Indonesia’s efforts to incorporate wood-burning biomass into its energy mix are driving deforestation, endangering critical habitats for species like the orangutan. This report examines how the country’s biomass production is threatening its vast rainforests, with potential consequences for climate stability, biodiversity, and human survival.
The Perils of Biomass Expansion in Indonesia
Indonesia’s push to utilize biomass, or organic material like trees, to generate power and increase exports is causing significant deforestation.
According to a report by a group of Indonesian and regional NGOs, the country’s production of wood pellets alone has skyrocketed from 20,000 tonnes in 2012 to 330,000 tonnes in 2021. This rapid growth in biomass production is being fueled by the International Energy Agency’s classification of biomass as a renewable energy source, as the carbon dioxide released during burning can theoretically be reabsorbed by planting new trees.
However, the report warns that this assumption is flawed. Biomass power plants actually emit more carbon dioxide per unit of energy produced than modern coal plants, and using biomass to “co-fire” coal plants is merely a way to extend the life of the polluting fossil fuel.
Deforestation Risks and Endangered Species
The report estimates that nearly 10,000 hectares of deforestation have been caused by biomass production in Indonesia over the last four years. Worryingly, the groups warn that much more is at risk as the country ramps up its biomass usage, particularly in its coal-fired power plants.
The researchers looked at existing co-firing plants and pulp mills across Indonesia and the 100-kilometer radius surrounding them. They found that more than 10 million hectares of “undisturbed forest” lie within these areas and are at risk of deforestation, with many of these habitats overlapping significantly with the ranges of endangered species, such as the orangutan in Sumatra and Borneo.
According to the report, using wood to achieve just a 10% reduction in coal at Indonesia’s largest power plants “could trigger the deforestation of an area roughly 35 times the size of Jakarta.”
Balancing Energy Needs and Environmental Protection
The report calls on Indonesia to commit to protecting its remaining natural forests and reform its energy plans to focus on cleaner renewable options, such as solar power, while banning new coal projects.
Furthermore, the groups urge Japan and South Korea, two major export destinations for Indonesia’s wood pellets, to end their biomass incentives and instead focus on developing truly renewable energy sources.
“There are no math tricks that can justify burning forests for energy,” the NGOs stated. “Science has clearly proven the vital role of tropical forests for climate stability, biodiversity, and human survival.” Striking a balance between Indonesia’s energy needs and the preservation of its precious rainforests will be crucial in the years to come.
