Felda to install POME-to-biogas plant

Felda Global Ventures Holdings is developing a renewable energy plant in Malaysia that will turn palm oil mill effluent (POME) into biogas.

The RM8 million (€2 million) pilot plant will be built in Kota Tinggi, Johor by technology company Weida Bhd, who says construction will be completed within four months.

The biogas will be used to generate 2MW of electricity that will be sold to Tenaga Nasional Bhd.

Executive director of Weida, Chew Chin Choong, said the 'pond system' method commonly used by many Malaysian planters is an inefficient way to treat POME.

'As the effluent ferments, it emits methane gas that pollutes the air and damages the ozone layer,' Choong was quoted as saying.

Based on the success of this initial biogas plant, Weida believes working with Felda could create other opportunities as the company owns 72 mills, with more than 400 palm oil mills in operation across Malaysia. Choong hopes Felda will install more facilities 'in line with Malaysia's drive towards green technology and a greener environment'.