Malaysia’s renewable fuel industry ramps up with opening of sustainable aviation fuel plant in Johor

PASIR GUDANG: The establishment of EcoCeres Inc’s first sustainable aviation fuel plant in the country is a major step forward for the company’s regional platform and Malaysia’s renewable fuel industry.

Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad opened the plant at the Tanjung Langsat industrial area on Monday (Jan 26).

Noraini in her speech, said Malaysia’s selection as a key location for the company’s expansion showed confidence in the country’s policies, workforce and long-term commitment to be a fair and responsible energy transition.

“The advanced biorefinery facility in Pasir Gudang is an important milestone in this journey and a strategic asset for Malaysia,’’ she added.

Noraini said with an annual licensed capacity of 350,000 tonnes, the facility will produce sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and other advanced bio-based products for global markets.

Chief executive officer Matti Lievonen said it also reflected the company’s commitment to reliable supply capability and high product quality as customers’ demand for renewable fuel solutions accelerates.

“The facility also supports Malaysia’s transition towards net-zero while strengthening Hong Kong’s strategic position as a regional hub for financing and scaling sustainable energy projects,” he said in a press conference at the plant’s opening.

He said its waste-to-fuel technology proved that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Lievonen added that the facility was also aligned with the country’s commitment to advancing renewable energy fuel development and adopting waste-to-fuel approaches to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050.

He said at the same time, it showcases how Hong Kong’s innovation capabilities, capital markets and professional services ecosystem can enable the deployment of climate solutions across the region.

“By converting waste and residue feedstocks into high-value, low-carbon renewable fuels, we support Malaysia’s transition toward a sustainable and circular economy while addressing the growing demand for renewable fuel across aviation, maritime, transportation, mining and chemical industries,” said Lievonen.