Environmental impact of modern biomass cogeneration in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia enjoyed, until recently, one of the fastest economic growth in the world. This economic growth has caused both a surge in energy demand and a degradation of environmental resources in the region. Modern biomass cogeneration technologies can help to satisfy increasing energy needs while preserving the environment. This study presents estimates of the change in air emissions that would be associated with wide spread adoption of modern biomass cogeneration technologies by the food and agro-industries in Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand. Results suggest that wide spread adoption of biomass cogeneration technology would result in a significant reduction in both greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions.