Characterization of biomass energy projects in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian countries have the potential to implement a substantial number of biomass energy plants using agro-industrial residues as feedstock. However, this potential is largely untapped. This paper investigates the key characteristics of biomass industry in the region: application, size of the projects, fuel resources, ownership and project structure, financing and the connections to the national power grids based on the analysis 165 biomass energy projects at various stages of implementation in Southeast Asia. Two critical factors are identified that shaped the development and implementation of biomass energy projects in Southeast Asia: the availability of biomass fuel and the regulatory framework and environment. The results highlight the potentials and opportunities as well as point to the direction for development of biomass energy projects in the region. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.