Biomass Energy in Malaysia-A SWOT Analysis

Abstract

Energy demand has increased swiftly due to a surge in world population in the last decades. The increased energy demand and emission restrictions have made alternative fuels to be potential energy sources nowadays and ahead. Biomass has become one of the main energy sources for different energy sectors. Consequently, there are wide research works taking place using different biomass resources to generate power. Malaysia has abundant biomass resources, and it is ranked second in palm oil production. The abundant biomass wastes are being used widely to produce useful fuels using biochemical and thermochemical conversion technologies, along with producing power using direct combustion. This paper presents the strength, weakness, opportunity and threats (SWOT) of biomass energy in Malaysia, which would give overview in the enhanced utilization of this abundant resources in the country in an effort to replace the high stretched energy sources from conventional fuels.