27/08/2015 (Bernama) - Renewable energy provider, Agni Power Sdn Bhd, has allocated RM150 million to build a biomass energy power station using empty oil palm fruit bunches (EFB) here.

Its Director, Admi Othman, said the power station, which would be developed on eight hectares in Jalan Gugusan Bera, is expected to be completed in two years under the supervision of the main contractor, Emrail Sdn Bhd.

"The 10-megawatt (MW) capacity produced will be channelled to the distribution system of Tenaga Nasional Bhd here under a renewable energy power purchase agreement for 16 years.

"Bera is an appropriate selection as we have a contract with Felda to supply 850 tonnes of EFB daily to five factories located between 15 and 35 kilometres from the power station," he said.

Admi told reporters this at the groundbreaking ceremony and launch of the power station project here Wednesday.

He said the power station could offer 40 to 50 jobs for local residents once completed with over 200 workers needed in the construction phase.

Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer of the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA), Datuk Ir Dr Ali Askar Sher Mohamad, said the Bera power station would be the third station of its kind in Peninsular Malaysia to be granted a licence under SEDA.

"The first station is in Teluk Intan, Perak while the second station in Jengka, Pahang is expected to begin operating by year-end.

"Four more power stations are in Sabah that channel electricity to the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd," he said.