Biomass Energy in Malaysia: Current Scenario, Policies, and Implementation Challenges

Abstract

The energy demand in Malaysia has shown a dramatic increase over the last few years: with natural gas and coal being the primary contributors. Nevertheless, due to declining in fossil fuel reserves coupled with negative environmental impacts, shifting to sustainable renewable energy for meeting the future energy demand is recommended. Since Malaysia is rich with natural resources, utilization of biomass energy (bioenergy/biofuel) as the alternative energy is promising to be further explored. Therefore, this review paper intents to discuss the current scenario of different types of biomass energy in Malaysia along with the up-to-date local biomass energy-related environmental policy (from 2016 onwards). In addition, challenges and barriers for large-scale implementation of the biomass energy in Malaysia are to be discussed. Overall, this review paper is interesting as it can assist in promoting the biomass utilization as energy source, and to ensure the future growth of biomass energy market in the country along with its effective implementation while alleviating poor disposal problem and to create job employment opportunities. Furthermore, a collective effort to expand potential biomass feedstocks, apart from oil palm, should be emphasized to encourage the renewable energy production diversification in the nation.

Analysis of current state, gaps, and opportunities for technologies in the Malaysian oil palm estates and palm oil mills towards net-zero emissions

“… Import Dependence : The absence of local manufacturers for efficient high-pressure steam generators necessitates the import of equipment required for biomass-based power generation and CHP systems [ 15 ]. It is also reported that the technologies for biogas production in Malaysia through the anaerobic digestion technique have been imported from the Germany [ 37 ]. Infrastructure Constraint : Limited access to the necessary infrastructure, such as grid connectivity and transportation networks, hinders the export of excess energy and bio-products generated from the technologies, reducing the potential benefits.…”

The role of renewable energy and artificial intelligence towards environmental sustainability and net zero

“…The United States is currently the largest producer of biomass energy, with a total installed capacity of over 16 GW and an annual production of over 160 TWh [44]. Other countries with signi cant biomass energy production include China, India, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom [45]. Bioenergy is particularly important in many developing countries where traditional biomass (e.g.…”

Generating Economic Value from City Waste and Marketing of Biomass

“…Due to its social and economic dimensions, the idea that urban wastes have an energy value and that biomass resources should be converted into energy is a fact that is valued and supported by many developed countries (Sergey et al, 2017). Countries are in an effort to increase their energy resources, to search for alternative energy resources and to use potential energy resources and to control prices (Rashidi et al, 2022). Countries such as Austria, Germany and Sweden have established a market dominance in their regions for using biomass energy and have opened up to pellet markets outside Europe (IRENA, 2019).…”