Energy from biomass (biological or renewable sources) includes direct wood fuel such as firewood and charcoal and plays
an important role throughout the developing world. Almost two-thirds of Asia-Pacific’s population is rural, and among them,
traditional biomass remains the most important source of energy (Gumartini, p.16). Although projections through 2020 show
an overall declining trend for wood fuel consumption in the region, an increasing trend is expected for charcoal. According to
Gumartini, the growing use of charcoal is due to increased income and urbanization (p. 19).