By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Oct 23: Mangrove-rich Daro will be suitable for algae cultivation to produce biofuel should the research in Bintulu and Gedong be successful.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this when pointing out Daro’s strategic characteristics for this new industry.
“This is an area that is suitable for algae cultivation because there are mangroves, sunlight, and we have sufficient water, salt water.
“But this has to wait until the success of our research so that we can study the cost implication when we bring in development,” he told reporters in a press conference in Daro today.
Abang Johari envisioned Daro as a green economy hub that will produce biofuel from algae by 2030 if all goes well.
“I’m confident it can be done. If that happens, I think Sarawak will have a bright future in the green economy,” he added.
Studies have found that 1,000 acres of algae can roughly produce up to 20,000 barrels of biofuel, which can be converted into biodiesel and aviation fuel.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also wished to develop the Rajang Delta region, which includes Daro in terms of agriculture, animal husbandry and shipping, specifically in Paloh. — DayakDaily
