Why Biomass Needs Public Support to Power Our Future
The success of the biomass energy revolution depends as much on social science as it does on engineering.
Imagine a future where our energy comes from the very waste we produce—where agricultural residues, wood chips, and organic waste are transformed into clean electricity. This is the promise of biomass energy, a renewable resource that could play a vital role in combating climate change. While scientists have made remarkable advances in conversion technologies, a crucial ingredient for success often goes overlooked: public understanding and participation. Recent research reveals that without social acceptance, even the most technologically advanced biomass projects may struggle to succeed 8 .
Biomass energy utilizes organic material—from wood and agricultural waste to dedicated energy crops—to generate electricity, heat, and fuels 1 . Unlike intermittent solar and wind power, biomass can provide consistent, reliable energy while helping manage waste and reduce landfill use 8 .
The global biomass energy generation market, valued at USD 55 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 87.66 billion by 2032, driven by rising demand for renewable energy and supportive government policies 5 .
Professor Mark Brown, Chair of IEA Bioenergy, describes bioenergy as "indispensable" for achieving net-zero by 2050 targets, emphasizing that it "must evolve beyond traditional uses into multi-sectoral applications" 7 .
While the technical potential of biomass is clear, a 2025 study published in Scientific Reports investigated the human factor—what motivates individuals to participate in biomass projects 8 . Researchers developed an integrated model combining two established behavioral theories:
Examines how perceived usefulness and ease of use influence technology adoption.
Analyzes how attitudes, social pressures, and perceived control shape behavioral intentions.
The study targeted corn farmers and wood artisans in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, where biomass co-firing in power plants could significantly contribute to renewable energy goals 8 .
The research revealed that 13 of 18 hypothesized factors significantly influenced willingness to participate in biomass projects. The most powerful predictor was Perceived Behavioral Control—the belief that one has the time, resources, and ability to participate 8 .
Interestingly, the study found that higher education levels did not directly increase participation intention, suggesting that clear communication about biomass benefits may be more important than general educational attainment 8 .
Other significant factors included environmental concern, attitude toward behavior, perceived usefulness, and subjective norm—the perception that important others approve of participation 8 .
Researchers in Brazil developed a comprehensive methodology for assessing the technical and economic potential of electricity generation from biomass residues 2 . Focusing on the state of Minas Gerais, their analysis incorporated:
To identify the most viable biomass sources
To map biomass availability and logistics
Calculating levelized costs of electricity
The study found eucalyptus residues most suitable due to high energy density, while sugarcane residues were most abundant. The research demonstrated economic viability with levelized costs ranging from USD $0.10 to $0.24 per kWh 2 .
The Indonesian study employed rigorous social science methodology 8 :
Integrating TAM and TPB with additional relevant variables
75 questionnaires collected from corn farmers and wood artisans
Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0
The results demonstrated that economic factors alone are insufficient—environmental values and social influences play crucial roles in determining participation. As the researchers noted, "People will most likely participate in a biomass project if they can devote their time or resources" 8 .
Evaluates multiple factors (technical, economic, environmental) to identify optimal biomass sources 2 .
Framework understanding how attitudes, norms, and perceived control influence behavior 8 .
Examines how perceived usefulness and ease of use affect technology adoption 8 .
Financial metric comparing cost competitiveness of different energy systems 2 .
Mathematical models minimizing costs and environmental impacts of biomass logistics 3 .
Despite its potential, biomass energy faces significant challenges beyond technology:
Transporting bulky biomass materials involves high costs and logistical challenges 5 .
Inconsistent regulations across regions hinder investment .
The future of biomass energy depends on addressing both technical and social dimensions. As one comprehensive review noted, optimization must consider "feedstock management, energy conversion efficiency, and public perception" .
The journey toward sustainable biomass energy requires more than technological innovation—it demands social awareness, community engagement, and psychological understanding. As the research shows, successful biomass projects must align with local values, capabilities, and concerns.
"Effective implementation of sustainable biomass projects requires active participation and public acceptance," concluded the Indonesian research team 8 . This insight applies globally—from Indonesian villages to Western cities.
The path to a bioenergy future lies in bridging the gap between laboratory research and community realities. By combining technical expertise with psychological insight, we can unlock the full potential of biomass to create a cleaner, more sustainable world for generations to come.
The next time you see agricultural waste or wood chips, remember: they represent not just energy potential, but an opportunity for communities to actively participate in building their sustainable future.