Feasibility study on biomass bamboo renewable energy in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan

Abstract

Bamboo has become a new trend or focus point as a source of biomass energy in which its proper application is believed to generate the electricity with near-zero waste. ASEAN countries especially have an abundant amount of bamboo that has been use for decades in various applications through their civilization. This study aims to determine the feasibility of bamboo as a renewable energy resource in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan. This paper reviews general biomass bamboo, availability, and methods of technology in the respective countries based on the review of publication papers and country reports. This fast-growing crop is identical for biomass production as it rapidly self-propagates. Bamboo requires minimum maintenance to grow and is always accessible to be harvested. The woody nature of the tropical bamboo stem contributes to its high calorific value in the form of energy. It was found that Indonesia had become a leading country in generating renewable energy via biomass bamboo through a power plant with a capacity of 700 kW off-grid in Mentawai, Japan with a power generation capacity of 995 kW and Malaysia with 4 MW, will be commercialised by 2023 and 2022. In conclusion, biomass bamboo has great potential for renewable energy generation within these countries. This has consequently contributed to increase in the value of bamboos while positively impacting the socioeconomic stance of the community.