KUCHING: The launch of the first microalgae carbon capture facility and new technology will set the stage for the integration of a new industry as one of the economic drivers to generate Sarawak’s economy in the future.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the site is one of the largest algae production facilities and the largest of its kind in the world.
“Today, we are witnessing not only the launch of a new facility but also a remarkable technology that is developed in Sarawak.
“I came to know that algae are like plants; they use sunlight, water, nutrients, carbon, and high temperature like those available here at the equator to rapidly grow. Because of this, carbon dioxide can be artificially used to accelerate the growth of algae.
“Using this concept, I believe that this is how it is replicated with a technology that can capture the flue gas from power plant and bring the carbon dioxide from the flue gas to optimise the cultivation of algae in special flat panels called bioreactors,” he said during the official launch of CHITOSE Carbon Capture Central Sarawak at Sejingkat Power Corporation today.
Abang Johari said the facility, which is an extension of the Sarawak Energy Sejingkat Power Plant, and the technology that has been developed, potentially set the foundation for a new green initiative.
This will benefit the people, create new job opportunities, and grow Sarawak’s economy as the world trends towards sustainability and reducing impact of climate change.
“I believe that this five-hectare facility is the first in Malaysia to demonstrate the viable use of flue gas to enhance the production of algae on an industrial scale.
“The algae biomass can be translated into high quality products such as food and feed, paints, cosmetics, pharmaceutical ingredients and most importantly, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which is expected to surpass a huge market value of USD250 billion by 2030,” he added.
Abang Johari also said the recycling of carbon waste from power generation that would be otherwise be released into the environment into useful products is an innovation of a circular economy where all forms of wastes are returned to the economy to be used more efficiently.
“I would like to congratulate Sarawak Energy, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre and our Japanese partners ENEOS and Chitose Group on the joint efforts to develop this new technology,” he said.
