The Potential of Bamboo as a Source of Renewable Energy in Northern Laos

Bamboo originates from Southeast Asia, where it is a natural component of the forest ecosystem. As many as 1500 bamboo species exist worldwide, most of which grow in Southeast Asia (Wong, 2004). Recently, bamboo has received increasing attention because of its easy propagation, vigorous regeneration, fast growth, high productivity and quick maturity. Bamboo is an efficient user of land, and produces more biomass per unit area than most tree species. Hence, the harvest of bamboo, grown in orchards, is possible after short cycles (Kumar, 2002). So far, bamboo seems to be an underestimated crop, as most bamboo currently used worldwide is cut from secondary forests. Only recently has bamboo been regarded as a crop worthwhile planting in orchards. The multifunctional range of bamboo uses has only lately received more attention. Experiences of other Asian countries have shown that it may prove beneficial for Laos to focus on bamboo as a valuable and sustainable natural resource. But ecologic and physiologic studies are urgently needed to estimate and evaluate bamboo production.