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Progress in Solid Recovered Fuel with an Emphasis on Lignocellulose-Based Biomass—A Mini Review Focused on Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan

Author

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  • Yu-Quan Lin

    (Graduate Institute of Bioresources, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung City 912, Taiwan)

  • Chi-Hung Tsai

    (Department of Resources Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan)

  • Wen-Tien Tsai

    (Graduate Institute of Bioresources, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung City 912, Taiwan)

Abstract

To reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decarbonize coal, and also create a circular economy model, solid recovered fuel (SRF) has been developed as an alternative fuel/energy source in the international community, especially in developed countries with a high dependence on imported energy. This mini review offers updates on the regulatory promotion of the production of SRF, focusing on the reuse of biomass or lignocellulosic waste as a starting material in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. In this regard, the status of renewable energy and the policies for bioenergy in Japan, South, and Taiwan are first addressed in this work. It is found that the terms for defining refuse/waste/biomass-derived fuel are different across East Asia. However, SRF is increasingly used for the substitution of fossil fuels in industrial utilities (including boilers, incinerators, and kilns), as well as for steam (heat) utilization and/or power generation. With the international policies of pursuing staged carbon reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, the regulatory promotion of the use of bio-SRF has been actively adopted by these countries or regions. Regarding the quality requirements of SRF and concerns about air pollutant emissions, this work also offers updates on regulatory standards, especially in Taiwan. Finally, prospects for the production of bio-SRF and concerns regarding its use are addressed to support the development of a sustainable and circular society.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu-Quan Lin & Chi-Hung Tsai & Wen-Tien Tsai, 2025. "Progress in Solid Recovered Fuel with an Emphasis on Lignocellulose-Based Biomass—A Mini Review Focused on Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:7:p:1671-:d:1621596
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Suyoung Lee & Kyuyeon Kim & Dongyoon Kim & Jungu Kang & Taewan Jeon, 2023. "Consideration on Proper Management and Final Disposal of Residues from SRF Manufacturing Facilities in South Korea," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-11, January.
    2. Wen-Tien Tsai, 2023. "Perspectives on the Promotion of Solid Recovered Fuels in Taiwan," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-9, March.
    3. Yen-Chen Chang & Yun-Hwei Shen, 2025. "Sustainable Energy Transition: Converting Textile Water Sludge (TWS) to Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) in Taiwan," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-25, February.
    4. Tsai, W. T. & Chou, Y. H., 2005. "Overview of environmental impacts, prospects and policies for renewable energy in Taiwan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 9(2), pages 119-147, April.
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