From January 28 to 30, 2026 (Wednesday through Friday), the 20th Renewable Energy World Exhibition & Forum (RE2026) was held at Tokyo Big Sight. JIRCAS introduced its latest research findings related to biomass utilization. Organized by the Japan Council for Renewable Energy (JCRE), this exhibition is one of the largest events in Asia, bringing together diverse renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydrogen, and attracting significant attention each year.
JIRCAS is advancing research and technology development aimed at utilizing unused biomass generated by Southeast Asia’s oil palm industry and other sources, in collaboration with a variety of partners. The exhibition provided a broad platform for communicating these efforts.
At the exhibition, activities centered on the BRIDGE project entitled “Global Deployment of Next-Generation Biomass Upcycling Technologies,” which is based on JIRCAS’s “Multi-Biomass Treatment” and “Microbial Saccharification” technologies (see links below). These technologies envision next-generation biomass utilization by transforming discarded biomass into valuable resources, thereby contributing to reduced environmental impact and decarbonization. Total attendance reached 45,202 over the three days (including concurrent exhibitions), and the JIRCAS booth attracted more visitors than usual. There was active exchange of ideas with companies, local governments, and research institutions interested in biomass utilization, focusing on potential applications and implementation of these technologies. Displays of oil palm fruit and actual biomass samples also attracted considerable attention, providing an opportunity for visitors to gain a closer understanding of the challenges associated with discarded biomass.
JIRCAS will continue to develop and implement zero-emission energy and material supply technologies that utilize unused biomass, contributing to the realization of a low-carbon society.
For more information on the technologies and initiatives introduced here, please see the related links below.
- Global Deployment of Next-Generation Biomass Upcycling Technologies
- Establishment of JIRCAS’s Second Institute-Related Venture Company (November 2022 Press Release)
- High-efficiency microbial saccharification with novel xylan-saccharifying bacteria (FY2023 Research Highlights)
- IHI × JIRCAS “Microbial Saccharification and Methane Fermentation Technology” (YouTube)
- Secrets of Upcycling Wasted Materials in Monsoon-Asia (YouTube)


