Bio-Energy Science and Technology Innovation and Policy in Lao P.D.R

Boualy Vongvisith* and Humpheng Theuambounmy

<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Abstract:</strong> Lao PDR lacks of conventional energy resources (e.g., Oil or Natural Gas) and 100% of fossil fuels are imported from abroad (mainly through Viet Nam and Thailand) that Fossil fuel consumption in Lao PDR is rising rapidly. In 2008, Lao PDR imported 558 million litres of fossil fuel, an increase from 450 million litres in 2006, which in 2010 will be 561 million litres and 716 million litres by 2015. Therefore, The government in Lao-PDR has planned for developing a strategic reserve of petroleum fuel to help meet the requirement of the country during times of crisis that the government of Lao PDR has provide several schemes for promotion of agriculture sector and renewable energy in the country. The Government aims to increase the share of renewable energies to 30% of the total energy consumption in 2025. To reduce the importation of fossil fuels, the Government outlines a tentative vision to reach 10% of the total transport energy consumption from biofuels is set for the same period.</p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong> Bioenergy, Science, Technology Innovation and policy.</p>

Bioenergy Policies and Their Implementations in Indonesia

Harwin Saptoadi

<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Abstract: </strong>Indonesia enjoys abundant supply of biomass, which is useful for energy production and several other purposes. The exploited biomass for energy production should be non-edible or industrial residues. Despite of huge bioenergy potential, most energy demand is covered by imported fossil fuels. Appropriate government policies are required to improve such an energy condition. For instance, energy demand in the future will be managed efficiently and covered mainly by renewable energy and the fewer rest by fossil fuels. Road maps for biofuel production and mandatory use until 2025 have been launched. Feed-in-Tariffs for electricity generated from biomass, biogas and MSW have been introduced and revised several times in order to attract more investors. However, many barriers for improvements must be overcome, especially the existing fuel subsidy and poor support for bioenergy investment. Most electricity generated by private companies are off-grid and used internally for production process. Blending of diesel fuel and FAME was introduced since 2006 and recently it reaches B-10. Real experiments with B-20 are conducted currently on streets and highways. On the contrary, that of gasoline with bioethanol, which was launched in 2006 as well, is not produced anymore since 2010 due to unfavorable prices and limited raw materials.<br /></p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong> Bioenergy; biofuel; feed in tariff; fuel subsidy; national policy; road map.</p>