IPC Concludes Memorandum of Understanding for Development of Biomethane Production
-Collaborating with Malaysia's MTCO to Address Challenges in the Palm Industry-
IHI Group company, IHI Plant Services Corporation (Location: Koto-ku, Tokyo, President: Ryoji Aoki; "IPC") and MTC OREC SDN. BHD. (Location: Selangor, Malaysia; CEO: Dr. Zahari Mohamad; "MTCO") who is biogas-related engineering company in Malaysia have signed memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The MOU encompasses a co-development of Biomethane production utilizing the IPC’s wastewater treatment system.
Mr. Ryoji Aoki, President, IHI Plant Services Corporation,
Dr. Zahari Mohamad, Chief Executive Officer, MTC OREC SDN.
witnessed by Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Science,
Technology, and Innovation, Datuk Seri Hj. Hasnol Zam Zam Hj. Ahmad
Wastewater generated during the production of palm oil (“POME”) is stored in ponds for an extended period until it meets discharge standards. However, since POME contains a large amount of organic matter, methane gas is naturally generated, leading to the issue of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
IPC owns technology knowhow of anaerobic (*1) wastewater treatment system "BIOPAQ®IC" (*2), which is used for the treatment of high-concentration organic wastewater. We plan to explore the development of an integrated treatment system that combines MTCO's anaerobic cover lagoon (*3) technology, which utilizes the activity of microorganisms thriving under anaerobic conditions, to maximize biogas production from POME. The biogas generated by this system will be converted into biomethane through purification and upgrading processes. Biomethane, which has properties equivalent to natural gas, is an energy source with more than 90% lower carbon intensity compared to fossil fuels. In addition to serving as a green fuel, it can also be transformed into high-quality downstream products such as liquefied biomethane, bio-ammonia, and bio-methanol.
Through these initiatives, IPC aims to enhance the sustainability of the palm oil industry, one of key industries in Southeast Asia, while also contributing to addressing global environmental and energy challenges by recovering unused biogas that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
(*1) Anaerobic
Anaerobic refers to the characteristic of organisms to survive or perform specific functions in an oxygen-free environment.
Anaerobic wastewater treatment system which is developed UASB（Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Bed）method by utilizing
Facility that installs a cover over a pond storing POME to collect methane gas generated from the pond.
【Company Overview】
IHI Plant Services Corporation https://www.ipc-ihi.co.jp/
(1) Location : 1-1, Toyosu 3-chome, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8710, Japan
(2) President : Ryoji Aoki
(3) Scope of Business :
Design, installation, and repair of boiler, nuclear power equipment, environmental and storage plant facilities, industrial machinery, and solar power and renewable energy equipment
MTC OREC SDN. BHD. https://mtco.com.my
(1)Location : D1-05-02, Tamarind Square, Persiaran Multimedia, Cyber 10, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia
(2) CEO : Dr. Zahari Mohamad
(3) Scope of Business :
MTC Orec Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian engineering company specializing in bio-energy development, with expertise spanning upstream biogas production, midstream biomethane and bio-pellet processing, and downstream applications in sustainable maritime and aviation fuels, including Bio-LNG, Bio-methanol, and Bio-Ammonia.