Research Project on Methane Emissions Reduction by Composting Wastes from Palm Mill in Malaysia | CDM/JI | Global Environment Centre Foundation (GEC)

Reports of CDM/JI Feasibility Studies

Title of Feasibility Study (FS)	Research Project on Methane Emissions Reduction by Composting Wastes from Palm Mill in Malaysia
FY	FY 2007
Main Implementing Entity	Daiwa Institute of Research Ltd
FS Partner(s)	COTRAD Corporation
Location of Project Activity	Malaysia
Summary of FS Report	Summary (PDF196KB)
Description of Project Activity	The project objective is to reduce the methane emission from biomass residues and POME derived from a palm oil mill by applying the Japanese compost technology. The technology is the fully automated linear compost system (EFB treatment amount: 400m3/day) developed and used for animal waste and raw waste in Japan. This project also results in composts as a product that can be utilized as a soil conditioner in palm plantations as alternatives of chemical fertilizer.
Targeted GHG	Methane (CH4)
Category of Project Activity	Biomass Utilisation
CDM/JI	CDM
Duration of Project Activity/ Crediting Period	2009-2029 / 2009-2015 (The first crediting period: 7 years)
Baseline Methodology/ Additionality	The project uses approved small-scale methodology AMSⅢ.F.version5. In order to clarify the baseline scenario, alternative scenarios to the project are defined as follows. Scenario EFB-1: EFB are used for mulching palm plantations Scenario EFB-2: EFB are left as wastes in palm plantations (common practice). Scenario EFB-3: EFB are used as biomass fuel for power generation and/or steam generation. Scenario POME-1: Closed digester tanks are installed POME in tanks is anaerobically fermented to collect the generated, then the biogas is flared or used as energy for boilers and gas engines. Scenario POME-2: Aerobic lagoons are erected to control methane generation from anaerobic ponds. Scenario POME-3: Treat POME in the existing open lagoons (aerobic and/or anaerobic lagoons) (common practice) Scenario EFB-POME-4: Making compost by utilizing dumped EFB. POME will be used for humidification. (The project scenario in case CDM is not used) As a result of analysis, scenario EFB-2 and scenario POME-3 will be used as baseline scenarios. And as scenario EFB-POM- 4, which is the scenario for this project, faces three barriers ( Investment, technology and common practice), it is proved that there is additionality to the scenario.
Estimation of GHG Emission Reductions	Estimated total emission reductions (2009-2015,7years): 219,721t-CO2e Estimated average emission reductions (2009-2015,7years): 31,389 t-CO2e
Monitoring Methodology	According to Monitoring methodology AMS.Ⅲ.F (ver.5), monitoring items are set.
Environmental Impact Analysis	This project is not applicable to the 19 businesses defined in the environmental orders related to 1987 environmental impact evaluation and so it is not necessary to evaluate the impact on environment. This project will not only decrease the amount of methane emitted from dumped EFB and POME but will use about 70% of POME for composting, and will decrease the amount of POME deposited into rivers. In addition, this project will lead to improvement of soil condition by application of compost product as an organic fertilizer. These are the cobenefits brought by this project, which would contribute to the sustainable development of Malaysia.
Issues and Tasks for Project Realisation	By putting the issues for the future into the following three groups, let us consider the way forward. (1) Cost reduction by localizing In the future, cost reduction will be pursued by increasing localized areas upon consultations with the local consultant and the local operational company. (2) Sample test using POME Only the sample tests of EFB were conducted in this FS. Conducting a sample test using POME in Malaysia would make it possible to learn the characteristics in accordance to reality and to acquire the data on implementation effectiveness. (3) Increase in the compost value (3)-(i) Clarification of the benefit by using compost as a fertilizer Profitability of the project would increase dramatically when there is a considerable benefit in replacing chemical fertilizers by compost fertilizer. (3)-(ii) Improvement of the compost quality The possibility of improving the compost quality by adding an acquirable source of nitrogen (animal waste) will be examined to increase the benefit of cutting the use of chemical fertilizers. (3)-(iii) Consideration of the compost sales possibility Sales route for composts and securance of the source of profit should be studied.