RAW Energy, a global leader in sustainable fuels, is poised to expand the cultivation of hybrid tropical grass (HTG) in Sarawak through its strategic partnership with SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd. The initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable biomass fuel while engaging rural communities in the development process.
The HTG, a sterile hybrid of Napier and Pearl millet grass, was first introduced to Malaysia in 2014 under special permit by RAW Energy’s founders. The grass is cultivated on large-scale farms in Bintulu, leveraging unproductive marginal land without displacing food crops. With its rapid growth cycle and high biomass yield, HTG thrives on tropical photosynthesis and rainfall, offering a scalable solution for clean energy production.
RAW Energy has appointed SEDC Energy – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sarawak State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) – as the exclusive distributor of HTG pellets within Sarawak. These biomass pellets are designed to serve as a direct feedstock for thermal energy generation and will be supplied to power generation facilities and other industrial users seeking reliable, sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
According to SEDC Energy chief executive officer Robert Hardin, the partnership will introduce HTG cultivation to rural communities in a phased manner. The initiative is aligned with Sarawak’s target to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, harnessing biomass technology to contribute meaningfully to the state’s renewable energy ambitions.
“RAW Energy’s hybrid tropical grass does not compete with our food sources, which aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 – promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halting land degradation,” said Hardin.
RAW Energy group CEO Ramsay Wilson described the collaboration with SEDC Energy as a transformational step in the region’s renewable energy journey.
“This marks the beginning of a new era for Sarawak. By embracing advanced biomass technology, SEDC Energy is setting an important precedent for global communities seeking to balance industrial progress with environmental stewardship,” said Wilson.
Highlighting the performance advantages of HTG, Wilson noted that the pellets offer a carbon cycle measured in days rather than decades and a thermal energy content that exceeds that of conventional wood pellets. He emphasised the potential for HTG to replace coal and other traditional fuels, thanks to its superior ecological profile, energy efficiency and scalability.
“With partners like RAW Energy, Sarawak is fostering a circular economy by converting agricultural by-products into valuable energy commodities,” he said. “This initiative is expected to stimulate further investment in green technology, strengthening the region’s economic and environmental resilience.”
Wilson added that Sarawak is well-positioned to make a significant contribution to the global renewable energy conversation, showcasing how regional resources can be deployed for planetary benefit.
-The Star
