry ×
Integration of bio-manufacturing technologies
We will accelerate the implementation of biorefineries by combining the large-scale production capabilities cultivated by the paper industry—such as timber procurement, collection, pulping, manufacturing, and quality control—with the bio-manufacturing technologies of bio-ventures. By utilizing woody resources in a multifaceted manner, including the use of black liquor generated during the manufacturing process, we will advance bio-manufacturing with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) perspectives in mind.
From Forest Bioethanol
Providing domestically produced bioethanol and CO2 recycling
Morisora Project's "Purely Domestic Bioethanol" is made from wood chips from the Tohoku region and has a low CI (carbon intensity) and
It is characterized by being a bioethanol (E2G) derived from non-edible raw materials. By using wood chips produced in the surrounding area,
This reduces CO2 emissions generated by transportation.
Furthermore, by using carbon-neutral energy obtained from lignin, a component of woody biomass,
This will significantly reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and contribute to the realization of a sustainable, decarbonized society.
The ethanol produced is used not only for SAF (Sustainable Aerosol Air) applications, but also for direct gasoline blending, fuel cell applications, cosmetics, and as a chemical raw material.
It is expected to be used in a wide range of applications.
Mori Sora Project PV
Project
About Morisora Project and Morisora Biorefinery LLC
Project MORISORA: "From Forest to Sky" — Transforming the power of forests into the power of flight. Starting with domestic timber, we aim to supply 100% domestically produced, non-edible bioethanol, a key raw material for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
In Japan, the aging of trees is a growing issue, as mature forests experience a decline in their ability to sequester CO2. By properly utilizing these woody resources and creating a cycle of reforestation and forest management, this project aims to maintain forest health, support local employment and industries, and ultimately contribute to a decarbonized society.
Through the sustainable circulation of forest resources and the establishment of a domestic supply chain, Project MORISORA is committed to advancing decarbonization, revitalizing local communities, and shaping a sustainable future. To drive this project forward, we have established Morisora Biorefinery LLC.
Schedule
Schedule of this project
The Morisora Project aims to begin operation of a semi-commercial plant in Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture in fiscal year 2026.
And by incorporating the knowledge gained from semi-commercial plants,
The goal is to have a commercial plant operational by fiscal year 2030 that will enable a supply of tens of thousands of kL.
We will proceed according to the roadmap for social implementation.