lumbia). In 2023, approximately 550,000 tonnes of wood pellets worth $107 mil -lion to Japan were exported to Japan, accounting for a third of the value of Al -berta’s forest products exports to Japan. In 2023, more than five per cent of Ja -pan’s electricity was generated from re -newable biomass (in approximately 240 biomass power plants). Biomass’ share of the electricity mix is now approaching that of nuclear, which is barely ahead at seven per cent. Japan is presently consuming 6.1 mil -lion tonnes of wood pellets annually. For the 12 months ending October 31, 2024, Vietnam had the largest market share at 50 per cent, providing three million tonnes. Canada and the United States were tied for second, each with a 20-per-cent marketshare. Both countries provid -ed 2.3 million tonnes to Japan. Japanese wood pellet consumption is projected to grow by another 30 per cent by 2030, presenting even more opportunities for Canadian wood pellet exports. COORDINATED CANADIAN APPROACH TO ADDRESS CONCERNS With the growth of Canadian wood pel -lets as a low-carbon energy alternative in Japan, customers and regulatory bodies want to learn more about Canada’s repu -tation in the forest and wood pellets; they want to be satisfied biomass is responsibly produced and sourced. The Canadian del -egation had a coordinated approach where people heard from Canadian government officials and trade associations about Canada’s sustainable forest management reputation. Minister Loewen spoke about the im -portance of the forest products trade with Japan, including wood pellets, to our long-standing trade relationship. He also spoke to Alberta’s forest management laws and regulations. Bruce St. John, President of Canada Wood, discussed how Canadian compa -nies responsible for harvesting forests carefully manage, protect and monitor our diverse forests. I spoke about how the Canadian pel -let sector exists to make better use of forests already harvested and that pellets are mainly from sawdust and low-quali -ty logs unsuitable for sawmills and pulp mills. MORE WORK TO DO In 2023, Japan replaced the U.K. as Can -ada’s top wood pellet export destination. Japanese wood pellet consumption is projected to grow by another 30 per cent by 2030, reinforcing Japan’s importance to Canadian pellet producers. During the mission, together with Minister Loewen and his government colleagues and with our allies from Canada Wood Group and Alberta Forest Products Association, we reinforced Canadian forest and wood pellet sustainability to Japanese govern -ment and industry stakeholders. I will return soon and often to continue devel -oping relationships to ensure Canadian wood pellets continue to be a vital part of Japan’s electricity mix. • TSI BUILDS MACHINERY FOR THE BIOMASS INDUSTRY Complete Dryer and Torrefaction systems including Heat Energy and Pollution Control equipment in one integrated solution for plants from 50,000 tons/year to 500,000 + tons/year. (425) 771-1190 • www.tsi-inc.net Canadian BIOMASS CB_TSI_HP_Spring23_MLD.indd 1 2023-05-02 11:36 AM 11
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