South Korean lawmaker demands halt on biomass imports linked to deforestation
- A South Korean lawmaker has called for an investigation into the environmental impacts of biomass energy, specifically wood pellets imported from Indonesia.
- Data linking biomass imports to deforestation in Indonesia prompted the call for a moratorium on these imports.
- The South Korean government is facing pressure to address the sustainability of its energy policies in light of growing concerns about climate impact.
In recent months, a South Korean National Assembly member has urged the government to impose a moratorium on wood pellet imports from Indonesia, citing environmental concerns tied to deforestation. Utilizing satellite analysis and government data, it has been established that South Korea's biomass imports could be contributing to significant forest destruction in Indonesia. The member emphasized the necessity of identifying and mitigating risks within supply chains to support sustainable energy projects. The surge in wood pellet imports, which increased from 50 tons to over 68,000 tons from Indonesia to South Korea, coincided with a marked rise in bioenergy development in South Korea, now the second-largest source of renewable energy for the country. The political pressure is seen as essential to demanding accountability from both South Korean and Indonesian authorities, as environmental groups have begun to highlight the broader implications of these energy policies on climate justice. The spokesperson from Biomasa Jaya Abadi, the largest exporter of Indonesian wood pellets, defended their practices, stating compliance with legal guidelines and replanting initiatives. However, this has not alleviated concerns surrounding the sustainability of such imports and their potential link to deforestation, as more than 3,000 hectares of forest has reportedly been cleared on the concession owned by Banyan Tumbuh Lestari in the recent years. As public awareness and advocacy increase, the dynamics of biomass utilization and policy responses by the South Korean government will play a critical role in shaping future energy resource management in the region.