TNB RESEARCH PARTNERS WITH DETIK ATURAN, KEPRI
Demonstration plant cleans and removes impurities from palm oil EFB used to produce premium pellets
TENAGA Nasional Bhd’s (TNB) unit, TNB Research Sdn Bhd, has teamed up with two companies to run a demonstration plant that cleans and removes impurities from palm oil empty fruit bunches (EFB) used in the production of premium biomass pellets.
Pellets are manufactured as fuel for power generation.
TNB Research is a whollyowned subsidiary and the research and development arm of TNB.
Currently, it is undertaking research activities and providing engineering services in developing the residue of palm oil industries to convert it into high-valueadded products, said TNB.
TNB Research, biomass pellet producer Detik Aturan Sdn Bhd and Kepri, the research institute of Korea Electric Power Corp — South Korea’s largest electric utility — last Tuesday launched the demonstration plant, which is Malaysia’s first Biomass Water Washing Demonstration Plant.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Detik Aturan managing director Khairil Annuar Khalid described the company’s involvement in the project by providing a location for the demonstration plant as proof of its commitment towards a cleaner and healthier environment.
Kepri president Dr Sung Hwan Bae said as South Korea’s leading electrical technology developer, the institute was delighted to support the expansion of the potential of commercially high-value biomass pellet as fuel supply for power generation.
TNB Research managing director Ir Dr Zainul Asri Mamat said: “Thanks to emerging technologies, the global biomass business is experiencing an era of rapid change.”
The collaborative effort on the demonstration plant would ensure that the biomass pellet industry remained at the forefront in leveraging those changes.
At the launch, the three parties also signed a memorandum of understanding to promote bilateral cooperation in technology, competency and capability, as well as business opportunities on bio-mass business worldwide.