Scaling up Biotechnology and Bioenergy for Southeast Asia’s Energy Transition
Bioenergy is one of the many diverse resources available to help meet our growing demand for energy. It is a form of renewable energy that is derived from biological sources. Modern bioenergy is currently the largest source of renewable energy globally, accounting for 55% of the world’s total renewable energy supply and over 6% of the global energy supply. From biofuels to energy-efficient processes, biotechnology manages to provide cleaner and more sustainable bioenergy products. For example, it allows scientists to manipulate the genetic makeup of plants to enhance their characteristics for biofuel production. This includes improving traits such as biomass yield, stress tolerance, and the composition of plant material to maximise energy content.

Biotechnology and Its Role in Sustainable Energy Production
One of biotechnology’s most prominent contributions to the energy sector is its aid in the development of biofuels. Biofuels, increasingly being used to replace fossil fuels, are liquid fuels or blending components made from biomass materials known as feedstocks. They can include methane derived from landfill gas, as well as biogas and hydrogen produced from renewable resources. While biofuels are primarily used as transportation fuels, they can also serve purpose such as heating and electricity generation. By using biological processes, biotechnology enables the conversion of organic materials, such as algae, agricultural waste or other biomass, into renewable energy resources. In addition, advancement in genetic engineering have allowed scientists to optimise microorganisms and plants for more efficient production of bioenergy, thereby increasing yield and lowering costs.

New projects are emerging around the world. One such initiative is a biorefinery project by Honeywell in collaboration with USA BioEnergy, which aims to convert wood waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This US$2.8 billion venture, part of a 20-year agreement with Southwest Airlines, is expected to produce 680 million gallons of SAF, addressing the growing demand for cleaner aviation fuels.

Biotechnology is used to support the design, optimisation and operation of biorefineries, which convert biomass into a variety of products, including fuels, chemicals, and materials. Enhancing biorefinery processes requires some fine-tuning measures such as adequate temperature, pH, and nutrient levels, along with integrating multiple operations such as fermentation, separation, and purification. Biotechnology utilises computational models and simulation software to design and refine these processes, while sensors and automation systems enable real-time monitoring and control of production.

Southeast Asia’s Bioenergy Production
Southeast Asia has a strong need to decarbonise its economies and modernise its energy systems. In 2018, around 80% of primary energy demand in the region was met by fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas. A recent study by the International Renewable Energy Agency demonstrates an abundance of untapped bioenergy
in Southeast Asia, with at least 7.1 EJ of bioenergy per year by 2050. Southeast Asia, with its vast agricultural base, can leverage biotechnology to convert organic materials like palm oil, sugarcane, and rice husks into biofuels.

According to the ASEAN Energy Outlook, bioenergy in Southeast Asia is expected to grow significantly, reaching 11.5% of total power generation capacity by 2050, up from 3.4% in 2020. Promoting the switch to bioenergy in the transportation sector would reduce reliance on imported oil, thereby enhancing energy
security and reducing CO2 emissions.

In 2020, biofuel production saw its most substantial growth, reaching 222 times the level recorded in 2005. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand have implemented policies to replace oil products with biofuels, particularly palm oil. Bioenergy can also be used in power plants, such as by incorporating 5% biomass feedstock in existing coal co-fired plants.

However, the production of biofuel feedstocks can have negative impacts on ecosystems, environments, and food supplies. Therefore, significant research and development (R&D) efforts are required to enhance the production of high-quality biofuel while minimising these adverse effects.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations
While Southeast Asia holds substantial bioenergy potential, the main challenge lies in implementing practical, technically feasible, and economically viable solutions that enable sustainable bioenergy production. Despite the many benefits biotechnologies brings to the
energy sector, it also poses risks.

There are ethical and environmental concerns regarding the use of biotechnology and bioenergy, particularly regarding the displacement of food crops by energy
crops and the environmental impact of large-scale biofuel production. The benefits and risks of bioenergy need to be carefully balanced, with sustainability guarantees in place to attract more investment and increase consumer confidence. It is essential to ensure that bioenergy production does not come at the cost of
environmental degradation.

The increasing integration of biotechnology into the energy sector necessitates a framework of governance that addresses both the opportunities and risks associated with these technologies.

Additionally, ethical considerations must be at the forefront of discussions surrounding biotechnology in energy. A proactive approach to risk assessment is needed to anticipate and mitigate any negative impacts biotechnology and bioenergy might have on ecosystems and communities.

By fostering collaboration among biotechnology, energy and environmental security experts, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, the energy sector can harness the full potential of biotechnology and bioenergy while minimising associated risks.