OSAKA: reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn BHD (“reNIKOLA”) and Sumitomo Corporation have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) on 12 May 2025 to jointly develop a portfolio of large-scale bioenergy projects in Malaysia and Indonesia. The strategic partnership signed at the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan marks a significant step forward in advancing the region’s clean energy transition.
The MOU was signed by Mr. Boumhidi Abdelali, Managing Director of reNIKOLA, and Mr. Takechi Muramatsu, Head of Indonesia Energy Solution Unit No.2 of Sumitomo Corporation. The ceremony was witnessed by YBhg. Datuk Seri Hj. Hasnol Zam Zam bin Hj. Ahmad, the Secretary General of Malaysian Ministry of Science and Technology (MOSTI).
The collaboration will focus on converting palm oil production residues into advanced renewable fuels, targeting the development of biomethane and low-carbon derivatives such as but not limited to liquefied biomethane (LBM) and biomethanol. This initiative aims to fortify the region’s energy resilience with the conversion of palm oil wastes into sustainable fuel, whilst spearheading the decarbonization of the palm oil sector. This collaboration is set to accelerate the transformation of Malaysia and Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producers into low carbon economies.
The sustainable development driven by this partnership is expected to build a next-generation business that contributes to a carbon-neutral society by establishing a sustainable energy cycle and advancing global decarbonization.
“This collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation represents a significant milestone in propelling the growth of bioenergy across the region. reNIKOLA is honoured to be at the forefront of this initiative, and we are grateful for our partners and stakeholders who share the commitment and passion in realising this,” said Boumhidi Abdelali (“Adel”), Managing Director of reNIKOLA. “We are confident that this partnership will be the bedrock of a cleaner and more sustainable future in both Malaysia and Indonesia, while raising the benchmark for sustainability within the palm oil industry.”
Adel added, “We are also thankful to Bioeconomy Corporation for their unwavering support and recognition for our technology and expertise. To date, we have registered our company in Bioeconomy Corporation’s Bio-based Accelerator Program, which is aimed to infuse science, technology, and strategic investments into our bioenergy business. We are also in the process of obtaining Bio-Nexus Status for reNIKOLA.”
“We are delighted to partner with reNIKOLA, a company that shares our dedication to sustainable growth and energy transition,” said Takechi Muramatsu of Sumitomo Corporation. “By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to set new standards for innovation, environmental responsibility, and low-carbon energy solutions in the region, whilst driving Asia’s clean energy transition.”
reNIKOLA, with its strategic shareholder B.Grimm Power, is scaling its renewable energy portfolio, targeting the development of more than 40 projects over the next three years, with primary focus on sustainable fuels. Group President of B.Grimm Power, Dr. Harald Link said, “This MOU marks a pivotal entry point for the Group into the bioenergy sector — a bold step aligned with our commitment to sustainability and innovation. It reflects our vision of Empowering the World Compassionately, by creating cleaner energy solutions for a better tomorrow.”
