Lawmaker Moon Dae-Lim, of South Korea's main liberal opposition Democratic Party, emphasized the need for the government to assess the environmental destruction associated with these imports. "We should stop imports of wood pellets... Identifying and correcting potential risks in supply chains is key to a sustainable project," Moon stated in written responses to questions from the Associated Press.
Biomass Energy and Sustainability Concerns
Biomass, derived from organic materials like wood and waste, has gained popularity as countries transition to renewable energy sources. However, experts, including the International Energy Agency (IEA), warn that bioenergy must be produced sustainably, prioritizing waste and crop residues over the destruction of natural forests.
In South Korea, bioenergy has become the second-largest renewable energy source, with over 80% of its wood pellets imported. In 2023, Indonesia emerged as South Korea's third-largest supplier after Vietnam and Russia. Data analysis by environmental groups and government reports reveal that much of Indonesia's wood pellet exports are tied to deforestation.
Satellite analysis conducted by international environmental organization Mighty Earth found that over 3,000 hectares of forest and an additional 2,850 hectares for logging roads were cleared between 2021 and 2024 by Indonesian company Banyan Tumbuh Lestari, which supplies Biomasa Jaya Abadi, a leading wood pellet exporter.
Call for Accountability
Moon highlighted the potential impact of blocking imports from Biomasa Jaya Abadi, arguing it could significantly reduce forest destruction in Indonesia. "The Korean government's active responses to forest destruction can also send a strong message on sustainability to Indonesia and industries across Asia," he added.
While Biomasa Jaya Abadi defended its practices, claiming compliance with government regulations and reforestation efforts, activists have raised doubts about the effectiveness of these measures.
Activist and Government Reactions
Environmental groups praised Moon's initiative as a critical step toward demanding accountability for South Korea's biomass policies. Hansae Song, from South Korea-based Solutions for Our Climate, called the questioning pivotal in highlighting "climate injustice tied to South Korea's energy policies."
The Korea Forest Service stated it had sought biomass-related data from Indonesia but has yet to receive an official response following the restructuring of Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry in October. The agency confirmed that the imports were produced under Indonesia's legal logging policies but expressed concerns about unilateral actions potentially leading to trade disputes.
Broader Implications
The investigation into South Korea's biomass supply chains underscores the growing tension between renewable energy goals and environmental conservation. Activists and lawmakers hope increased scrutiny will lead to stricter import standards, greater transparency, and a reevaluation of policies that prioritize corporate subsidies over sustainable practices.