Oil palm biomass as a sustainable energy source: A Malaysian case study

Published Date
Energy
September 2009, Vol.34(9):1225–1235, doi:10.1016/j.energy.2009.05.008

• Author 

• S.H. Shuit
• K.T. Tan
• K.T. Lee ^,
• A.H. Kamaruddin

• School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, Seri Ampangan, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Received 24 October 2008. Revised 13 May 2009. Accepted 14 May 2009. Available online 13 June 2009. 

Abstract

It has been widely accepted worldwide that global warming is by far the greatest threat and challenge in the new millennium. In order to stop global warming and to promote sustainable development, renewable energy is a perfect solution to achieve both targets. Presently million hectares of land in Malaysia is occupied with oil palm plantation generating huge quantities of biomass. In this context, biomass from oil palm industries appears to be a very promising alternative as a source of raw materials including renewable energy in Malaysia. Thus, this paper aims to present current scenario of biomass in Malaysia covering issues on availability and sustainability of feedstock as well as current and possible utilization of oil palm biomass. This paper will also discuss feasibility of some biomass conversion technologies and some ongoing projects in Malaysia related to utilization of oil palm biomass as a source of renewable energy. Based on the findings presented, it is definitely clear that Malaysia has position herself in the right path to utilize biomass as a source of renewable energy and this can act as an example to other countries in the world that has huge biomass feedstock.

Keywords

Biomass conversion technology

Cellulose feedstock

Renewable energy

Sustainability

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• ∗ 
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