MPOB and PETRONAS explore SAF from cooking oil and palm waste

MPOB and PETRONAS explore SAF from cooking oil and palm waste

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and state-owned oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) have embarked on a joint venture to study the potential of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using used cooking oil and palm waste as primary ingredients.

This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s National Energy Policy 2022-2040, which aims to curtail carbon emissions and position the energy sector as a driving force for the country’s social and economic progress.

“The transformation of used cooking oil and palm by-products, such as palm oil mill effluents (POME), into SAF resonates with the Madani Economy’s green technology principles,” said Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, director-general of MPOB. He further emphasised the oil palm industry’s success in exemplifying a circular economy, which prioritises waste elimination, product recycling, and environmental conservation.

The collaboration between MPOB and PETRONAS extends beyond research. Both entities will formulate a comprehensive framework that encompasses communication, education, and public awareness strategies, emphasising the significance of recycling and waste reduction.

In the broader context, the oil palm industry has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sustainability. Palm waste, including palm fronds, is processed into animal feed, while palm trunks are repurposed to create composite boards. Additionally, POME undergoes processing to yield fertilizers and phenolic extracts, and sludge oil is a viable source for biodiesel production.