BROWSE ...
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Renewable energy for the agricultural sector to enhance energy security and food security
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| Author(s):
Environment and Development Division (EDD)
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| Economic Sector(s):
(1) Energy planning, management and conservation; (2) Conventional sources of energy (petroleum, coal and gas); (3) agriculture, forestry and fisheries policies and planning |
| ESCAP Reference
No.: ST/ESCAP/2564 |
| Division/Office:
Environment and Development |
| Published Date:
December 2009 |
| Country:
Thailand |
| Hard Copy Price:
Online Copy Only
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| Deepening dependence on fossil fuels as a result of unsustainable energy production and consumption patterns and energy insecurity has begotten vulnerability to volatile energy prices, which have affected agricultural production, transportation, and commodity prices, and, hence, adversely impacted food security. |
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| Energy demand in Asia and the Pacifi c is expected to rise as rapid industrialization increases the thirst for higher living standards and consumption driven by newly acquired wealth and purchasing power. As analysed in great depth in ESCAP’s theme study, Energy Security and Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacifi c (2008), this economic boom in the region has been fuelled by surges of energy consumption, especially of fossil fuels, including oil, gas and coal. However, high dependency on fossil fuels is aggravating Asia-Pacifi c region’s vulnerability to volatile energy prices, threatening energy security as the share of fossil fuel consumption is expected to remain as high as 82 per cent in 2030.1 The establishment of a sustainable energy framework was proposed in the study, which certainly would have ramifi cations for the agricultural sector and rural development in terms of energy inputs for improved agricultural productivity. Even though energy effi ciency is one approach for cutting energy costs, this brief will broadly argue for renewables as an option to supplement fossil fuels for the foreseeable future. |
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