Title : Bioenergy generation by optimizing biogas production – FGV's commitment towards amplifying environmental and operational efficiency
Abstract:
Malaysia ranks as the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, significantly contributing to the global supply of edible oil. The industry generates substantial volumes of palm oil mill effluent (POME), which presents considerable potential for bioenergy production. FGV Holdings Berhad, a leading Malaysian agribusiness entity, spearheads this initiative by operating 28 biogas plants that convert POME into a sustainable energy source. As one of the foremost producers of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) globally, this initiative enables FGV to enhance waste management, bolster energy security, and adhere to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Within FGV's palm oil mills, biogas is harnessed to generate heat for boilers, electricity, and biomethane for compressed natural gas production. This process results in cost savings from reduced diesel consumption and generates additional revenue from electricity exports to the national power grid. The generated electricity is distributed to thousands of households, neighboring towns, clinics, mosques, offices, and small shops within a radius of the biogas power plant, generating annual revenue of up to RM5 million. This system also fosters a circular economy by creating employment opportunities within industry. Extensive research is currently underway to optimize biogas production at FGV's biogas plants, which would further amplify FGV's positive impact on both the environment and its operational efficiency.
Keywords: palm oil mill effluent (POME), bioenergy, biogas plants, waste management, energy security, ESG, greenhouse gas emissions, circular economy
