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Head of Unit Energy

& Environment

Dr Loh Soh Kheang

INTRODUCTION

 

The Energy and Environment Unit (E&E) is one of the units under the Engineering and Processing Research Division of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).  The Unit consists of three research groups namely Energy, Environment and Biodiesel Technology Groups. Officially established in 2004, the Unit currently focuses its researches in utilising and converting the potential oil and by-products resources generated from the oil palm industry into green energy, products and processes to enhance the environment based on “zero waste”, “high income” and “value-addition” strategies.

 

The oil palm industry has entered a new era emphasizing on sustainability associating environmental issues such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Green energy such as palm biodiesel - the first generation biofuels as transport fuels - has remarkably been pressurized due to food vs. fuel debate. With the awareness in energy conservation facing the mankind, there is a renewed global interest on research associated with second generation biofuels as fossil fuel displacement.

In this perspective, oil palm biomass which is produced abundantly by the oil palm industry is envisaged to be a potential candidate as it is renewable and biodegradable. The use of oil palm biomass-based energy is among the efforts taken by the industry to demonstrate its determination in continuously improving the quality and green image of the industry. The utilization of by-products resources in a more economical and responsible manner, in a way could safeguard energy scarcity, abate environmental pollution, mitigate climate change  and ensure the palm oil and its products are more competitive in meeting the stringent sustainability requirements in the future.

 

Hence, the establishment of the E&E Unit is timely in order to support R&D in enhancing the industry’s commitment for better environmental management and renewable energy deployment. This can be achieved by streamlining national programs such as biodiesel and biogas implementations through government support in the form of several financial schemes and policies.

 

The E&E Unit’s website highlights the R&D efforts undertaken in developing and promoting  bio-based technologies and products.  The Unit through MPOB welcomes and encourages collaboration with the industry in various aspects beneficial to the oil palm industry.

 

MISION

  • To lead and accelerate all R&D activities in the energy and environment-related fields to maximize resource utilization

OBJECTIVE

  • To conduct R&D in the field of energy and environment gearing towards sustainable development

  • To promote the use of palm oil / oil palm biomass as renewable energy

  • To create new business opportunities to the oil palm industry

CURRENT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

  • Renewable energy from palm oil, oil palm biomass and other related waste streams

  • Biodiesel and palm phytonutrients

  • Palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment and management

  • Biogas capture and utilization

  • Environmental-friendly bio-products

  • Waste management and utilization

  • Zero discharge

  • Life cycles analysis

  • Water footprint

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