In the race for a sustainable future, Southeast Asia is leveraging an ancient resource—biomass—for a modern revolution.
Imagine a future where agricultural waste powers cities, where rural communities thrive on green jobs, and where economic development doesn't come at the cost of environmental degradation. This isn't science fiction—it's the promise of sustainable bioenergy in Southeast Asia.
While technical challenges often dominate energy discussions, the human dimensions—policy decisions, community engagement, and supply chain dynamics—are what ultimately determine whether green transitions succeed or fail. Southeast Asia's journey toward sustainable bioenergy offers a fascinating case study of how social science shapes our energy future.
Southeast Asia continues to witness a surge in energy demand, propelled by its growing economies and expanding population 1 .
The Southeast Asia Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) sets clear regional targets, including a 23% renewable energy share by 2025 1 .
Modern bioenergy development involves complex supply chains that interact directly with agricultural livelihoods and land rights 8 .
Southeast Asian governments have deployed various policy mechanisms to accelerate bioenergy adoption, with markedly different approaches across the region.
Indonesia marked the first full year of B35 (35% biodiesel blending) implementation in 2024, with final production of palm oil-based biodiesel reaching 13 billion liters 7 .
Renewable energy provided 16% of Thailand's electricity generation in 2024, with biopower as the leading source, accounting for more than 50% of the total renewable mix 7 .
The Philippines is making strides in renewable energy, focusing on expanding its solar and wind capacity, but also holds significant potential for sustainable bioenergy, particularly from agricultural residues 1 .
| Country | Key Bioenergy Policies | Primary Feedstocks | Social Development Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | B35 biodiesel mandate; SAF roadmap | Palm oil, agricultural residues | Rural employment vs. land rights; Smallholder inclusion |
| Thailand | Renewable energy auctions; Biopower promotion | Agricultural residues, energy crops | Farmer income diversification; Grid access for rural communities |
| Malaysia | Biomass energy programs | Palm oil residues, agricultural waste | Integration with existing agricultural sectors; Benefit sharing |
| Vietnam | Renewable energy development strategy | Rice husks, bagasse, forest residues | Community-based bioenergy models; Ethnic minority inclusion |
Sustainable bioenergy deployment requires careful mapping of both risks and benefits to inform future bioenergy systems 4 . The social science perspective is essential for navigating the trade-offs between energy security, economic development, and environmental protection.
The sustainability of bioenergy in Southeast Asia involves complex intersections with land use change, water resources, and biodiversity. Research priorities increasingly focus on integrating environmental and social criteria into supply chain design, in addition to economic ones, as a primary issue for designing sustainable biofuel production schemes 8 .
Social scientists study how different groups—particularly indigenous communities, smallholder farmers, and rural populations—are affected by bioenergy development. Their research helps identify approaches that can generate livelihood opportunities while safeguarding traditional land rights and access to resources.
A 2025 study introduced an integral methodology for assessing sustainable supply chains in second-generation bioenergy production in a regional context 8 .
Researchers identified all relevant actors across the bioenergy value chain—from smallholder farmers and collection agents to processing plant managers and government regulators.
The team developed evaluation criteria encompassing not just economic viability but also social equity, community acceptance, and institutional alignment.
Local communities, industry representatives, and policymakers collaborated to co-design potential bioenergy development pathways.
The methodology explicitly addressed trade-offs between different sustainability dimensions, acknowledging that perfect solutions are rare in real-world applications.
Higher local acceptance with community participation
More likely to maintain stable operations
| Social Indicator | Measurement Approach | Impact on Project Viability |
|---|---|---|
| Local Acceptance Rate | Community surveys; Public hearing participation | High correlation with long-term operational stability |
| Smallholder Inclusion | Percentage of feedstock from small-scale producers | Positive impact on supply chain resilience; Mixed impact on costs |
| Employment Quality | Jobs created; Wage levels; Skill development | Linked to political support and community endorsement |
| Gender Equity | Women's participation in decision-making; Gender wage gaps | Associated with more equitable benefit distribution |
| Procedural Fairness | Transparency of planning; Grievance mechanisms | Critical for maintaining social license to operate |
Social scientists studying bioenergy sustainability employ diverse methodological tools to understand and shape development pathways.
Identifies all relevant actors, their interests, influence, and interrelationships within bioenergy systems.
Extends traditional lifecycle analysis to include social criteria alongside environmental and economic factors.
Engages local communities as active partners in assessing bioenergy potential.
Measures community acceptance and the informal permissions that communities grant to projects.
Provides structured approaches for evaluating bioenergy options against multiple criteria.
Analyzes the entire supply chain linking biomass sources to end users with explicit performance targets 8 .
Southeast Asia stands at a pivotal moment in its renewable energy transition 1 . The region's future bioenergy development will be shaped by how effectively it navigates the social dimensions of this transition.
The APAEC provides a foundation for regional collaboration, but there is a clear need for more information exchange between countries through platforms like IEA Bioenergy 6 .
With increasing support from international financial institutions, Southeast Asia is poised to attract private-sector investment in renewable energy 1 .
Evidence-based policymaking requires robust understanding of social dynamics. Research shows that integrating environmental and social criteria into supply chain design is essential 8 .
The story of sustainable bioenergy in Southeast Asia is still being written. While technological innovations will continue to advance, the ultimate success of the region's bioenergy transition will depend on social innovations—new forms of governance, business models, and community engagement that distribute benefits equitably and maintain ecological integrity.
Social science research provides the critical lenses through which we can understand these complex dynamics and shape bioenergy development pathways that are not only technically feasible and economically viable but also socially desirable and environmentally sustainable. As Southeast Asia navigates its energy future, this integrated perspective will be essential for powering progress that benefits both people and the planet.