An Investigation of Sustainable Power Generation from Oil Palm Biomass: A Case Study in Sarawak

Nasrin Aghamohammadi, Stacy Simai Reginald, Ahmad Shamiri, Ali Akbar Zinatizadeh, Li Ping Wong and Nik Meriam Binti Nik Sulaiman
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Nasrin Aghamohammadi: Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Stacy Simai Reginald: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ahmad Shamiri: Chemical & Petroleum Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Technology & Built Environment, UCSI University, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ali Akbar Zinatizadeh: Water and Wastewater Research Center (WWRC), Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Razi University, 67149-67346 Kermanshah, Iran
Li Ping Wong: Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nik Meriam Binti Nik Sulaiman: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sustainability, 2016, vol. 8, issue 5, 1-19

Abstract: Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia, with 22% of the nation's oil palm plantation area, making it the second largest contributor to palm biomass production. Despite the enormous amount of palm biomass in the state, the use of biomass as fuel for power generation remains low. This study is designed to investigate the sustainability of power generation from palm biomass specifically in Sarawak by conducting a survey among the palm oil mill developers. To conduct this investigation, several key sustainability factors were identified: the security of the biomass supply, the efficiency of conversion technology, the existing network system, challenges and future prospects for power generation from palm biomass. These factors were assessed through a set of questionnaires. The returned questionnaires were then analysed using statistical tools. The results of this study demonstrate that Sarawak has biomass in abundance, and that it is ready to be exploited for large scale power generation. The key challenge to achieving the renewable energy target is the inadequate grid infrastructure that inhibits palm oil developers from benefiting from the Feed-in-Tariff payment scheme. One way forward, a strategic partnership between government and industrial players, offers a promising outcome, depending on an economic feasibility study. The decentralization of electricity generation to support rural electrification is another feasible alternative for renewable energy development in the state.

Keywords: renewable energy; sustainability; palm; oil; biomass; Sarawak (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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