Lessons from Bali for small-scale biogas development in Indonesia

Abstract

Being dependent on fossil fuels, Indonesia faces challenges in incorporating renewables into its energy supply, which hampers to achieve the NDC target of 26% emission reduction. We investigate how biogas could contribute to a low-carbon transition pathway as cooking fuel, especially through the national mid-term development planning. Using mixed-methods and stakeholder engagement, we conducted transdisciplinary research to advance knowledge on biogas in Indonesia. We used Q-methodology to explore the ambiguity around biogas developments leading us to identify three “perspectives” regarding value on biogas: technology, co-benefits, and independence. Quantitative research using the E3ME model identified economic benefits of biogas, but also an increase in LPG use due to unstable feedstock availability (hence intermittent biogas production), which could cause a potential increase of national CO2 emissions. Those and other barriers including ill-adapted technology to local conditions and barriers to financing installations require sound policies to be overcome, focusing on co-benefits of biogas.