There are already research projects on biomass power generation, but this is the first attempt in Japan to produce hydrogen from raw garbage for use in fuel-cell power generation.

Organizers of the project, also participated by Kyoto University and the Environment Ministry, aim to put their garbage-based power generation scheme into practical use in 2013.

The project uses a daily 3 tons of raw garbage to produce biogas made up primarily of methane gas, for conversion into hydrogen.

From 3 tons of raw garbage, the project organizers expect to produce 500 to 600 cubic meters of hydrogen, enough to generate electricity to sustain two households for one month.

By 2013, the Kyoto municipal government will build a biogas generation facility that is expected to help generate electricity to cover the daily consumption of 18 million households by using 60 tons of raw garbage a day to be collected from 160,000 households.

Kyoto Mayor Yorikane Masumoto said the method for producing hydrogen from raw garbage for power generation will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions if put into practical use.

Fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen. Unlike thermal power generation that involves combustion, fuel cells release no heat-trapping gasses such as carbon dioxide as by-product, and are thus considered environment friendly.

Under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, an international pact to fight global warming, Japan is required to reduce its average annual greenhouse gas emissions by 6 pct from the 1990 level in 2008-2012.