15/1/06 (The Star)  -  JOHOR BARU: Research will be conducted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) on the feasibility of using palm oil-derived biofuel to power gas turbines, the first such study in the world. 

Working with UTM on the research are Cambridge University and Rolls Royce.

UTM is now preparing a proposal for funding, according to its mechanical engineering faculty dean Prof Md Nor Musa. 

Negotiations between the three parties had completed, he said. .

“We hope to unofficially start the project early this year,” he told a press conference after the launch of Comet, a conference on manufacturing and electronic technology at UTM. 

If research yields promising results, the university hopes to try the technology on land-based gas turbines. 

Two associate professors from UTM will pursue their research in Cambridge. 

The study will also involve postgraduate students in related fields of study.

“We can sell our biofuel made from palm oil to other countries,” Nor said. 

Biofuel derived from other vegetable oil is already used in parts of Europe for automotive diesel engines.