Waste To Watts: Powering Malaysia’s Clean Energy From Farm Waste
By Nur Athirah Mohd Shaharuddin
KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- Aligning waste management policy, financing, technical expertise and community engagement could transform Malaysian livestock waste from an environmental burden into a meaningful contributor to Malaysia’s clean energy future, according to the Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia (SEDA Malaysia).
Its chief executive officer, Datuk Hamzah Hussin, said properly implemented manure-to-energy projects can reduce pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions and provide reliable electricity close to where it is needed.
“Malaysia’s energy transition is not only about high-tech devices or vast solar installations. It is also about solving everyday environmental challenges through practical solutions that benefit communities, farmers, and the nation as a whole.
“With coordinated action across government, industry and communities, ‘Waste to Watts’ can power homes, clean rivers as well as strengthen energy security, one digester at a time,” he told Bernama.
Biogas Technology and Its Role in Decarbonisation
Malaysia’s energy transition is often associated with large solar farms and cutting-edge technologies. Yet one of the most practical solutions lies much closer to home, on our farms.
For decades, livestock waste has been treated as an environmental burden, contributing to odour pollution, river contamination and greenhouse gas emissions. However, today that same waste presents an opportunity to generate clean electricity, reduce emissions and support rural communities.
“Biogas technology captures methane released when animal manure decomposes in the absence of oxygen and converts it into electricity and heat.
“Through the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) programme administered by SEDA Malaysia, this renewable electricity can be exported to the national grid, transforming a waste management challenge into a viable revenue stream for farmers and project developers,” said Hamzah.
He emphasised that this is not a distant possibility; it is already being realised in parts of the country and can be further scaled with the right policy support, financing mechanisms, and operational capabilities.
Livestock Waste-to-Energy: Powering a Circular and Sustainable Future
An example is the centralised livestock waste-to-energy facility in the northern region that began operations recently, whereby the plant processes more than 226,000 tonnes of manure annually and exports up to 1 megawatt (MW) of electricity to the grid, generating approximately 8.5 gigawatt-hour (GWh) each year.
Beyond supplying power, Hamzah said it has significantly reduced odour and minimised effluent discharge into nearby rivers, which in turn delivers visible environmental improvements for surrounding communities.
“More broadly, livestock waste-to-energy offers an integrated solution. Beyond electricity generation, properly designed systems can improve effluent management, recover nutrients for agricultural use and reduce the environmental footprint of intensive farming,” said Hamzah.
These co-benefits support the development of a more circular and climate-resilient agricultural system.
“Malaysia’s experience also shows that even proven technologies do not automatically translate into rapid adoption.
“Uptake of livestock-based biogas under the FiT scheme has been relatively slow, with only one plant currently operating,” he said.
Hamzah said developers face a range of practical challenges, including seasonal and inconsistent feedstock supply, disease outbreaks, variations in waste quality, logistical constraints in collecting waste from scattered farms and the complexities of managing treated sludge.
He said the relatively high capital expenditure and the need for specialised operational expertise can pose further hurdles for project developers, affecting operational reliability.
Communities located near legacy waste ponds also have understandable concerns, highlighting the importance of transparent monitoring, clear communication and continuous engagement.
“Recognising these barriers, SEDA Malaysia is working closely with key stakeholders to better understand the factors behind the slow uptake and to develop targeted interventions,” said Hamzah.
Unlocking Renewable Energy Through Effective Policy
SEDA Malaysia announced up to 300 MW of new FiT quota for non-solar renewable energy this year, including biogas, biomass, and small hydro, through a competitive e-bidding process, highlighting that the policy environment is now moving decisively.
This reflects a strong commitment to diversifying Malaysia’s renewable energy mix while simultaneously addressing environmental challenges, he said.
“The FiT framework goes beyond tariff pricing. Through competitive bidding, standardised power purchase agreements and clear grid connection procedures, it helps replicate best-performing project designs, improve reliability and reduce overall costs,” said Hamzah.
In parallel, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is advancing a national blueprint for the livestock industry to strengthen environmental management and waste control.
He said the state governments are also introducing centralised livestock waste management models and integrating biogas solutions into broader waste recovery strategies.
“These efforts demonstrate how decisive leadership and coordinated policy actions can accelerate deployment while building public confidence,” said Hamzah.
-- BERNAMA