IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v8y2016i5p416-d69181.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Process System Engineering Center, 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
    Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Julius Centre University of Malaya, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Nasrin Aghamohammadi & Stacy Simai Reginald & Ahmad Shamiri & Ali Akbar Zinatizadeh & Li Ping Wong & Nik Meriam Binti Nik Sulaiman, 2016. "An Investigation of Sustainable Power Generation from Oil Palm Biomass: A Case Study in Sarawak," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(5), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:5:p:416-:d:69181
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/8/5/416/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/8/5/416/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anyi, Martin & Kirke, Brian & Ali, Sam, 2010. "Remote community electrification in Sarawak, Malaysia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(7), pages 1609-1613.
    2. Umar, Mohd Shaharin & Jennings, Philip & Urmee, Tania, 2014. "Sustainable electricity generation from oil palm biomass wastes in Malaysia: An industry survey," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 496-505.
    3. Umar, Mohd Shaharin & Jennings, Philip & Urmee, Tania, 2013. "Strengthening the palm oil biomass Renewable Energy industry in Malaysia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 107-115.
    4. Shafie, S.M. & Mahlia, T.M.I. & Masjuki, H.H. & Andriyana, A., 2011. "Current energy usage and sustainable energy in Malaysia: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(9), pages 4370-4377.
    5. Abdullah, A.Z. & Salamatinia, B. & Mootabadi, H. & Bhatia, S., 2009. "Current status and policies on biodiesel industry in Malaysia as the world's leading producer of palm oil," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(12), pages 5440-5448, December.
    6. Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Bulan, L.C., 2012. "Energy security and hydropower development in Malaysia: The drivers and challenges facing the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE)," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 40(1), pages 113-129.
    7. Yosef Jabareen, 2008. "A New Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Development," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 10(2), pages 179-192, April.
    8. Po-Chih Kuo & Wei Wu, 2014. "Design, Optimization and Energetic Efficiency of Producing Hydrogen-Rich Gas from Biomass Steam Gasification," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-17, December.
    9. Halkos, George & Tzeremes, Nickolaos, 2013. "Renewable energy consumption and economic efficiency: Evidence from European countries," MPRA Paper 44136, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    10. Schakel, Wouter & Meerman, Hans & Talaei, Alireza & Ramírez, Andrea & Faaij, André, 2014. "Comparative life cycle assessment of biomass co-firing plants with carbon capture and storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 441-467.
    11. Unknown, 2016. "Energy for Sustainable Development," Conference Proceedings 253270, Guru Arjan Dev Institute of Development Studies (IDSAsr).
    12. Zhang, Kai & Chang, Jian & Guan, Yanjun & Chen, Honggang & Yang, Yongping & Jiang, Jianchun, 2013. "Lignocellulosic biomass gasification technology in China," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 175-184.
    13. Eric Serge Noumi & Marie Hélène Dabat & Joël Blin, 2013. "Energy efficiency and waste reuse: A solution for sustainability in poor West African countries? Case study of the shea butter supply chain in Burkina Faso," Post-Print hal-03067393, HAL.
    14. Shuit, S.H. & Tan, K.T. & Lee, K.T. & Kamaruddin, A.H., 2009. "Oil palm biomass as a sustainable energy source: A Malaysian case study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(9), pages 1225-1235.
    15. M. Qizilbash, 2001. "Sustainable Development: Concepts and Rankings," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(3), pages 134-161.
    16. Mekhilef, S. & Saidur, R. & Safari, A. & Mustaffa, W.E.S.B., 2011. "Biomass energy in Malaysia: Current state and prospects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(7), pages 3360-3370, September.
    17. Mekhilef, Saad & Barimani, Meghdad & Safari, Azadeh & Salam, Zainal, 2014. "Malaysia’s renewable energy policies and programs with green aspects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 497-504.
    18. Faaij, Andre P.C., 2006. "Bio-energy in Europe: changing technology choices," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 322-342, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Shafini Mohd Shafie & Z. Othman & N. Hami & S. Omar, 2020. "The Potential of using Biogas Feeding for Fuel Cells in Malaysia," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 10(1), pages 109-113.
    2. How, Bing Shen & Ngan, Sue Lin & Hong, Boon Hooi & Lam, Hon Loong & Ng, Wendy Pei Qin & Yusup, Suzana & Ghani, Wan Azlina Wan Abd Karim & Kansha, Yasuki & Chan, Yi Herng & Cheah, Kin Wai & Shahbaz, Mu, 2019. "An outlook of Malaysian biomass industry commercialisation: Perspectives and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-1.
    3. Norfadhilah Hamzah & Koji Tokimatsu & Kunio Yoshikawa, 2019. "Solid Fuel from Oil Palm Biomass Residues and Municipal Solid Waste by Hydrothermal Treatment for Electrical Power Generation in Malaysia: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-23, February.
    4. Ali Mohammed Babalghaith & Suhana Koting & Nor Hafizah Ramli Sulong & Mohamed Rehan Karim & Syakirah Afiza Mohammed & Mohd Rasdan Ibrahim, 2020. "Effect of Palm Oil Clinker (POC) Aggregate on the Mechanical Properties of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) Mixtures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-19, March.
    5. Oh, Tick Hui & Hasanuzzaman, Md & Selvaraj, Jeyraj & Teo, Siew Chein & Chua, Shing Chyi, 2018. "Energy policy and alternative energy in Malaysia: Issues and challenges for sustainable growth – An update," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P2), pages 3021-3031.
