BINTULU: The global demand for solid biofuels and activated carbon, especially from Asia-Pacific countries, is on the rise, creating significant opportunities for Sarawak to strengthen its position in the biomass industry.
According to Zainal Abidin Abdullah, general manager of the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), the use of biomass as fuel can significantly reduce carbon emissions, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
He stated that activated carbon derived from Sarawak’s biomass also holds great potential for applications in pollution control, medicine, and energy storage.
Zainal emphasised the importance of developing a strong biomass research framework, along with collaboration between government, industry, and academia, to reinforce Sarawak’s role in the renewable energy market.
“Joint research between STIDC and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) shows that Sarawak’s biomass has excellent characteristics for producing energy pellets, which can be enhanced through advanced processing techniques,” he said in his opening speech at the “Industry Update on Biomass Utilisation for Value-Added Products” programme here yesterday.
Zainal also revealed that Sarawak’s wood pellet export value reached RM44.474 million in 2023, a 92.2 per cent increase compared to RM23.129 million in 2022.
“This growth continued in 2024, with exports reaching RM60.469 million in the third quarter of this year, a 68.83 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
“This growth reflects high demand from international markets, particularly from countries like France, Japan, and Korea,” he added.
He further explained that Sarawak’s biomass industry supports a circular economy by ensuring optimal use of raw materials without waste, in line with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability.
In addition, he highlighted the importance of sustainable charcoal production from local biomass, which not only brings economic benefits but also contributes to reducing global greenhouse gases.
“This biomass industry not only offers economic opportunities but also plays a role in building local communities and reducing negative impacts on the environment,” Zainal explained.
The event also featured speakers from FRIM, including Dr. Mahanim Sarif @ Mohd Ali, Dr. Rafidah Jalil, Dr. Tumirah Khadiran, and Puad Elham, who shared insights on the potential of Sarawak’s biomass resources and innovative applications in the renewable energy industry.
With abundant natural resources, particularly from agricultural and wood residues, Zainal believes Sarawak is well-positioned to meet the growing global demand in the renewable energy sector.
In this regard, Zainal urged all parties to seize the opportunities in the biomass sector, which can not only stimulate Sarawak’s economic growth but also play a crucial role in contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable global environment.
