Bioenergy is a crucial source of energy in South Asia. In Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka bioenergy constitutes 57, 87 and 47 percent respectively of total primary energy supply. In India, bioenergy is also an important part of the national energy mix accounting for 30 percent of total primary energy supply. Most of the bioenergy in these countries is consumed at the household level using traditional wood fuels and, increasingly, improved small-scale technologies such as household biodigesters and improved cook stoves. However, India is a also a regional leader in developing biofuels from a range of feedstocks. Given the prominent role of bioenergy in the region, all of these South Asian countries have developed national bioenergy policy frameworks, which aim to promote more efficient utilization of biomass resources for energy production.  

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Technical Cooperation Facility Project – BEFS in South Asia
FAO is undertaking national BEFS scoping studies in Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. As part of this project, preliminary data has been collected and potential national BEFS teams identified in each country. The final outputs of the project will include a preliminary needs assessment of bioenergy policy and bioenergy resources in each country and national BEFS implementation plans. Over 2011 FAO also organized national-level capacity building exercises on the FAO BEFS Analytical Framework and the associated tools and guidance in each country. During 2012, FAO will organize a sub-regional forum to exchange experiences with bioenergy development in South Asia and consider follow-up actions at the national and regional levels. More details on this consultation and the final country level needs assessment reports will be posted on this page soon. 

BEFS Country Briefs
A set of BEFS country briefs are currently being prepared - one for each BEFS South Asia country. These briefs include a range of information on the socio-economic, agricultural, food security and energy situation in each country. In addition, based on the BEFS Analytical Framework, a number of potential key issues for bioenergy development are described.

The final versions of the BEFS country briefs will be posted on this page soon.