Palm oil methyl ester (PME) is a form of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) which in principle is biodiesel. Malaysia could greatly leverage the abundance of PME sources given its status as a palm oil-producing country. In this paper, palm oil is evaluated for its potential as a biofuel feedstock and its derivatives’ vast use in the domestic market but limited use in other regions. In order to create a growth market of PME, Malaysia has introduced an increase of PME blend component in its nation’s biodiesel use for transport and industrial sectors. A phased increase from 5% to the latest of 20% PME blend in biodiesel certainly has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while creating a boost to the local market. However, the government must be careful in managing subsidies of conventional petroleum-based diesel fuel, as this would have an eventual effect on the supply chain of biodiesel in Malaysia. There are limited studies on diesel fuel physicochemical characteristics that are used as base-stock for the biodiesel blend and whether it could be manipulated to maximise yield while maintaining conformance to mandated fuel standards. Multiple relevant research papers were studied of its relevance to PME use as biodiesel FAME to meet high blending rates in Malaysia.
Correction to: Branched-chain dicationic ionic liquids for fatty acid methyl ester assessment by gas chromatography
