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Renewable Energy from Home Grown Biomass, Still Best Option for Malaysia, Inclusive and Import Free

ByopinionSeptember 23, 20243 Mins read236

African palm fruit (the source of palm oil in most of our food) - fruta de palma africana (el fuente del aciete de palma en la comida); Valle de Aguán (entre Sonaguera y Trujillo), Colón, Honduras

By Professor Dato Dr Ahmad Ibrahim

The New Energy Transition Roadmap, NETR, has identified biomass as a source of energy for the country. Biomass includes wastes from agriculture and the dedicated biomass crop. Agricultural wastes include those from the rice industry, natural rubber, and the oil palm business. Wastes from the palm oil industry dominate in volume. Other biomass crops include algae, kenaf, seaweed, and other energy crops. Algae attracts the most interest. The oil from algae is a potential raw material to produce biofuel including the sustainable aviation fuel, SAF. Japan has been reported to invest heavily on algae cultivation. They partner Sarawak Energy to grow algae. PETRONAS is also collaborating with a Japanese partner to produce SAF from algae.

But the oil palm biomass, mainly the empty fruit bunches, EFBs, has attracted much investor interest. Every year, about 20 million tons are available. The National Biomass Action Plan provides the roadmap to develop this new biomass business. There are those in the world not comfortable with the meteoric rise of the palm oil industry. We now hear of another attempt to undermine the oil palm biomass. A recent report from the UK says the burning of the EFBs can lead to higher carbon emission. This is another nonsensical claim lacking in the science. This again goes to show that enemies of palm oil will resort to anything to discredit the wonder crop. The fact is for a palm oil producing like Malaysia, biomass is much better option than even solar since the import element is almost zero. It is more inclusive economically because the ultimate value would trickle down to the oil palm farmers.

There are many reasons why biofuels are considered a better option than solar energy. Biofuels have a higher energy density. This makes them suitable for applications requiring a compact, high-energy source, such as in aviation, shipping, or heavy machinery. They can be stored and transported easily, providing a continuous and reliable energy source. Solar energy cannot match this. Although solar energy can be stored in batteries, current battery technology is less energy-dense than biofuels, making long-term or large-scale storage more challenging.

Biofuels can often be used in existing internal combustion engines with minimal modifications, allowing for a smoother transition from fossil fuels. This is particularly advantageous in sectors like transportation. Solar energy typically requires significant infrastructure changes, including the installation of solar panels and battery storage systems. Biofuels can provide power on demand, making them a more reliable option for applications that require continuous energy. Biofuels are produced from organic materials, including agricultural waste, dedicated energy crops, and even algae. This production can take place in areas unsuitable for solar panels or can utilize waste materials that would otherwise be discarded. Solar panels require large areas of land. In areas where land is scarce or expensive, biofuel production is more feasible. Biofuel production can be scaled up or down more easily, and the fuel can be transported to where it’s needed. This flexibility makes biofuels a good option where energy needs fluctuate. Solar energy production is location-dependent and requires specific conditions to be most effective. It may not be as scalable in regions with limited sunlight.

When produced sustainably, biofuels can be carbon-neutral, as the carbon dioxide they emit when burned is roughly equivalent to the carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants used to produce them. They can also utilize waste products, reducing overall environmental impact. Solar energy is also carbon-neutral in operation, though the production and disposal of solar panels have environmental impacts. However, once installed, solar panels provide clean energy for decades with minimal additional environmental impact. Biofuels might be considered a better option than solar energy where high energy density, ease of storage, infrastructure compatibility, and continuous power generation are critical. Solar energy, while okay for stationary and renewable power generation, has limitations in terms of energy storage and land use that make biofuels more suitable, especially in transportation and heavy industry. Clearly, new energy from oil palm biomass is a better option for Malaysia. Building a robust oil palm biomass industry is a priority.