SEDA Malaysia Promotes the Advancement of the National Bioenergy Ecosystem Ahead of ISES 2026
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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- The Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia, a statutory body under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), yesterday organised the Pre-ISES 2026 Forum at the Le Meridien Hotel as part of the lead-up to the 7th International Sustainable Energy Summit (ISES) 2026.
With the theme “Advancing Malaysia’s Bioenergy Ecosystem,” the forum embraces SEDA Malaysia’s preparations for ISES 2026, themed “Envisioning Sustainable Energy Beyond Borders” that reflects collective intention to strengthen and elevate one of Malaysia’s most promising renewable energy sectors.
Driving National Leadership By Advancing Malaysia’s Bioenergy Ecosystem
In his opening speech, YBhg. Dato’ Hamzah Hussin, Chief Executive Officer of SEDA Malaysia, highlighted that the Authority plays a central role in driving the country’s renewable energy agenda. He emphasized that SEDA is responsible for facilitating, regulating, and enabling the expansion of renewable energy across Malaysia, ensuring that every initiative is anchored in strong governance, market readiness, and long-term sustainability.
“One of SEDA’s most important responsibilities under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) is to strengthen emerging growth areas particularly those that harness Malaysia’s natural resources and industrial strengths. “Among these opportunities, biomass stands out as a strategic sector that can significantly support Malaysia’s energy transition while stimulating new economic opportunities,” said YBhg. Dato’ Hamzah.
Dato’ Hamzah stressed that the advancement of bioenergy development continues to present several critical challenges that require strategic attention. In Malaysia, the supply of consistent, high-quality feedstock remains uncertain, limiting the ability of developers to secure the reliable volumes required for efficient operation. These challenges underscore the need for comprehensive planning, innovative solutions, and strengthened policy support to fully unlock Malaysia’s bioenergy potential.
Exploring the Energy Potential of Bioenergy Clusters
The forum began with a project overview delivered by Senior Researcher at SEDA Malaysia, Dr. Rosmahani Mohd Shah, who outlined the scope and objectives of the completed study titled “Potential on Bioenergy Clustering in Peninsular Malaysia.” This was followed by a detailed report-sharing session by YBhg. Dato’ Leong Kin Mun, the appointed consultant, who presented the key findings of the study.
According to the study, the combined biomass and biogas potential from palm oil mills could contribute significantly to the national renewable energy mix, with realisation dependent on addressing key challenges such as feedstock reliability, transportation costs, and grid interconnection limitations. The study also outlines three business models driving sector development: the Power Exporting Palm Oil Mill (PEPOM) model, which enables electricity export; the Centralized Biomass Power Plant (CBP) model, which consolidates feedstock for a dedicated plant; and the Integrated Palm Oil Mill Biomass Plant (IPOM-BP) model, which integrates mill operations with biomass energy production.
The report further presents relevant benchmarks to guide industry progress and highlights that strong ecosystem collaboration involving mills, technology providers, investors and regulatory agencies will be essential to advancing the sector.
SEDA Malaysia Shares Insights on Developing Malaysia Bioenergy Ecosystem
The programme continued with a high-level panel session featuring Dr. David Lim Lian Keong, President of the Federation of Palm Oil Millers Associations (POMA); Ir. Ts. Dr. Gideon Tan Xiang Yee, Head of Group Transformation at FGV Holdings Berhad; and Mr. Azmir Abdullah, Regional Head of Sustainable Finance at CIMB Bank Berhad.
Moderated by Mr Saiful Hakim Abdul Rahman, Director of the Strategic Planning Division at SEDA Malaysia, the session titled “Unlocking Bioenergy Potential Through Ecosystem Collaboration, Innovation and Policy Support” explored several critical dimensions of Malaysia’s bioenergy landscape. The discussion began by highlighting key insights from the clustering study that stakeholders should understand to inform strategic decision making. It then examined the primary structural challenges constraining the growth of the country’s bioenergy ecosystem. The conversation progressed to technological considerations, focusing on innovations and optimisation in biomass utilisation within the plantation sector. Finally, from a financial perspective, the discussion evaluated how uncertainties in feedstock whether in terms of price, availability, or competing uses affect project risk assessments and investment planning.
Panellists collectively agreed that bioenergy has great potential when ecosystems, innovation, and policy support work together. This collaboration enhances efficient biomass utilisation, strengthens resource optimisation, and promotes a resilient and low- carbon energy system elevating Malaysia as a leader in sustainable energy within the region.
Supporting the Vision of ISES 2026: Sustainable Energy Beyond Borders
Insights from this Pre-ISES Forum will play a key role in shaping ISES 2026, further strengthening SEDA Malaysia’s leadership in the sustainable energy agenda. As the nation prepares for next year’s summit, SEDA Malaysia remains dedicated to fostering knowledge sharing, promoting industry collaboration, and enhancing cross-border partnerships to accelerate Malaysia’s energy.
SEDA Malaysia also invites the public to save the date for the 7th International Sustainable Energy Summit (ISES) 2026, which will be held on 11–12 August 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Registration details will be announced soon.
ABOUT SEDA MALAYSIA
Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia is a statutory body reporting to the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). SEDA Malaysia was established in September 2011 under the SEDA Act 2011 [Act 726] with the key purpose of driving the renewable energy and energy efficiency agenda in the country.
SOURCE: Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: En. Roslan Ali@Hassan (Senior Director, Strategic Communications Division)
Tel: 012-377 6983
Email: sc@seda.gov.my / roslan@seda.gov.my
--BERNAMA
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