Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), through TNB Research Sdn Bhd has teamed up with two other companies on a demonstration plant that cleans and removes impurities from palm oil empty fruit bunches (EFB) used in the production of premium biomass pellet. The pellet is manifactured as fuel for power generation.
TNB Research, together with KEPRI, the research institute of KEPCO, South Korea’s largest electric utility and Detik Aturan Sdn Bhd (DASB), a Malaysian biomass pellet producer, last Tuesday launched the demonstration plant, Malaysia’s first Biomass Water Washing Demonstration Plant.
TNB Research is a wholly-owned subsidiary and the research and development (R&D) arm of TNB. Presently, it is undertaking research activities and providing engineering services in developing the residue of palm oil industries to convert into high value-added products.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Detik Aturan Managing Director, Khairil Annuar Khalid described the company’s involvement in the project — by providing a location for the demonstration plant, as proof of its commitment towards a cleaner and healthier environment.
Meanwhile, KEPRI President, Dr. Sung Hwan Bae said as South Korea’s leading electrical technology developer, the institute was delighted to support the expansion of the potential of commercially high-value biomass pellet as fuel supply for power generation.
Managing Director of TNB Research, Ir. Dr. Zainul Asri Mamat, added: “Thanks to emerging technologies, the global biomass business is experiencing an era of rapid change.”
He said the collaborative effort on the demonstration plant would ensure that the biomass pellet industry remains at the forefront in leveraging those changes.
At the launch, the three parties also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote bilateral cooperation in technology, competency and capability as well as business opportunities on biomass business, worldwide.
