PUTRAJAYA, May 25 — The use of B15 biodiesel in Peninsular Malaysia from June 1 will boost the country’s energy security without affecting palm oil export volume, support the local palm oil industry, and accelerate the nation’s green agenda, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad.
She said the increase in the biodiesel blend from B10 to B15 (15 per cent palm oil-based biodiesel) was carefully planned after considering the industry’s readiness, supply situation, and existing infrastructure.
She added that the government had analysed B15 use, including the country’s palm oil supply capacity, to ensure exports of the commodity would not be affected.
“We produce about 20 million metric tonnes of palm oil annually and export around 16 million metric tonnes. This means there is a surplus of about four million metric tonnes for domestic use.
“The implementation of B15 only requires about 0.8 million metric tonnes out of that amount, so it will not disrupt the country’s export volume,” she said during a media briefing on B15 biodiesel here today.
She added that B15 was selected as the best blending rate at present following engagement sessions with industry players, who suggested the rate could be implemented without major upgrades to existing facilities.
“We see B15 as the appropriate rate that can be carried out in the near term without requiring major changes to existing facilities,” Noraini said.
