By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Oct 5: Wood pellets can serve as a replacement to coal and can also be used as a substitute for nuclear energy, as they can be utilised to generate power, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier noted that there is a wood pellet station in the United Kingdom (UK) that produces about 2,500 megawatts (MW) of energy.
“With new scientific models and an ecosystem capable of producing trees with rapid growth, we can help the world in reducing carbon emissions and to use renewable energy as a source of power.
“Sarawak’s advantage, for that matter Borneo’s advantage, is because of enough rainfall and sunlight.
“If that is the ecosystem we are in, I think that is where researchers, scientists can explore more using the latest technology to produce new products that will help to cool the climate,” he said before launching the 1st Natural Science and Technology Conference 2023 (NASTEC2023), organised by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas) Faculty of Resource Science and Technology at a local hotel here, which was streamed live via Sarawak Public Communications Unit’s (Ukas) YouTube channel today.
According to a Unimas press handout, NASTEC2023 is centred around the theme, ‘Sustaining Biodiversity Across Cultures and Research Through Science and Technology’.
“With attendees numbering over 100, including representatives from local institutions, research agencies, and international delegates from countries such as India, Indonesia, Japan, and Brunei, this conference serves as a vital platform for the exchange of cutting-edge research findings, technological advancements, and strategies for promoting sustainable development,” read the press handout.
The conference is being held from Oct 4 to Oct 6.
Among others present at the event were Unimas vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi; Associate Professor Dr Samsur Mohamad, Dean of the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology; and NASTEC2023 organising chairpersons Professor Dr Zainab Ngaini and Professor Dr Ramlah Zainudin. — DayakDaily
