KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and Malaysian Kuwaiti Investment Co Sdn Bhd (MKIC) will embark on a pioneering project to optimise the use of palm oil plantation biomass and other wastes in Sabah following an agreement that was inked between both parties today.

UTP Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib said the ‘Optimisation of Biomass Waste-to-Wealth’ project will be implemented at the Balung Palm Oil Mill Sdn Bhd in Tawau and is targeted to reduce the cost of electricity and decrease net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

"The goal of this project is to develop a hybrid heavy-duty plantation vehicle using biodiesel derived from palm oil waste and electric motors.

"This innovative approach is aimed at significantly reducing diesel fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, aligning with Malaysia and Petronas’ commitment to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions and UTP’s aspiration for sustainable global prominence,” the university said in a statement today.

According to UTP, the project spans two years and consists of three sub-projects led by the university’s researchers to address critical challenges in the palm oil industry, while hoping that the innovative technology stemming from these projects will be instrumental in driving waste-to-wealth initiatives forward.

Mohamed Ibrahim said the agreement signified UTP’s ongoing commitment to international recognition, where they aimed to be the technology solutions provider for the industry through their expertise, experience and research facilities that met the industry needs and standards.

"This collaboration highlights the significance of academia-industry partnership and our common vision of sustainability. We look forward to scaling up production, expanding application, and exploring revenue opportunities through IP (Intellectual Property) related to the hybrid heavy-duty plantation vehicle, potentially via licensing agreements or technology solutions,” he said.

MKIC chairman Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah, meanwhile, said that by embracing the potential of biofuel and vehicle electrification, the company was undertaking a deliberate shift towards a more sustainable energy landscape.

"The transition from conventional diesel to biofuel derived from waste materials represents a significant stride in minimising our ecological footprint. The projected 74 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions underscores our collective commitment to combatting climate change and safeguarding the environment for future generations,” he said.

He added that the partnership with UTP epitomised the impact of such a collaboration between academia and industry, and embodied their shared vision for a greener future.

Earlier, the agreement was signed between Mohamed Ibrahim and MKIC chief executive officer Mohd Shahrin Mohd Ali, and witnessed by Sabin; Ambassador of Kuwait to Malaysia, Rashed Mohammed Rashed AlSaleh; and the Undersecretary of West Asia in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Zahairi Baharim. — Bernama