In the face of volatile petroleum prices, depleting fossil fuels and ever-increasing needs for energy, the global search for a renewable fuel becomes more important. Malaysia's answer is a palm-based biofuel.

Oil palm is a highly sustainable and energy-efficient crop to produce and provides a superior biofuel source compared to other vegetable oils such as corn, soya and rapeseed. It ensures sustainable production for Malaysia's biofuel programme that converts crude palm oil to biodiesel.

Reducing dependency on fossil fuels is but one part of the biodiesel advantage. Its positive impact on the environment and global warming could well be its larger contribution. Palm-based biodiesel reduces 'greenhouse' carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, not only through cleaner emissions, but also through a significant role in the carbon cycle. Oil palms draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow at an average of 29.3 tonnes per hectare of plantation, and hence carbon dioxide from biodiesel emissions is returned to the palm trees reducing accumulation in the air. In turn, 21.3 tonnes of oxygen is released. Studies show that full biodiesel use would reduce net carbon dioxide by over 78% compared to petroleum diesel, and up to 16% with the use of blends comprising 20% biodiesel. Further research will aim at identifying the breadth of positive impact Malaysian oil palm planting makes in the carbon cycle through the enormous carbon sink that is created.

Biodegradable, non-toxic, environmentally-friendly, and renewable, palm biodiesel is very much the green fuel of the future.