JOHARI URGES PALM OIL INDUSTRY TO SUPPORT BIOFUEL INITIATIVE

KUANTAN, April 29 (Bernama) – Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has urged palm oil industry players to support the TG2 Black Pellet initiative, a renewable biofuel innovation capable of replacing coal in power generation.

He said the technology, developed by Netherlands-based renewable energy company Wilhelmina Malaysia Energy Sdn Bhd, transforms Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) collected from oil palm plantations into a clean energy source.

“This initiative is a significant step towards creating a circular economy from palm oil waste while adding value to the industry,” he said in a statement today.

He said the company has showcased the technology’s potential, noting that Japan has shown strong interest and is already progressing through the purchasing process.

Johari also encouraged industry players to consider allocating between 10 per cent and 20 per cent of their EFB output to the supply chain, which would help scale up production and position Malaysia as a global exporter of TG2 Black Pellet.

“I invite palm oil mills to come and see the technology for themselves to see how it works and how it benefits the environment,” he said.

In a Facebook post, Johari added that the 9.3-hectare biomass plant in Gebeng is capable of producing 80,000 tonnes of TG2 Black Pellet annually, using modern technologies such as steam explosion, pelletisation, recycled water treatment, and biogas systems.

“TG2 pellets are moisture-resistant, easy to transport, can be used directly in co-firing systems without needing any modification, and have a very low carbon footprint.

“This product not only meets European standards but also qualifies for green subsidies from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI),” he said.

-- BERNAMA