Malaysian biomass energy specialist Wasco Greenergy Bhd is targeting expansion beyond its core markets of Malaysia and Indonesia, as industrial clients across the region face mounting pressure to decarbonise, reported SunBiz.
The company, a subsidiary of global energy infrastructure group Wasco Bhd, specialises in engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of steam-energy systems, with a portfolio spanning biomass-fired boilers, gas-fired boilers, heat-recovery steam generators and steam turbine generator systems.
Chief executive Lee Yee Chong said industries in both countries are increasingly seeking solutions that are practical, operationally reliable and compatible with existing plant infrastructure.
"Many factories currently rely on natural gas, diesel, or even coal for steam and power," he said. "Biomass, particularly empty fruit bunches (EFB), can provide a cost-competitive, carbon-neutral alternative in suitable operating contexts."
The group's strategy centres on replacing fossil-fuel boilers with EFB-based systems and offering build-own-operate (BOO) models, allowing clients to decarbonise without managing unfamiliar technology. Long-term operation and maintenance support and phased transitions are central to the approach.
Lee said the economics are already compelling. Raw EFB fuel is cheaper than natural gas and coal in many cases, enabling clients to cut emissions while simultaneously reducing operating costs. The company's plants have run continuously for over four to five years, he added.
Malaysia and Indonesia together account for approximately 85% of global palm oil production, generating the biomass residues that underpin the company's business model. Wasco Greenergy has operated in Indonesia for more than 20 years, and the two countries remain its primary markets.
Over the next three to five years, the group aims to strengthen its execution capabilities in Indonesia, grow its BOO portfolio and selectively enter neighbouring markets including Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines — taking a deliberately measured approach rather than pursuing rapid geographic expansion.
On technology, the company prioritises proven, deployable solutions over experimental concepts. Key areas of focus include higher-efficiency steam turbines and boilers, advanced combustion systems, improved heat recovery and data-driven performance monitoring. Digital tools are being integrated across projects to support predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and combustion optimisation.
"We are not chasing technologies that look impressive on paper but are not commercially viable," Lee said. "Our boilers are designed to run continuously for months with minimal downtime — something many competitors cannot achieve."
Following its stock market listing, Wasco Greenergy plans to invest in technical talent, expand digital and automation capabilities and scale its expertise across new projects and markets.
Wasco Greenergy targets Southeast Asian expansion with biomass build-own-operate model
