JERANTUT: Felcra Jayaputra Sdn Bhd, a unit of Felcra Bhd, has developed the country's largest biogas power plant in Jayaputra here to increase the capacity of oil palm-based renewable energy (RE).
Felcra chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub said the biogas plant could generate 5.5 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which could improve the lives of some 300,000 rural residents.
"This biogas-based electricity allows enterprises and businesses in rural areas to operate more efficiently and generate local economic growth, create jobs and boost business. The plant will also support industrial and agricultural development.
"We are confident that the biogas plant will provide comfort to all quarters, especially the rural communities who require basic necccesities such as sufficient electricity," he said in his speech at the opening of the Felcra Jayaputra -Cenergi Berhado Biogas Power Plant.
The plant was opened by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was accompanied by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Jazlan said using oil palm waste to produce biogas can reduce waste burning, to generate clean and sustainable electricity.
"This can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take advantage of locally available energy sources in areas where oil palm is grown and processed.
"The opening of the biogas plant gives a new hope for Felcra Berhad to optimise the use of existing resources through more strategic cooperation with our other business partners."
He said Felcra planned to expand 230 million hectares of plantations for oil palm, rubber and food crops, and set up nine factories across the country.
"Felcra has ventured into the food industry, including an indoor broiler chicken farm in Tanjung Seratus, Rompin, fertigation crops, cattle breeding in feedlots and plantation projects throughout the country," he said.