1. Introduction

Empty fruit bunches (EFBs), a byproduct of the palm oil production process, have historically been disposed of, leading to methane emissions and soil and water pollution. In recent years, stricter environmental regulations have driven the proper treatment and effective utilization of EFBs. Applications include composting, biomass fuel, biochar production, paper manufacturing, and construction materials. Governments worldwide are promoting sustainable EFB use through subsidies, tax incentives, and regulatory frameworks. However, Malaysia and Indonesia generate approximately 60 million tons of EFB annually, and only a limited portion is effectively utilized. Large-scale, sustainable utilization is essential to address this challenge.

2. Utilization of EFBs

EFBs contain high levels of alkali metals (e.g., 20,000–30,000 ppm), which reduce thermal efficiency due to molten adhesion in combustion furnaces and slag formation, disrupting continuous operation. As a result, direct use of EFB as fuel has been limited.

Numerous companies have attempted to convert EFB into clean fuel, but commercial production has not yet been achieved. Leveraging 8–10 years of research and development and extensive commercialization experience in agricultural residue-based biomass, SSGE has successfully developed a high-grade biocoal production technology, marking a significant advancement in the field. Commercialization of the first production plant is underway in Malaysia.

3. Reduction of Environmental Problems
Producing clean fuel with low alkali content from EFB requires specific treatment methods to remove alkali metals. These processes significantly increase production costs, causing many projects to fail due to economic barriers. SSGE’s efficient EFB preprocessing technologies, combined with cost-effective, renewable electricity from biomass cogeneration, have achieved a breakthrough, enabling economically viable biocoal production.

4. Production Planning and Production
As part of its expansion plan, SSGE has established a plant in Malaysia to produce biocoal from EFB. The production technology is mature, and commercial production is expected to begin in 2025. SSGE’s production process allows the plant to operate in locations with limited grid power, and production will be scaled up quickly to meet global market demands.

5. Contribution to the Economic Growth
Through extensive utilization of EFB as the primary raw material for biocoal production, SSGE is committed to contributing to local and national economies in the following ways:

• • Creating jobs directly and indirectly in local communities.
  • Improving social infrastructure for local communities.
  • Providing additional earnings for local farmers.
  • Contributing to national foreign exchange earnings.
  • Enhancing global awareness of Malaysia as a leading biocoal hub.

6. Alternative Clean Fuel To Replace Fossil Coal

As global awareness of the environmental impact of CO2 and CH4 emissions grows, SSGE is committed to reducing both emissions to preserve a cleaner planet. In response to the Paris Agreement, SSGE aims to play a vital role in producing renewable biocoal, which can fully replace fossil coal to combat global warming. This approach enables power plants and industrial boilers to transition to renewable energy without decommissioning existing coal-fired facilities.

7. Technical Parameters of Torrefied EFB Pellets

To demonstrate that torrefied EFB pellets are cost-effective and efficient for use in power plants, key technical parameters aligned with the general requirements of power plant and industrial boiler operators are detailed in the NKKK Test Report. Refer to the attached NKKK Test Report for further details.