Shigeo Shikura* and Hideki Harada**

* Maizuru National College of Technology
** Nagaoka University of Technology

+ Correspondence should be addressed to Shigeo Shikura:
(234 Shiroya Maizuru Kyoto 625-0016 Japan)

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion is a most promising technology, not only from the aspect of adequate solid waste management but also in the implementation of the energy policy. In this paper, we have analyzed the present state of this technology in the area of solid waste management, especially concerning the typical commercialized systems which have existed almost entirely in European countries, and we have discussed the conditions needed for their dissemination in Japan. As a result, we have suggested that selecting an appropriate technology, establishing support systems and economical autonomy are all prerequisites, and in addition, that the role of AD technology should be made clear in the context of solid waste management and energy policy. Therefore we have pointed out that the involvement of government and administrations are also crucial.

Key words: municipal solid waste, MSW, anaerobic digestion, biogas plant, Denmark