Oil palm biomass to increase to 100 million tonnes by 2020

The oil palm industry produced 83 million tonnes last year.

Deputy Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the additional 20 million tonnes will be utilised for high-value uses.

"Higher biomass production will contribute a significant RM30 billion to the Gross National Income by 2020, reduce carbon emissions and create about 66,000 jobs, according to the report on National Biomass Strategy 2020," he told a media conference after opening a Bio-Energy symposium here today.

Mahdzir said Malaysia's reputation had grown as a country ripe for investments in the biomass industry.

"The palm oil industry is a perfect example that can lead us to be a forerunner in the region for a greener economy," he said. In recognising the significant progress over the last few years in the biomass sector, the government has not only launched several initiatives but also introduced new incentives to capitalise on the biomass potential. "Our initiatives in promoting renewable energy is not only to generate more green energy, but also demonstrate Malaysia's commitment towards addressing global warming and climate change," he said. Mahdzir also said, 57% of this year's 190 megawatt green energy quota is to be generated by the industry.

"This proves the seriousness of the Malaysian government to address the claim that Malaysia's palm oil industry pollutes the environment and therefore, not sustainable," he added. Meanwhile, Malaysia-German Chamber of Commerce president, Jens Reisch, said the two-day symposium, attended by some 200 stakeholders and government agencies officials from Malaysia and Germany, will focus on the coming partnerships between Malaysia and Germany at the business match-making session.