Mitsubishi to explore energy potential of Malaysian algae

Algae as source of renewable energy?

Mitsubishi Corp will explore the Sarawak’s diverse algal biodiversity as a potential source of renewable energy.

It has signed a research collaboration agreement with the Sarawak Biodiversity Council.

Over the next two years, it will invest RM2.2 million to fund the research and provide the technical know-how, while the council will also provide researchers and its facilities in Semengoh, Sarawak.

Mitsubishi Corp said in a statement that joint scientific expeditions through the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, a research institute established by the council, will be organised to explore the unique ecosystems in the waters of Sarawak and collect, isolate and study microalgae species.

It said that the research aimed to identify useful microalgae biological characteristics as biomass or feedstock for biofuels and “co-products” that may have applications as food and health supplements.

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