The economic feasibility and environmental ramifications of biodiesel, bioelectricity, and bioethanol in Malaysia

This paper explores several renewable energy sources to help Malaysia reduce its carbon footprint. Accordingly, this study employs a partial equilibrium model to examine the potential of the Malaysian agricultural sector to supply biodiesel, bioethanol, and bioelectricity on a commercial scale to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG). The model includes the fourteen agricultural commodities of Malaysia. The results show that bioethanol is economically feasible with its fossil fuel counterpart, while bioelectricity is almost economically feasible. Both bioethanol and bioelectricity have the potential to offset significant GHG emissions of fossil fuels. Furthermore, this study finds that biodiesel has little mitigation on GHG emissions and cannot compete with diesel. Biodiesel also would expand the agricultural industry, which could raise agricultural prices and hasten deforestation. Therefore, the Malaysian government should further study bioethanol and bioelectricity as two candidates to supply renewable energy and help the nation meets its GHG commitment under the Paris Agreement. This study highlights further research for cellulosic ethanol because it is still in the experimental stage. (c) 2021 International Energy Initiative. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. This paper explores several renewable energy sources to help Malaysia reduce its carbon footprint. Accordingly, this study employs a partial equilibrium model to examine the potential of the Malaysian agricultural sector to supply biodiesel, bioethanol, and bioelectricity on a commercial scale to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG). The model includes the fourteen agricultural commodities of Malaysia. The results show that bioethanol is economically feasible with its fossil fuel counterpart, while bioelectricity is almost economically feasible. Both bioethanol and bioelectricity have the potential to offset significant GHG emissions of fossil fuels. Furthermore, this study finds that biodiesel has little mitigation on GHG emissions and cannot compete with diesel. Biodiesel also would expand the agricultural industry, which could raise agricultural prices and hasten deforestation. Therefore, the Malaysian government should further study bioethanol and bioelectricity as two candidates to supply renewable energy and help the nation meets its GHG commitment under the Paris Agreement. This study highlights further research for cellulosic ethanol because it is still in the experimental stage.