The report tracks biodiesel and bioethanol industries in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, describing the reasons for the lack of growth in domestic consumption in the countries, and trade-offs involved with future growth.
August 2012: In a recent study, the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) reports that the bioenergy sectors in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand have not met their targets despite steady growth in the use of biofuels in Thailand and the Philippines.
The paper reports that bioenergy investment will not threaten food security in the region for the near future, but that international civil society organizations are seriously concerned by the environmental and social impacts of expanding oil palm plantations.
The paper tracks the development of the biodiesel and bioethanol industries, with discussion sections focusing on diverting feedstocks from food to fuel, the dynamics of crude oil and biofuel feedstock prices, and pressure from international buyers on sustainability issues. CIFOR is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research. [CIFOR Publications: Withering Before Full Bloom: Bioenergy Development in Southeast Asia]