Transitioning to a sustainable development framework for bioenergy in Malaysia: policy suggestions to catalyse the utilisation of palm oil mill residues

Abstract

Background The global commitment to climate change mitigation enforces the worldwide development of renewable energy sources. Therefore, various studies have investigated the growth of renewable energy in Malaysia, most commonly based on biogas and hydropower. In this article, the dynamics of Malaysia’s renewable energy development is critically examined by using the latest official national reports and other reliable resources. Results The study reveals the influencing factors that shape renewable energy growth in a developing country endowed with substantial biomass resources, such as Malaysia. Likewise, it evaluates the evolution of renewable energy in the electricity sector. In 2017, renewable energy represented about 3.5% of the Malaysian electricity generation mix with 1122 MW of installed capacity. A closer look into the renewable energy resources, i.e. biomass, biogas, solar and small hydro power, revealed that over 47% of the grid-connected power generation came from solar photovoltaic (PV) energy. While solar PV capacity continues to accelerate, the development of other renewable resources, especially biomass, is seeing growth at a significantly slower pace. This article investigates the underlying causes of the skewed development rate as well as the potential strategies that may be adopted to promote a diversification of renewable energy resources. In light of this, introduction of a new national bioenergy policy is proposed, through which four essential programmes could be implemented: (i) enhanced bioenergy conversion efficiency and waste management, (ii) biomass co-firing in coal power plants, (iii) conversion of biogas to biomethane and bio-compressed natural gas (bio-CNG), (iv) large-scale biomass power plants. A total of 4487 MW of additional power could be connected to the grid upon successful implementation of a large-scale biomass power plant programme. Conclusions The establishment of a comprehensive and inclusive national bioenergy policy will lead towards a sustainable future of renewable energy development in Malaysia.

The Utilisation of Palm Oil and Oil Palm Residues and the Related Challenges as a Sustainable Alternative in Biofuel, Bioenergy, and Transportation Sector: A Review

“…The solution to the above world scenarios can be performed in various ways, and oil palm residues can be used for a versatile energy generation. It is estimated that about 2400-7460 MW of potential installed capacity could be yielded from OPKS, OPEFB, and OPMF, whereas about 410-483 MW power could be produced from POME biogas with 7200hr/year of operating hours [69]. Of all the different types of processes available globally, only two main methods are well known for their complete usability to transform waste into energy (WtE), such as thermochemical processes (gasification, pyrolysis, and direct combustion) and biochemical processes (anaerobic digestion, aerobic digestion) to produce solid, liquid, and gaseous biofuels.…”

Green Technological Development and Deployment in the Association of Southeast Asian Economies (ASEAN)—At Crossroads or Roundabout?

“…Indonesia topped the list in expanding the geothermal energy capacity by 306 MW and is soon approaching a 2 GW total geothermal capacity [23]. Similarly, Malaysia is the third-largest producer of photovoltaic cells in the world while solar is responsible for sourcing the majority (47% in 2017) of the grid-connected renewable power generation in Malaysia [24].…”

Energy Equality in Indonesia Villages: A Discourse Analysis

“…The problem of energy access and equity has not only been faced by Indonesia but also other countries in Asia such as Malaysia. A comprehensive and inclusive bioenergy policy towards a sustainable future of renewable energy development also need in Malaysia (Salleh et al, 2020). Another study in South-East Asia shown that providing power from residual biomass in small agricultural communities would reduce environmental impacts significantly while improving waste management practices.…”