KUALA LUMPUR (July 1): JPG Greenergy Ventures Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Johor Plantations Group Bhd, has been awarded BioNexus status by the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corp under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti).
Johor Plantations holds a 55% equity interest in JPG Greenergy Ventures Sdn Bhd, with the remaining 45% held by MTC Orec Sdn Bhd.
In a statement on June 30, Johor Plantations said the status signifies JPG Greenergy Ventures’ groundbreaking achievements in transforming palm oil mill effluent (POME) into valuable biomethane, and its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The BioNexus status empowers qualified companies to accelerate their growth in the biotechnology sector with benefits, including fiscal incentives, funding, investment facilitation and advisory services.
Mosti minister Chang Lih Kang visited Johor Plantations’ Sedenak oil palm estate and the Sedenak Biomethane plant in Johor, and witnessed Johor Plantations’ innovative transformation of waste from palm oil production into biomethane.
This initiative sets a benchmark in the sustainable disposal of palm oil byproducts within the renewable energy sector.
Building upon this initiative, Johor Plantations has secured a 15-year gas-purchase agreement with Gas Malaysia Green Ventures Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Gas Malaysia Virtual Pipeline Sdn Bhd).
This agreement allows the injection of purified biomethane gas directly into the Natural Gas Distribution System (NGDS) for a commitment of 250,000 million British thermal units (MMBtu) per year.
This project, which contributes to about 97,889 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent avoided, signifies the positive impact of Johor Plantations' waste management solution in the palm oil mill industry in line with Malaysia’s renewable energy landscape and environmental goals.
Johor Plantations managing director Mohd Faris Adli Shukery said the BioNexus status for JPG Greenergy Ventures positions Johor Plantations for continued innovation and strengthens its leadership role in the Malaysian bioeconomy sector.
“This commitment to responsible practices aligns perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action. Johor Plantations is dedicated to being part of this mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions alongside other industry players through its renewable energy initiatives,” he said.