NEXUS Kick-Off Meeting launched

Project Title:   Green Conversion of Palm Oil Wastes into Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (Bio-CNG) for Renewable Energy Diversification in Malaysia

Grant: Malaysia Science Endowment × NEXUS Research Collaboration Grant 2025

Date & Time: 4th March 2026, 9 AM-12.30 PM

Venue: Conference Room, Level 4, Block L, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Attendees:

Prof. Ir. Dr. Nik Nazri bin Nik Ghazali, Dean, Faculty of Engineering
Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Faizul Mohd Sabri – Deputy Dean (Research), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya (UM)
Dr. Hanee Farzana Hizaddin – Head, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Malaya (UM)
A/Prof. Dr. Mamoru Oshiki – Principal Investigator (JST-NEXUS), Hokkaido University (HU)
Prof. Dr. Shuichi Kawano – Co-Principal Investigator, Kyushu University (KU)
Dr. Choi Hyungmin – Co-Researcher, Hokkaido University (HU)
Dr. Takashi Kohei – Co-Researcher, Hokkaido University (HU)
Mr. Mohd Asraf bin Hamdan Mustafa – Head, Innovation & Transformation, GCEO Office, Cenergi SEA Berhad
Mr. Liow Jian Fei – Engineer, Innovation & Transformation, GCEO Office, Cenergi SEA Berhad
Ms. Patmanjalie N. Murugesu – Engineer, Innovation & Transformation, GCEO Office, Cenergi SEA Berhad
Prof. Ir. Dr. Adeline Chua Seak May – Principal Investigator (MSE-NEXUS), Universiti Malaya (UM)
Ir. Dr. Chuah Chong Yang – Co-Principal Investigator, Universiti Malaya (UM)
A/Prof. Ir. Dr. Chan Yi Jing – Co-Researcher, University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM)
Ir. Dr. Santheraleka Ramanathan – Co-Researcher, Universiti Malaya (UM)

1. Introduction

The Kick-Off Meeting for the research project titled “Green Conversion of Palm Oil Wastes into Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (Bio-CNG) for Renewable Energy Diversification in Malaysia” was held on 4 March 2026 at Universiti Malaya. The meeting marked the official commencement of the three-year collaborative project involving academic institutions from Malaysia and Japan, together with industry and government partners. The collaboration focuses on developing sustainable approaches for converting palm oil biomass, particularly Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB), into renewable bioenergy in the form of Bio-CNG.

2. Opening Ceremony

The event began with an opening ceremony attended by distinguished guests, faculty leadership, researchers, and industry partners. The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of:

Nik Nazri Nik Ghazali, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering
Mohd Faizul Mohd Sabri, Deputy Dean (Research & Development)
Hanee Farzana Mohd Foo, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering

The Dean delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in advancing renewable energy research and supporting Malaysia’s sustainability agenda.

3. Introduction of Project Collaborators

3.1 Japan research team

The project is jointly led by collaborators from Japan and Malaysia. The Japan-side Principal Investigator is Mamoru Oshiki from Hokkaido University, who attended the meeting in person. Supporting the project are Shuchi Kawano from Kyushu University, specializing in machine learning modelling; postdoctoral researchers Dr. Kohei and Dr. Hyungmin from Hokkaido University, contributing to microbial dataset collection and bioinformatics analysis.

3.2 Malaysia research team

The Malaysia research team is led by the Principal Investigator, Prof. Adeline from Universiti Malaya, supported by Co-PI Dr. Chuah Chong Yang and a multidisciplinary team of researchers specializing in bioenergy systems, materials science, and environmental engineering. The research team includes Prof. Ngoh Gek Cheng, expertise in EFB pretreatment; Dr. Santheraleka Ramanathan, expertise in EFB pretreatment and biogas upgrading; Dr. Chan Yi Jing from University of Nottingham Malaysia, expertise in co-digestion and system integration.

4. Industry and Government Collaboration

The industry partner for this project is Cenergi SEA Berhad, lead by Ir Kwok Yew Hoe, represented during the meeting by Mr. Asraf, Head of Innovation and Transformation. The project also involves collaboration with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, represented by Dr. Loh Soh Kheang.

5. Hybrid Technical Session

Following the opening ceremony, the meeting continued with a hybrid technical session involving both physical and virtual participants.

5.1 Project Overview

During the session, the Malaysia-side Principal Investigator, Prof. Adeline, presented an overview of the three-year project plan and the key objectives from the Malaysian research team. This was followed by a presentation by Prof Oshiki, who introduced Hokkaido University and the Water Quality Control (WQC) Laboratory, as well as the contributions of the Japan team to the project.The industry partner, Cenergi SEA Berhad, also shared their perspective on industry needs and their role in supporting the project through technical expertise and access to biomass resources.

5.2. Work Package Presentations

The research activities of the project are organized into three main Work Packages (WPs).

WP1: Green Pretreatment of EFB for Enhanced Biogas Production

WP2: Batch and Continuous Co-Digestion of POME and EFB

WP3: CO₂ Adsorbent Development Using EFB-Derived Biochar

5.3. Feedback by Cenergi SEA Berhad

Cenergi highlighted that Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is currently the largest waste stream generated from palm oil mills, followed by Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) as the second largest biomass residue. Existing biogas plants already utilize POME through anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, which is captured and further processed for energy generation. However, the management and utilization of EFB remain a significant challenge due to its high moisture content (approximately 65 wt%), which makes direct processing and energy recovery less efficient.

