JGC, Janus, Gas Malaysia to conduct joint study on sustainable palm oil industry

KUALA LUMPUR – JGC Holdings Corporation and Japan NUS (Janus) have signed a memorandum of understanding with Gas Malaysia Bhd for a joint study of sustainable domestic palm oil industry development through effective utilisation of unused resources from palm oil milling in the country.

In a joint statement today, JGC and Gas Malaysia said the latter would provide information on facilities with good access to feedstock in Peninsular Malaysia and on bioenergy, including natural gas distribution networks. 

Meanwhile, it said JGC and Janus would study the solutions needed to convert industrial palm oil mill effluent (POME), empty fruit bunches (EFB), and thinned or waste wood to biofuel and biochemicals. 

“The joint study will tie in with the Asia Zero Emission Community Initiative as announced by the  Japan government in 2022,” they said.

The statement said the project would study the feasibility of converting the methane sources of POME and EFB into biomethane fuel and pellet fuel through recovery and processing. 

It said potential biocrude oil and biochemical applications for thinned and waste wood would also be investigated.

“The supply chain will also be studied, with one facet being the optimal means of supplying fuel to small general services in Malaysia through biofuel liquefaction,” it said.

It said this research would extend to the use of carbon credits, biomethane certification, and other systems that enhanced the sustainable value of any products resulting from the project.

The statement said in supporting the government agenda and aspiration to go for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, Gas Malaysia remained steadfast in aligning the nation’s goals with the responsibility to promote the Malaysian economy and open up new growth markets, particularly in low-carbon industries. 

“The venture is part of Gas Malaysia’s strategy to grow our business adjacent to the gas value chain. This initiative will enable Gas Malaysia to be a catalyst for the greater use of green gases,” it added. – Bernama, March 10, 2023