Bali, 29–30 April: Members of the ERIA Working Group on the Study on Analysis of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus for Sustainable Biomass Utilisation for Fuel, Fiber, and Food in Selected EAS Countries convened in Bali, Indonesia on 29–30 April to examine the multifaceted impacts of biomass production and develop strategies for efficient and sustainable resource use.

Country presentations and discussions focused on assessing indicators that reflect the interconnections amongst Water–Energy–Food–Land–Climate (WEFLC) in biomass production. The group aimed to identify options with minimal resource consumption and high economic returns while taking into account EAS country-specific conditions, data availability, and policy relevance in selecting and comparing indicators.

Biomass utilisation as a renewable energy source presents both opportunities and challenges across key areas such as energy security, land use, water consumption, and food security. To address these complexities, ERIA, in collaboration with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), developed a WEFLC nexus framework to better understand and manage the interconnected impacts of biomass deployment. This integrative approach enables stakeholders to optimise resource use throughout the biomass supply chain – from feedstock cultivation to conversion, distribution, and end use – by highlighting critical interdependencies at each stage.

Led by Dr Venkatachalam Anbumozhi, Senior Research Fellow for Innovations at ERIA, and Mr Yuki Kudoh, Deputy Director at the Global Zero Emission Research Center, AIST, the group validated impact and trade-off mappings to better understand the benefits, risks, and synergies associated with different biomass utilisation pathways. The discussions emphasised economic viability, energy security, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic impacts, aiming to minimise trade-offs through strategic planning and innovation. Insights from stakeholder surveys further enriched the analysis by capturing a range of national and regional perspectives.

Working group members from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam proposed a roadmap to advance the project. Priorities include improving data collection, refining analytical methodologies, and finalising the report to be presented to the East Asia Summit–Energy Cooperation Task Force (EAS–ECTF).

As part of the programme, the group visited Udayana University to observe interdisciplinary collaboration and context-specific strategies aimed at ensuring biomass development aligns with national energy strategies and broader sustainable development goals.