News

Japanese companies and policymakers are increasingly viewing biomass as a strategic bridge for Southeast Asia's coal-dependent grids.

Indonesia has officially postponed its plan to mandate a 50% biodiesel blending rate (B50), originally slated for 2026. Following a government meeting on Jan. 14, the country will instead maintain its current B40 policy.

Endowed with abundant natural resources, Southeast Asia shows strong promise for bioenergy development. With relatively stable feedstock supplies, the region has the potential to complement intermittent renewables like wind and solar.

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, advancing sustainable fuels emerged as a key agenda. With Southeast Asia holding vast biomass resources, the region is seen as central to global biofuel expansion.

Australia is supporting Vietnam’s livestock sector in shifting toward bioenergy-based power generation by introducing an energy service company (ESCO) model that allows farmers to lease biogas generators.

Malaysia’s energy infrastructure company Wasco announced on Monday that its shareholders have approved the proposed listing of its bioenergy arm, Wasco Greenergy, marking a key step as the country’s bioenergy sector gains momentum.

The Philippine government is planning legal amendments to relax the country’s biodiesel mandate in an effort to shield consumers from surging global coconut oil prices and contain inflation risks.

Indonesia’s bioenergy sector is seeing a string of positive developments. Japanese automaker Toyota plans to partner with state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina to jointly develop bioethanol in Indonesia, with investment expected to reach up to IDR 2.5

COP30 leaders’ summit ended with grand commitments on sustainable fuels , carbon markets and forests. What comes next will determine whether these pledges turn into real progress.

Thailand’s first standard for SAF specifications is expected to be released this month and enforced next year, starting at 1% and increasing to 8% by 2036.