FGV expands biodiesel B100 pilot to plantation operations

FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) launched the next phase of its B100 Biodiesel (B100) pilot programme in Malaysia, expanding the trial from vehicle applications to plantation operations to evaluate the technical performance and operational viability of locally produced palm oil-based biodiesel.

The six-month pilot will be carried out at the Tun Abdul Razak Agricultural Research Centre (PPPTAR)’s estate in Jerantut, involving approximately 17 units of machinery, including tractors, agricultural machineries, power generators and four-wheel-drive vehicles used in daily plantation operations.

The initiative builds on FGV’s earlier evaluation of B100 in on-road vehicles and marks the next phase of testing in plantation operations, where operating conditions are significantly more demanding.

Produced using 100 percent locally sourced palm oil with no fossil fuel content, B100 is part of FGV’s ongoing efforts to broaden the range of its downstream palm-based applications.

As a producer of palm-based biodiesel and one of Malaysia’s largest agribusiness companies, FGV is adopting a data-driven approach to assess the viability of B100 in real-world operations before any consideration is given to wider implementation.

The pilot will be implemented in phases, with individual assets monitored through a comprehensive technical assessment covering fuel consumption, engine performance, operational reliability, maintenance requirements and fuel quality. Participating assets will also undergo inspections and servicing prior to the start of the trial to establish baseline performance benchmarks for reference throughout the evaluation period.

Datuk Abu Huraira said the expansion of the B100 assessment to plantation operations reflects FGV’s commitment to unlocking new opportunities for palm oil through innovation that is both responsible and evidence-based.