Palm Oil Engineering Bulletin No.145 (Jan - Apr 2024) p20-23
Greening The Fields: How Renewable Energy Enhances Oil Palm Plantation Operations
Nabilah Kamaliah Mustaffa1*; Mohd Azwan Mohd Bakri1 and Mohd Rizal Ahmad1

The oil palm industry plays a significant role in the global economy, providing a versatile and highly efficient vegetable oil that is widely used in various sectors. However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of oil palm plantations, particularly about deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. In the context of oil palm estates, renewable energy can play a crucial role in powering various operations such as irrigation systems, processing plants, and employee facilities. By harnessing natural resources like sunlight, wind, and biomass, oil palm estates can significantly reduce their reliance on non-renewable energy sources while contributing to overall environmental conservation efforts. Solar systems, biomass energy, and hydropower are among the most used renewable energy sources in agriculture and have been identified as viable options for oil palm estate operations as well. The application of renewable energy technologies in agriculture offers a range of benefits, including reduced operational costs, lower environmental impact, and greater energy independence. In addition to cost savings, renewable energy systems also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, by utilising renewable energy sources in oil palm estate operations, the estates can showcase their commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The application of renewable energy technologies in oil palm estate operations can have a significant impact on sustainability and cost-effectiveness (Kodirov et al., 2020). This article explores how renewable energy enhances oil palm plantation operations and contributes to a greener and more sustainable future for the industry.





Author information:
1 Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), 6 Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
*E-mail: nabilah@mpob.gov.my