BIOFUEL USE IN ASIA AND ACIDIFYING EMISSIONS

An inventory of biofuel use in Asia has been developed at the regional level for the year 1990. It is estimated that biofuel use amounts to about 22 000 PJ (1 PJ=1015 J), almost 24% of the total energy use in Asia. China and India are the two largest consumers. A relation is developed between the GDP of Asian countries and the percent contribution of biofuels to total primary energy supply. The biofuel energy estimates are used to calculate atmospheric emissions of SO2 and NOx. It is estimated that SO2 emissions from biofuel combustion amount to 1.65 Tg (1 Tg=1012 g), about 4.9% of total emissions. The emissions of NOx are estimated to be 1.47 Tg or 7.7% of the total. These energy and emission estimates are designed to be used in the RAINS-Asia computer model, a comprehensive analytical tool used to study energy use in Asia, its effects on the atmospheric environment, and its subsequent damage to ecosystems.