Palm oil-based biofuels and sustainability in southeast Asia: A review of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand

Published Date
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
September 2014, Vol.37:1–12, doi:10.1016/j.rser.2014.05.001

Author 

• Ishani Mukherjee ^a,,
 
• Benjamin K. Sovacool ^b,c,1,

• aLee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, 469C Bukit Timah Road, 259772, Singapore
• bCenter for Energy Technologies, AU‐Herning, Aarhus University, Birk Centerpark 15, DK-7400 Herning, Denmark
• cVermont Law School, Institute for Energy & the Environment, PO Box 96, 164 Chelsea Street, South Royalton, VT 05068-0444, United States

Received 7 February 2014. Revised 22 April 2014. Accepted 1 May 2014. Available online 21 May 2014.

Abstract

By extensively reviewing the current state of knowledge, this paper explores the sustainability implications of palm oil biodiesel in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Both ecological and environmental vitality as well as socio-economic equity are emphasized in the authors׳ exploration of sustainability in the three country cases. The article observes that the main environmental sustainability considerations of palm oil biodiesel include its capacity to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, its carbon debt and its repercussions on forestry, biodiversity, and soil and water quality. Issues surrounding socio-economic sustainability encompass how palm oil biodiesel affects food security in Southeast Asia, along with the impact of palm oil production on rural livelihoods and land-tenure. The authors firstly explore the origins, drivers and current technologies surrounding palm oil biodiesel development in the region. They then present the three country cases in order to concentrate on the particular policies, challenges and opportunities that uniquely impact the sustainability of biodiesel development in each locale.

Keywords

Palm oil

Biodiesel

Southeast Asia 

Sustainability

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  Corresponding author.

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