OPEFB: From Waste to Valuable Resource
Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB), as the main by-product of the palm oil industry with an annual global production exceeding 100 million tons, was once considered difficult-to-manage waste. However, with technological innovation and the widespread adoption of sustainable development concepts, OPEFB is being transformed into valuable resources through various technological pathways, demonstrating significant economic and environmental benefits. Energy Utilization: Addressing Regional Energy Demands In the energy sector, OPEFB demonstrates enormous potential. Biomass power generation technology uses OPEFB as fuel for electricity generation, with each ton of raw material producing 800-1000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. This technology is particularly suitable for establishing captive power plants in palm oil plantation areas, addressing both waste treatment issues and local energy needs. The application of circulating fluidized bed combustion technology significantly improves combustion efficiency, with ash utilization rates reaching above 90%. Biomass gasification technology offers another energy solution. Synthesis gas produced from pyrolyzing OPEFB in oxygen-deficient environments can be used for power generation, heating, or as chemical raw materials. Compared to traditional power generation technologies, gasification technology reduces investment costs by approximately 40%, making it particularly suitable for small to medium-scale projects. These energy utilization pathways not only create economic value but also provide feasible approaches for palm oil producing regions to achieve carbon neutrality goals.
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