Countries around the world are investigating and examining a variety of alternative energies to assist in the goal of becoming free of oil dependency. One of the areas of research has been bioenergy and many countries are set to use this as a sustainable energy source. Malaysia is one such country to make a drastic change, using their vast palm oil plantations as a bioenergy method.

Bioenergy is poised to increase the current 10% and provide around 25% of the world’s energy supplies by the year 2050. However, there are major considerations than need to be taken when the topic of bioenergy is presented. The first and foremost is the environmental impact, specifically when discussing palm oil. Deforestation is a major concern and can often result in undermining the entire sustainable energy process. For Malaysia to accomplish their goal of sustainable energy through the use of palm oil bioenergy, serious policies and procedures will need to be set in place. Certification and best practices are a priority to ensure that there is a positive impact on both environmental and social situations so that they can establish themselves as a sustainable biofuel marketplace.

In 2010, there was around 47 million tons of palm oil produced, with around forty percent of production coming from Malaysia. While two thirds of this production was used in the food sector, the actual biofuel use was around five percent. As interest continues to increase towards biofuel as a sustainable energy source, the intelligent and wise use of municipal solid waste plants and using non-recyclable waste for the generation of energy are alternatives that need to be pursued. Combining well-planned processes and technologies, along with bioenergy will be the best path for Malaysia, to ensure continued growth and a low carbon footprint, while sustaining a thriving community.

Source: http://www.iea.org/newsroomandevents/news/2012/june/name,27924,en.html

3 Responses to “The Expansion of Bioenergy in Malaysia”

1. 1
   Can'tDance Says:
   

   Never knew there was that much palm oil produced and used around the world, but good to know that in a country that is responsible for all of this production, they are thinking along with correct environmental lines when talking about energy choices. Communities around the world are starting to realize that they need to take mother nature into consideration, before they proceed down a path to bring low carbon footprints.

   August 11th, 2013 at 11:08 am
2. 2
   BottomLine Says:
   

   Just watched a program last night about a company that is cutting down all of the old trees in Louisiana for biomass production and leaving the area sparse and deforested. They are proclaiming that their product brings lower carbon emissions, while they deplete nature. Sometimes, there is a wrong way to do things, but companies are using ecology as a front, just to make money.

   August 10th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
3. 3
   BetterNow Says:
   

   If anyone has read about the deforestation around the world, it is becoming more and more of a serious problem. We are cutting down not only tropical forests but plant life in general, for the purpose of growing food and crops that are not offering any sustainability. Malaysia is making a smart decision towards their energy options and keeping the environment as a priority.

   August 9th, 2013 at 9:36 am

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