08/12/2011 (Business Times) - General Electric (GE) and Sinergi Perdana Sdn Bhd have signed an agreement to explore collaborative opportunities to develop renewable energy initiatives, with the primary aim of fostering efficient operations in the palm oil industry.

In a joint statement today, GE Asean chief executive officer, Stuart Dean, said the agreement was a demonstration of GE’s role in supporting the growth of the Palm Oil National Key Economic Area in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.

"By combining GE’s strength as a global solutions provider for alternative energy applications, with Sinergi Perdana, which comprises the nation’s biggest plantation agencies, we aim to help convert waste to wealth to support the growth of the local palm oil industry," he said.

Dean said this collaboration would ensure that best practices were in place,  while supporting the industry’s growth to spur Malaysia towards its goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2020.

"The collaboration will also be looking at the prospective development of a waste water treatment solution as well as the solid waste gasification to power application," he said.

Sinergi Perdana chief executive officer, Mohd Zaid Abdul Jalil, said the agreement with GE formed part of the company's long-term planning in providing platforms for its stakeholders to diversify into new business activities.

"Renewable energy has the potential to play a major role in meeting Malaysia’s energy needs thus reducing its dependency on fossil fuels," he said. -- Bernama