By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, May 20: Unpredictable weather changes and high investment in the use of technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) sensors are some of the main challenges faced by the micro-algae project in Sarawak.
According to Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, these challenges can lead to constant greying in the micro-algae growth cycle.
“The effects of this greying require continuous observation and monitoring to ensure an effective growth cycle,” he said during the question-and-answer session on the second day of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
The project also faces challenges in scaling up production to meet global demand for bio feedstock. In addition, the adoption of AI sensors is necessary to replace manual labour in operating high-quality micro-algae production, further contributing to high initial investment costs.
Dr Hazland emphasised that economies of scale for a project investment are important to make it sustainable and viable.
He added that the State government, through SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd is currently studying and exploring other suitable sources for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
“Other sources that can be considered (for SAF) include cooking oil, seaweed, agricultural waste, and biomass,” he said. –DayakDaily
