Feasibility of a Unified ASEAN Biomass-based Bioenergy Scenario

A recent study by researchers from the School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains (Malaysia) analyzed the feasibility of a unified ASEAN biomass-based energy system with the incorporation of the clean development mechanism (CDM). (ASEAN is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations composed of 10 member-countries from Southeast Asia). ASEAN is a region of high economic growth, and consequently, the region has a high energy consumption which is dominantly fuelled by fossil fuels. An alternative energy supply source is necessary to achieve sustainable energy support for the region.

The researchers first explored the potential and advantages for an ASEAN investment in the supply, processing and distribution of the biomass-based bioenergy emphasizing on the regional collaborations. Then, they assessed the project if it could be placed under the CDM. The Clean Development Mechanism is one of the "flexibility mechanisms" that is defined in the Kyoto Protocol which allows emission-reduction projects in developing countries to become more attractive by giving it credits which translates to economic value.

Finally, they investigated the cross-border implementation and operational challenges in terms of political, economic, technical and sustainability concerns of the energy scheme. The researchers hope that this project could serve as a prime example for regional partnerships in achieving sustainable development for the energy and environmental sector in the future.

The full paper is published in the journal, Biomass and Bioenergy (URL above)