Challenges and Environmental Impacts of Biomass Energy in South Asia

Abstract

Plants utilise solar energy to synthesise food during photosynthesis as it provides biomaterials needed for generation of bio-energy. A byproduct of natural and biological sources can be used as a source of bioenergetics; it is a good replacement for carbon energy or fossil fuel. In this article, a variety of biomasses, its impacts on the environment and challenges in production are discussed coherently. This study focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of Biomass-derived fuels and its utilisation in Asia. Production of Sugarcane, Palm oil and Sorghum is compared among all Asian countries. Current research on palm oil effluents revealed that oil palm was a more energy friendly crop and oil palm cultivation under current practices posed no risk to the environment. Comparative reports on consumption of fuels and Biomass trade have been discussed Introduction of four fuel and fifth fuel strategy ensure reliability and security of energy supply which includes petroleum, natural gas, hydropower and coal to reduce consumption of petroleum. In Malaysia, Petroleum dependence has been drastically reduced from 98% in 1980 to 8% in 1999. Recently, fifth fuel renewable energy is introduced by government which provide an alternative to the other sources of energy. Biomass fuels are a sustainable, efficient and viable source of energy. It can be generated from a waste material which also provides an efficient way of waste management. Countries with high agricultural resources can look forward to biomass energy production. In the coming years, biomass energy will be a small but significant part of the energy. This may be beneficial in increasing the economy of a country. Biomass energy can be achieved with a high success rate with the help of advanced technology, effective government policies, and international trade.