Indonesia’s Rainforests Under Pressure from Japan’s Energy Demand
What Happened
A new satellite analysis by environmental groups says rising demand from Japan's biomass energy sector is fueling increased logging and deforestation in Indonesia. The report argues that growing exports of wood pellets and wood chips, used as fuel in biomass power plants, are threatening tropical forests, biodiversity hotspots and Indigenous communities. Critics say Japanese subsidies and weak supply-chain oversight are helping sustain the trend.
Key Takeaways
The report highlights a growing debate over whether biomass energy is truly “green.” While Japan sees biomass as part of its renewable energy transition, environmental groups warn that expanding demand could accelerate forest loss, harm wildlife habitats and increase carbon emissions if forests are cleared to produce fuel.