Innovative Partnership for Sustainable Biorefinery in Malaysia
Key Ideas
- Petronas and partners have awarded a contract for a new hydrogen production unit at a biorefinery in Malaysia, aiming to advance the global transition to low-carbon fuels.
- The biorefinery, set to start in 2028, will process 100% waste and residue biofeedstocks to produce sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, meeting the growing demand for reduced-carbon fuels.
- Euglena Co. Ltd. will accelerate research on microalgae oils to supply the biorefinery, showcasing the diverse sustainable feedstock options being explored for the project.
- The project signifies a step towards sustainable energy solutions, with the use of low-carbon hydrogen production technology and a focus on reducing site emissions while maximizing recovery rates.
Petronas Mobility Lestari Sdn. Bhd. (PMLSB), Eni SPA, and Euglena Co. Ltd. have joined forces to construct a groundbreaking biorefinery at the Pengerang Integrated Complex in Johor, Malaysia. Maire SPA's subsidiary, NextChem SPA, has been contracted for the delivery of a hydrogen production unit equipped with NX Reform technology to support the conversion processes at the biorefinery. The project, valued at $125 million, aims to produce 38,000 cu m/hr of low-carbon hydrogen, focusing on reducing emissions and promoting the adoption of sustainable fuels.
The biorefinery, approved for investment in 2024, will utilize waste and residue biofeedstocks to produce sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, with a capacity of 650,000 tonnes/year. Partners are exploring various biomass feedstocks, including microalgae oils, for the project. Scheduled for startup in 2028, the facility will play a crucial role in meeting the rising demand for reduced-carbon fuels in global aviation and transportation sectors. This initiative highlights a significant stride towards a more sustainable energy future, incorporating innovative technologies to drive the transition to cleaner energy sources.