Sarawak exploring algae-based biofuel in push for sustainable energy

Sarawak is looking into the possibility of producing algae-based biofuel as part of its efforts to develop a sustainable energy agenda.

Premier Abang Johari Openg said Sarawak was capable of producing algae as it was richly endowed with natural resources.

“We will see how we can produce this in our coastal areas,” he said at an event in Kuching today.

“We have mangroves and good weather. We can use carbon dioxide as a solvent agent to extract the oil from the algae.”

Adding that algae could be cultivated even in tanks, he said planes these days were “looking for sustainable fuel”.

“We have the resources, it is only a matter of creativity and the process that we can use for mass production,” he added.

He said the state government would set up a lab to conduct feasibility studies on the development of algae-based biofuel.

“Sarawak Economic Development Corporation will work with researchers to explore new ways of growing algae,” he said.

“Once we have a lab and it is proven, we will see how we can cultivate algae throughout our coastal areas.

“Imagine once we have mass production of algae, the gallons of biofuel we can produce.”