The Management of Palm Oil Mill Residue towards Biogas Feeding for Fuel Cell Application

Abstract

This paper assessed the potential of fuel cell for electricity generation by using biogas from palm oil residue. This
research aimed to identify the varieties and waste management of palm oil waste. The present paper also proposed
to identify the potential of biogas as fuel for electricity generation purposes. Quantitative and qualitative approaches
were employed in this research by conducting a telephone survey with selected Malaysian palm oil mills, and
obtaining information from secondary data. The result indicated that empty fruit brunch had the largest amount out
of all palm oil waste; nevertheless, palm oil mills are still using palm oil mill effluent to produce biogas.
Furthermore, most palm oil mill owners still are not aware that biogas can be used to power fuel cell for electricity
generation. Therefore, it is recommended for biogas to be classified as a new type of renewable energy resource and
the Malaysian government can implement a new energy policy to encourage the consumption of renewable energy.