Petronas teams up with SEDC Energy to develop microalgae for biofuel

Petronas Research and SEDC Energy have signed an agreement to develop technology for microalgae oil production.
Under the agreement, the two firms will jointly develop algae production technology which includes cultivation, harvesting and extraction of crude algae oil that will later be refined to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Both parties will also deep dive into the commercial production requirements for crude algae oil, including developing algae strains with high oil content at a competitive production cost.
SEDC chairman Abdul Aziz said: “Aside from the development of Sarawak’s Hydrogen Economy, we acknowledge the significance of alternative low carbon initiatives as the world transitions from conventional hydrocarbon fuels.
“It has been Sarawak’s interest to explore as many solutions as possible to mitigate carbon emissions and the collaboration with Petronas in the development of next generation renewable oil can potentially be a game-changer.”
Petronas senior vice president of project delivery and technology Datuk Bacho Pilong said: “We believe crude algae oil has the potential to support PETRONAS’ Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 aspiration, and we welcome collaborations with like-minded partners like SEDC who share our vision. We also look forward to playing our role in realising the State’s sustainability goals.”