KUALA LUMPUR: The Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) has identified 51.88 megawatts of potential power generation capacity from palm oil mills that can likely be developed in Peninsular Malaysia.

Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the ministry, through the Programme Office for Power Electricity Reform Corp, is conducting a comprehensive and phased assessment of the potential development of a nuclear energy programme for long-term electricity generation in Malaysia.

“The government wishes to stress that any decision on the construction of a nuclear power plant will only be considered after all related prerequisites have been met and assessments show that the technology is safe, viable, sustainable and beneficial to the country,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

He was responding to a question from Rodziah Ismail (PH-Ampang) on the findings of studies into the potential of alternative low-carbon energy sources, including nuclear, biomass, biogas and geothermal, to complement existing renewable energy sources such as solar and hydropower.

In response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) on Malaysia’s biogas utilisation capacity, Abdul Rahman said only 1% of the country’s biogas potential has been utilised so far.

Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman said Seda Malaysia, in collaboration with the Minerals and Geoscience Department, is also conducting a geothermal resource assessment study in Ulu Slim, Perak.

However, based on the findings, exploration drilling would be required to verify the actual capacity and feasibility of developing geothermal resources in the area.

“The government will continue efforts to diversify low-carbon alternative energy sources and will not rely on a single source or technology to ensure energy security while maintaining competitive prices.” — Bernama

Source : The Star