Feasibility study of biogas production and utilization as a source of renewable energy in Malaysia

Nowadays, energy consumption is rising rapidly due to industrialization and progress in the standards of living. Fossil fuel such as natural gas, petroleum and coal which are mentioned as the most important energy sources in the world are depleted day by day and these non-renewable resources become rare soon. Moreover, environmental issues have become a dilemma due to more fossil fuel consumption. Recently, the conspicuous developments have been performed in untapped befoul resources which are environmentally friendly to fulfill the energy demand of the world. The combustion characteristics of befoul can be similar to fossil fuel by adapting some strategies. Many countries have invested in befoul as a favorable source of energy in research, production and export areas. Malaysia as a tropical country has numerous befoul resources generated from agricultural production especially palm trees from photosynthetic process. Palm industry byproducts such as the palm oil empty fruit bunch (POEFB), monocarp, shell and palm oil mil effluent (POME) can be developed to extract biogas as an acceptable source of energy. On the other hand, without suitable strategies these valuable resources can threat the environment by air and water pollution. This article is a feasibility study of biogas production and utilization as a source of renewable and sustainable energy in Malaysia and discusses about some appropriate strategies which should be taken into account to decrease environmental problems which have been created by oil palm factories. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd