Biomass energy in Malaysia: current state and prospects
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Abstract
Today, energy crisis turn out to be a serious threat towards sustainability for developing countries since their energy demand is growing more rapidly than developed countries. On the other hand, fossil fuels cannot sustain anymore in the near future because of environmental impacts and depletion of the reserves. Malaysia is experiencing drastic growth in population and economy and requires exploring alternative energy sources to support its population and commercial energy demand. Biomass as the fourth largest energy resource in the world is abundant in the country. Malaysia is blessed with tropical and humid climate all year round which is a magnificent opportunity for fully exploiting agriculture and tropical forests potential. Since late 1990, the concept of waste-to-wealth had been promoted and became popular widely. This concept is based on unwanted wastes which are converted into valuable energy while reducing waste generated and increase the economy-efficiency mainly used for cooking, space heating and power generation. Currently, concerted efforts and various biomass energy programs are supporting by the government for development, demonstration and commercialization. This paper intent to present the current state and prospects of biomass utilization and strategies promoted for future developments in Malaysia.
Keywords
Biofuel, Biomass, Biopower, Malaysia, Renewable energy, Alternative energy source, Bio-mass energy, Bio-power, Biomass utilization, Commercial energy demand, Concerted effort, Developed countries, Energy crisis, Energy demands, Heating and power, Humid climates, Reducing waste, Renewable energies, Tropical forest, Developing countries, Energy Fuels, Heating, Population statistics, Proven reserves, Renewable energy resources Energy conversion.
Divisions
fac_eng
Publication Title
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Volume
15
Issue
7
Publisher
Elsevier
Additional Information
805KC Times Cited:2 Cited References Count:32