A higher biodiesel mandate seems green but it could drive plantation expansion which should keep the region in a “watchful” mode for haze risks, says Simon Tay, who chairs the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. Since last week, the rise of hot spots in Sumatra has caused haze to hit several western states in Peninsular Malaysia.

Studio EB Southeast Asian politicians have been locking horns with the EU over a law they say will disenfranchise smallholder palm oil farmers. Environmentalists support the law but worry about a just transition for the smallholder farmers who supply 40 per cent of the market.

India, the world’s second-largest sugar producer, has started to turn its surplus into bioethanol as it strives to lower energy costs and meet climate pledges.

Biofuels will dominate future growth in renewables and are essential for decarbonising the most difficult sectors; China and India should lead the way, argues new EIA report.