Malaysia's Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) has identified 51.88 MW of potential power generation capacity from palm oil mills that could be developed in Peninsular Malaysia, according to deputy energy transition and water transformation minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
The minister also revealed the scale of the country's untapped biogas resource, telling parliament that only 1% of Malaysia's biogas potential has been utilised to date. He was responding to questions in the Dewan Rakyat on the findings of studies into low-carbon energy sources — including biomass, biogas, geothermal and nuclear — that could complement Malaysia's established solar and hydropower base.
The figures point to a substantial opportunity in the palm oil sector, where mills generate large volumes of residues, including empty fruit bunches, palm kernel shells and mesocarp fibre, alongside palm oil mill effluent suitable for biogas capture.
Beyond bioenergy, Abdul Rahman said Seda is conducting a geothermal resource assessment with the Minerals and Geoscience Department at Ulu Slim in Perak, though exploration drilling would be needed to verify capacity and feasibility. The ministry is also carrying out a phased assessment of a potential nuclear energy programme, with the minister stressing any decision on a plant would only follow completion of all prerequisites and evidence the technology is safe, viable and beneficial.
"The government will continue efforts to diversify low-carbon alternative energy sources and will not rely on a single source or technology to ensure energy security while maintaining competitive prices," he said.
Malaysia identifies 51.88 MW of biomass potential at palm oil mills
