Mental Model Analysis of Biogas Energy Perceptions and Policy Reveals Potential Constraints in a Japanese Farm Community

Abstract

Biogas systems are complex and involve many local stakeholders who produce and utilize energy and digestate. If the systems are managed properly, they offer environmental and socioeconomic benefits to the community. However, further expansion may be challenging when differences in values and perspectives exist among stakeholders. This study analyzed perceptions among local biogas stakeholders by using a mental model approach. A local community in a northern Japanese island was chosen as a case study, and 22 stakeholders were asked to develop individual mental models of the biogas system. We found that many stakeholders shared the cognitive benefits of biogas, while there were perception differences regarding digestate use. Arable farmers mentioned technical and non-technical constraints for accepting digestate, while dairy and non-farmers were ambivalent about these demand-side constraints. This perception difference may lead to potential obstacles for future expansion of biogas systems in the region. Therefore, biogas policy should incorporate actions for better usage of digestate. These include the mandatory planning of digestate use when designing a new biogas plant, as well as actions to improve the attractiveness of digestate for arable farmers. These findings are useful for other livestock-intensive areas where the number of biogas plants is rapidly increasing but digestate management is yet organized.

Agricultural Waste Recycling Optimization of Family Farms Based on Environmental Management Accounting in Rural China

“…Livestock manure goes to waste since it is not valued as a stable composted fertilizer, electrical energy source, or potential heat co-generated for other integrated agricultural enterprises. Our results are consistent with studies that have shown that biogas digesters can reduce energy and fertilizer costs and produce environmental benefits [53,54]. By better quantifying the economic and environmental benefits of using a biogas digester for Chinese hog farmers, more local producers may be encouraged to adopt these systems.…”

From Circular Economy to Circular Ecology: A Review on the Solution of Environmental Problems through Circular Waste Management Approaches

“…One of the main barriers to the implementation of CE strategies is the lack of interest and awareness of the consumers and the hesitation of the industrial sectors in taking actions [60]. Sometimes, circular approaches must face the opposition of people when novel options for environmental sustainability are proposed, especially if such options encounter a consolidated scheme of values and traditions [61]. According to recent publications [62][63][64], the social pillar of sustainability is the least expanded in most of the conceptualizations and applications of the CE, although the industrial sector does not agree with this point of view [65].…”

The acceptance of biogas in Islamic Boarding School Surakarta

“…The pursuit of global energy sustainability can be pursued through the utilization of renewable energy, such as biogas (Dobers, 2019). Biogas serves as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, offering renewable energy sources that mitigate global warming (Asai et al, 2019). It is environmentally friendly, enhances sanitation systems, improve air quality, functions as a biological fertilizer, contributes to reforestation efforts, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and generates employment opportunities (Amigun & Von Blottnitz, 2010).…”