KUCHING, Jan 26: Petronas Research Sdn Bhd (PRSB) and SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd have signed an agreement to develop technology for microalgae oil production.
Petronas in a statement today said under the agreement, PRSB, a subsidiary of Petronas, and SEDC Energy, a subsidiary of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), 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 delve deep into the commercial production requirements for crude algae oil, including developing algae strains with high oil content at a competitive production cost.
Speaking during the ceremony, SEDC chairman Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Husain said aside from the development of Sarawak’s Hydrogen Economy, they also 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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Petronas Senior Vice President of Project Delivery and Technology Datuk Bacho Pilong said they believe crude algae oil has the potential to support Petronas’ Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 aspiration, and welcome collaborations with like-minded partners like SEDC who share their vision.
“We also look forward to playing our role in realising the State’s sustainability goals,” he said.
The agreement was signed between PRSB chief executive officer Norhayati Hashim and SEDC Energy chief executive officer Robert Hardin during a ceremony held in Kuching on Jan 20.
Also present at the event were Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning & Development) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and Permanent Secretary to Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Azmi Bujang. — DayakDaily
