By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 13: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed that the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) study the potential of combining fatty acids derived from palm oil waste with hydrocarbons to develop a new type of aviation fuel.
He said the proposed research could open up new business opportunities for SALCRA by turning palm oil waste into a valuable resource as the aviation industry moves towards cleaner energy.
“Palm oil produces fatty acids, which can be used to produce aviation fuel. In Singapore, for example, used cooking oil collected from restaurants is processed into aviation fuel.
“I therefore propose a study into combining fatty acids with hydrocarbons. If the two can be combined, they could produce a new product for aircraft. Aircraft currently use fossil-based fuel, but the world is now moving towards cleaner energy for aviation,” he said when speaking at SALCRA’s Golden Jubilee Dinner held at Imperial Hotel here last night (Oct 12).
He suggested exploring the potential of using SALCRA’s resources and waste, including through possible processing at Adong Kechil in Marudi.
“Imagine, we have 55,000 hectares, and if we expand SALCRA’s assets and use the waste, combining it with hydrocarbons at Adong Kechil in Marudi, we could produce aviation fuel,” he said.
He said success in developing such a product could transform SALCRA’s business and position it in the emerging sustainable aviation fuel sector.
“If we succeed in what is called hybrid aviation fuel, SALCRA could become Sarawak’s Aramco,” he said, referring to Saudi Aramco, the Saudi Arabian energy giant.
Abang Johari stressed that the proposal required research, particularly into the chemical reaction between fatty acids and hydrocarbons.
“I am just putting the idea forward, but you can work on it. That is the chemical reaction between the two,” he said. — DayakDaily
