UTP, NEW ENERGY CENTRE MALAYSIA COLLABORATE IN MICROALGAE RESEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE BIOFUELS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and New Energy Centre Malaysia Sdn Bhd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on microalgae technology research, focusing on the development of sustainable biofuels and carbon reduction initiatives.

The MoU was signed by UTP vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib and New Energy Centre Malaysia chief ecosystem officer Jean Tan Xiao Xuan.

The partnership will encompass joint research projects, student and staff mobility programmes, and the integration of UTP’s expertise in microalgae research with the industry capabilities of New Energy Centre Malaysia.

Mohamed Ibrahim said the collaboration represents a significant milestone in advancing innovation, sustainability, and industry-driven research.

“We are grateful for New Energy Centre’s commitment and excited about the future possibilities this collaboration will bring. Together, we can make significant strides in green technology, knowledge exchange, and impactful research,” he said in a statement today.

Mohamed Ibrahim said microalgae research, a flagship niche at UTP’s Higher Institutional Centre of Excellence (HICoE) – Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, plays a pivotal role in advancing renewable biofuel production.

“This aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to carbon reduction and supports PETRONAS in achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions (NZCE) by 2050,” he said.

The collaboration will also focus on the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a promising alternative to reduce emissions in the aviation industry.

The partnership is expected to enhance UTP’s visibility in renewable energy, foster further collaborations, and accelerate the commercialisation of microalgae-based biofuels, contributing to a greener future for Malaysia and the global community.

-- BERNAMA