1. ASEAN Network on Biomass Open Research (ANBOR) 
This is to propose the set up of ASEAN Network on Biomass Open Research (ANBOR) for achieving the “Low Carbon Society”, enhancing regional energy security and environment protection and supporting regional economic competitiveness through the development of green renewable energy and biomaterials from biomass along its value chain.

Background 
The ten member countries of the ASEAN along with China and India are shifting the focusing of the global energy system to Asia. Due to a near tripling of the region’s economy and a population expansion by almost one-quarter, ASEAN energy demand is projected to be increased over 80% from today to the year 2035. Consequently, ASEAN becomes the world’s fourth-largest oil importer, behind China, India and the European Union, thus this affects to its inclusive growth and regional economic competitiveness.

Regarding its geological advantage, there is immense potential of biomass energy in ASEAN countries. With the growing concerns about greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and consequent climate change, renewable energy sources have become more attractive for electricity generation, biofuel and heat to support energy security and low carbon society of ASEAN region. The rapid economic growth and industrialization in the region has accelerated the drive to implement the latest biomass energy technologies in order to tap the unharnessed potential of biomass resources, thereby making a significant contribution to the regional energy mix.

To unlock ASEAN’s biomass energy potential requires governmental support and regional collaboration network on open research to address end-to-end innovation along the biomass/bioenergy value chain. Developing this network is vital for achieving the sustainable Low Carbon Society, enhancing energy security, affordability and sustainability as well as providing means for producing biomaterials. The coordination among all ASEAN member countries is the most crucial to implement effective and coherent Biomass Open Research. Therefore, TISTR proposes this initiative of ANBOR and itself as secretariat for this network at the initial stage.