TNB Research in joint collaboration on palm oil demonstration plant

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), through TNB Research Sdn Bhd, has teamed up with two other 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 pellet. The pellet is manufactured as fuel for power generation.

TNB Research is a wholly-owned subsidiary and the research and development (R&D) arm of TNB.

Presently, it is undertaking research activities and providing engineering services in developing the residue of palm oil industries to convert into high value-added products, TNB said in a statement.

TNB Research, together with KEPRI, the research institute of KEPCO, South Korea's largest electric utility and Detik Aturan Sdn Bhd (DASB), a Malaysian biomass pellet producer, last Tuesday launched the demonstration plant, 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.

Meanwhile, 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 Zainul Asri Mamat said: “Thanks to emerging technologies, the global biomass business is experiencing an era of rapid change.”

He said 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 biomass business, worldwide. — Bernama