Overall, the representatives from Cenergi expressed strong interest in the project’s focus on EFB valorization and biogas system enhancement, as these approaches support the company’s efforts in sustainable waste management, renewable energy production, and carbon emission reduction. They also indicated their willingness to facilitate biomass and POME sample supply, operational insights, and potential future testing opportunities to support the research activities.

6. Conclusion

The Kick-Off Meeting successfully brought together all project partners to formally initiate the collaboration and discuss the implementation strategy for the three-year research program.

The meeting provided an important platform for strengthening communication among academic researchers, industry partners, and government stakeholders. The discussions also helped align research objectives, clarify work package responsibilities, and establish administrative procedures for the collaboration.

The project team looks forward to productive research activities, knowledge exchange between Malaysia and Japan, and impactful outcomes that contribute to renewable energy diversification and sustainable palm oil waste management in Malaysia.

NEXUS Site Visit Held

Location:  Cenergi Sua Betong Biogas Plant

Date & Time:  3^rd March 2026 & 10AM-12.30PM

Attendees: Prof Adeline (UM), Prof Oshiki (HU), Dr Chuah (UM), Dr Santheraleka (UM), Dr Deepa (UM), Mr Asraf (Cenergi), Ms Farah (Cenergi), Mr Liow Jian Fei (Cenergi), Ms Patmanjalie (Cenergi)

1. Introduction

A field visit was conducted to the biogas facility operated by Cenergi SEA Berhad at the Sua Betong Biogas Plant as part of the initial engagement activities under the MSE x NEXUS “Green Technology” Research Collaboration Grant 2025 titled “Green Conversion of Palm Oil Wastes into Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (Bio-CNG) for Renewable Energy Diversification in Malaysia”. The visit aimed to provide the research team with first-hand exposure to industrial biogas production from palm oil mill residues and to facilitate discussion with the industry partner on potential research collaboration and sample coordination.

2. Site Visit

2.1 Introductory session

The plant team provided an overview of the biogas production system and waste management practices implemented at the facility. Palm oil mills generate significant quantities of organic waste streams, particularly Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB). These wastes are processed to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion. The captured biogas is subsequently used as a renewable energy source. The plant team also explained that government regulations encourage mills above a certain production capacity to install biogas capture systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from POME treatment. This requirement has driven the development of biogas plants within the palm oil industry.

2.2 Guided Site Visit

The research team was given a guided tour of the facility by the plant engineers. The visit included observation of several operational units including:

• Feedstock handling and biomass storage areas
• Anaerobic digestion systems used for POME treatment
• Biogas capturing lagoon and processing infrastructure
• Waste management and energy utilization systems

The tour provided useful insight into the practical challenges associated with biomass handling, feedstock variability, and large-scale biogas production.

2.3 Feedback and key points from wrap-up discussion

During the wrap-up discussion with representatives from Cenergi SEA Berhad, several important insights regarding palm oil waste management and biogas production were shared.

Palm oil waste streams

It was highlighted that POME represents the largest waste stream from palm oil mills, followed by EFB as the second largest biomass residue. These waste streams present significant opportunities for renewable energy generation and resource recovery.

Moisture content of biomass

One of the operational challenges discussed is the high moisture content of biomass residues:

• EFB typically contains approximately 65 wt% moisture
• Palm fiber contains approximately 55 wt% moisture

Due to the high moisture levels, additional drying or pretreatment may be required before further processing or conversion into biochar.

Biochar production from EFB

The plant team highlighted the potential of converting EFB into biochar through pyrolysis processes. Biochar production requires thermal treatment to remove moisture and volatile components. Biochar derived from EFB could potentially be used to enhance co-digestion processes in anaerobic digestion systems, improving microbial activity and stabilizing the digestion environment. This approach may provide greater benefits compared to focusing solely on biogas upgrading technologies.

3. Conclusion

The field visit to the Sua Betong Biogas Plant operated by Cenergi SEA Berhad provided valuable insights into the operational aspects of biogas production from palm oil mill residues. The visit also enabled productive discussions regarding biomass utilization, pretreatment strategies, and potential research collaboration. The feedback provided by the industry partner will be instrumental in guiding the research activities of the project, particularly in exploring the role of EFB-derived biochar and co-digestion strategies to enhance biogas production efficiency.

We are pleased to welcome a new HU member to our project. Mr. Tao Motoyama has joined our team as a B4 (undergraduate) student.

Our Project Introduced in HU RING Communications

Our NEXUS project has been featured in RING Communications, a public outreach platform of Hokkaido University. RING Communications showcases a variety of ongoing and cutting-edge projects within the Faculty of Engineering. Our project is introduced as one of these active and impactful research initiatives.

We hope you will take a moment to explore the platform and learn more about the exciting research currently being conducted. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the RING Communications team for featuring our work.

Kick-off Meeting and Site Visit Held

On March 4, 2026, a kick-off meeting for this project was held at Bilik Persidangan, Engineering Tower, University of Malaya. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format, bringing together project members from Japan and Malaysia. Active discussions were held on the research plan, division of roles, and future collaboration strategies. In particular, the participants shared concrete directions for establishing an effective research framework that leverages the strengths of each institution, as well as for promoting the exchange of young researchers.

In addition, on the previous day, the participants visited the POME treatment site operated by Cynergi SEA. This visit provided valuable insights into the actual operation and facility configuration, contributing to a deeper understanding for future demonstration studies.

Through this meeting and site visit, the foundation for international collaborative research has been further strengthened, and the acceleration of research activities and the generation of tangible outcomes are expected in the future.