    6. Zailan, Roziah & Lim, Jeng Shiun & Manan, Zainuddin Abdul & Alwi, Sharifah Rafidah Wan & Mohammadi-ivatloo, Behnam & Jamaluddin, Khairulnadzmi, 2021. "Malaysia scenario of biomass supply chain-cogeneration system and optimization modeling development: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    7. Petr Procházka & Vladimír Hönig, 2018. "Economic Analysis of Diesel-Fuel Replacement by Crude Palm Oil in Indonesian Power Plants," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-12, February.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Umar, Mohd Shaharin & Urmee, Tania & Jennings, Philip, 2018. "A policy framework and industry roadmap model for sustainable oil palm biomass electricity generation in Malaysia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 128(PA), pages 275-284.
    2. Nur Izzah Hamna A. Aziz & Marlia M. Hanafiah & Shabbir H. Gheewala & Haikal Ismail, 2020. "Bioenergy for a Cleaner Future: A Case Study of Sustainable Biogas Supply Chain in the Malaysian Energy Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-24, April.
    3. Ozturk, Munir & Saba, Naheed & Altay, Volkan & Iqbal, Rizwan & Hakeem, Khalid Rehman & Jawaid, Mohammad & Ibrahim, Faridah Hanum, 2017. "Biomass and bioenergy: An overview of the development potential in Turkey and Malaysia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 1285-1302.
    4. Umar, Mohd Shaharin & Jennings, Philip & Urmee, Tania, 2014. "Sustainable electricity generation from oil palm biomass wastes in Malaysia: An industry survey," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 496-505.
    5. How, Bing Shen & Ngan, Sue Lin & Hong, Boon Hooi & Lam, Hon Loong & Ng, Wendy Pei Qin & Yusup, Suzana & Ghani, Wan Azlina Wan Abd Karim & Kansha, Yasuki & Chan, Yi Herng & Cheah, Kin Wai & Shahbaz, Mu, 2019. "An outlook of Malaysian biomass industry commercialisation: Perspectives and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-1.
    6. Hannan, M.A. & Begum, R.A. & Abdolrasol, M.G. & Hossain Lipu, M.S. & Mohamed, A. & Rashid, M.M., 2018. "Review of baseline studies on energy policies and indicators in Malaysia for future sustainable energy development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 551-564.
    7. Derman, Eryati & Abdulla, Rahmath & Marbawi, Hartinie & Sabullah, Mohd Khalizan, 2018. "Oil palm empty fruit bunches as a promising feedstock for bioethanol production in Malaysia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 129(PA), pages 285-298.
    8. Ashnani, Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi & Johari, Anwar & Hashim, Haslenda & Hasani, Elham, 2014. "A source of renewable energy in Malaysia, why biodiesel?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 244-257.
    9. Fazeli, Alireza & Bakhtvar, Farzaneh & Jahanshaloo, Leila & Che Sidik, Nor Azwadi & Bayat, Ali Esfandyari, 2016. "Malaysia׳s stand on municipal solid waste conversion to energy: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 1007-1016.
    10. Samiran, Nor Afzanizam & Jaafar, Mohammad Nazri Mohd & Ng, Jo-Han & Lam, Su Shiung & Chong, Cheng Tung, 2016. "Progress in biomass gasification technique – With focus on Malaysian palm biomass for syngas production," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 1047-1062.
    11. Chien Bong, Cassendra Phun & Ho, Wai Shin & Hashim, Haslenda & Lim, Jeng Shiun & Ho, Chin Siong & Peng Tan, William Soo & Lee, Chew Tin, 2017. "Review on the renewable energy and solid waste management policies towards biogas development in Malaysia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 988-998.
    12. Awalludin, Mohd Fahmi & Sulaiman, Othman & Hashim, Rokiah & Nadhari, Wan Noor Aidawati Wan, 2015. "An overview of the oil palm industry in Malaysia and its waste utilization through thermochemical conversion, specifically via liquefaction," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 1469-1484.
    13. Nassef, Ahmed M. & Sayed, Enas T. & Rezk, Hegazy & Inayat, Abrar & Yousef, Bashria A.A. & Abdelkareem, Mohammad A. & Olabi, A.G., 2020. "Developing a fuzzy-model with particle swarm optimization-based for improving the conversion and gasification rate of palm kernel shell," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 125-135.
    14. Foo, K.Y., 2015. "A vision on the opportunities, policies and coping strategies for the energy security and green energy development in Malaysia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 1477-1498.
    15. Borhanazad, H. & Mekhilef, S. & Saidur, R. & Boroumandjazi, G., 2013. "Potential application of renewable energy for rural electrification in Malaysia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 210-219.
    16. Garcia-Nunez, Jesus Alberto & Ramirez-Contreras, Nidia Elizabeth & Rodriguez, Deisy Tatiana & Silva-Lora, Electo & Frear, Craig Stuart & Stockle, Claudio & Garcia-Perez, Manuel, 2016. "Evolution of palm oil mills into bio-refineries: Literature review on current and potential uses of residual biomass and effluents," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 99-114.
    17. Jun Sheng Teh & Yew Heng Teoh & Heoy Geok How & Thanh Danh Le & Yeoh Jun Jie Jason & Huu Tho Nguyen & Dong Lin Loo, 2021. "The Potential of Sustainable Biomass Producer Gas as a Waste-to-Energy Alternative in Malaysia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-31, April.
    18. Abdul-Manan, Amir F.N. & Baharuddin, Azizan & Chang, Lee Wei, 2014. "A detailed survey of the palm and biodiesel industry landscape in Malaysia," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 931-941.
    19. Saba, N. & Jawaid, M. & Hakeem, K.R. & Paridah, M.T. & Khalina, A. & Alothman, O.Y., 2015. "Potential of bioenergy production from industrial kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) based on Malaysian perspective," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 446-459.
    20. Ho, Lip-Wah, 2016. "Wind energy in Malaysia: Past, present and future," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 279-295.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:5:p:416-:d:69181. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.