Johor Plantations subsidiary receives BioNexus status from Mosti

KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Plantations Group Bhd’s 55%-owned subsidiary JPG Greenergy Ventures Sdn Bhd has been awarded BioNexus status by the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corp) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti).

In a joint statement with Bioeconomy Corp, the plantations group said the recognition signifies JPG Greenergy Ventures’ groundbreaking achievements in transforming palm oil mill effluent (POME) into valuable biomethane, and its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

It said BioNexus status empowers qualified companies to accelerate their growth in the biotechnology sector with benefits including fiscal incentives, funding, investment facilitation and advisory services.

“The BioNexus status that was granted by Mosti through the Bioeconomy Corporation is crucial in recognising the contributions of industry players in reducing harmful emissions and aligns with Thrust 5 of the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0, which focuses on advancing industrial biotechnology for a circular economy.

“With advancements in renewable energy technology, biomethane generation through biotechnological processing of waste is also charting a pathway towards the production of higher value energy sources such as biomethanol and hydrogen,” said Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang.

Johor Plantations managing director Mohd Faris Adli Shukery added that the BioNexus Status for JPG Greenergy Ventures positions JPG for continued innovation and strengthens its leadership role in the Malaysian bioeconomy sector.

“This commitment to responsible practices aligns perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action.

“JPG is dedicated to being part of this mission to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions alongside other industry players through its renewable energy initiatives,” he said

Meanwhile, JPG has secured a 15-year gas-purchase agreement with Gas Malaysia Green Ventures Sdn Bhd, which allows the injection of purified biomethane gas directly into the Natural Gas Distribution System (NGDS) for a commitment of 250,000 MMBtu per year.

It said the project contributes to about 97,889 metric tonnes CO2 equivalent avoided.