MALAYSIA, a land synonymous with vibrant palm oil production, grapples with a hidden challenge: managing millions of tons of palm waste annually.
But within this challenge lies a golden opportunity – the potential to transform palm oil waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The nation is poised to take its remarkable flight towards a sustainable aviation future.
The abundance of palm biomass from Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and palm biogas from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) combined with innovative technology and strategic partnerships, positions Malaysia to become a frontrunner in clean aviation fuel (SAF) production and utilization.
Malaysia’s unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability is demonstrated with the recent launch of the National Biomass Action Plan 2023-2030 in early December last year.
This groundbreaking plan introduces the use of palm oil waste in biomass, opening doors for the development of downstream products.
This aligns perfectly with the recent statement from the newly appointed Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, earlier this year.
The palm waste conundrum
Malaysia, the world’s second-largest palm oil producer, generates a staggering 50 million tons of palm waste annually. Empty fruit bunches (EFB), palm kernel shells (PKS), Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), and fronds traditionally meet a grim fate – burned, dumped in landfills, or left to decompose, releasing harmful greenhouse gases and polluting the environment.
The Solution: Two avenues to sustainable aviation fuel
Biogas, generated by the anaerobic digestion of palm waste, produces methane and carbon dioxide. Although direct conversion of biogas to methanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is not common, the methane component of biogas can be processed into methanol. This methanol can then follow established pathways, such as the Fischer-Tropsch process, to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Through biomass gasification, this EFB will first be pelletised and gasified, and undergo thermal conversion thermal conversion to produce syngas, which is then converted into methanol and further refined into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Methanol-to-Jet (MTJet) technology
The Methanol-to-Jet (MTJet) technology is currently undergoing certification processes by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Notably, major industry players such as ExxonMobil and Nacero are actively involved in the development of methanol-to-jet fuel. ExxonMobil and Nacero’s involvement indicate significant efforts toward advancing the technology and potentially integrating methanol-derived jet fuels into mainstream aviation operations.
Conclusion
The future holds great promise as Malaysia embraces collaborative efforts to unlock the vast potential of palm waste. Envision a tomorrow where the skies over Malaysia are traversed by aircraft fueled with locally produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This aspiration is not merely a vision but a tangible and achievable goal, highlighting
the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and environmental responsibility. •
