Bamboo as an Alternative Bioenergy Crop and Powerful Ally for Land Restoration in Indonesia

Roshan Sharma, Jaya Wahono and Himlal Baral
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Roshan Sharma: School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Jaya Wahono: Clean Power Indonesia, Graha Mitra 8th Floor #804 Jl. Gatot Subroto 24, Jakarta 12930, Indonesia
Himlal Baral: Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Jalan CIFOR, Situ Gede, Sindang Barang, Bogor (Barat) 16115, Indonesia

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 12, 1-10

Abstract: The energy demand in Indonesia has increased significantly with its population growth, urbanization, and economic development. The growing concern of meeting energy demand while reducing dependency on fossil fuels has resulted in an increasing demand for renewable energy. As a country with a rich biomass base, bioenergy is now an important component of Indonesia’s energy agenda. However, a crucial problem in bioenergy production is the selection of species that can provide a sustainable supply of feedstock without having an impact on food security and the environment. In this context, we discuss the characteristics and benefits of using bamboo, a perennial grass, as a potential species for bioenergy feedstock in Indonesia. We describe the fuel characteristics of bamboo along with the possibility to align its cultivation, production, and usage with environmental and developmental agendas which makes it a suitable bioenergy crop in the country. In addition, its ability to grow on degraded lands, fast growth, long root system, and easy maintenance prove it as a powerful ally for the restoration of degraded land. We recommend in-depth research on the social, ecological, and economic feasibility of using this species for bioenergy production.

Keywords: bamboo; bioenergy; land restoration; environmental benefits; Indonesia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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