KUCHING: This year, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) will concentrate on a variety of subjects in Sarawak and among them is a pilot project on growing algae to make biofuel.
According to its Sarawak general manager Zulaihi Mantali, the pilot project done in partnership with SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd has been physically converted into the building of a laboratory for field tests.
“I suppose the whole objective is to test it (constituents for biofuel production) in the field and to see whether there are any idiosyncrasies that we need to address.
“Biofuel production is part of PETRONAS’s effort in line with Sarawak government’s agenda to push for the commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
He told reporters this yesterday after hosting a networking lunch with the media at the Hilton Hotel Kuching.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has consistently raised the issue of converting algae into biofuel that may be used as SAF to power aircraft.
PETRONAS and SEDC Energy inked two agreements on July 20, last year, one of which was to investigate the creation of an Initial Commercial Plant (ICP) for microalgae cultivation and harvesting, as well as the extraction of crude algal oil.
The partners may later consider creating a sizable commercial plant, pending its commercial viability.
On January 20, the two sides also agreed to work together to develop technology for growing, collecting, and extracting crude algae oil, which will then be processed to create SAF.
Zulaihi added that PETRONAS Sarawak’s other initiatives include attracting new investments, particularly for offshore projects, as well as the upcoming opening of Malaysia Bid Round (MBR) 2023, an effort to attract international capital to Sarawak’s offshore exploration blocks.
