What Are Biorefineries and How Can They Transform the Future of Energy

11 Apr 2025

8 Min Read

Ir Dr Chow Yin Hui (Academic Contributor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Contributed by Ir. Dr. Chow Yin Hui, whose research focuses on bioprocess engineering and food process engineering. She can be reached at yinhui.chow@taylors.edu.my.

The heavy rains have finally stopped, leaving behind swollen rivers and waterlogged fields across Malaysia’s rural heartlands. Farmers wade through muddy ground, surveying the remnants of their harvest—piles of palm fronds, rice husks, and sugarcane bagasse, had once regarded as nothing more than agricultural waste. Meanwhile, in bustling industrial zones, truckloads of sawdust and discarded wood chips from timber mills are being transported to landfills, contributing to the growing waste management challenge.

But what if this so-called ‘waste’ could power the future? What if these discarded materials, instead of rotting away, could be transformed into fuel for aeroplanes, biodegradable plastics, and even chemicals that drive industries forward? This is the promise of biorefineries—advanced facilities designed to convert biomass into valuable energy and materials, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel dependency.

Understanding Biorefineries

Biorefineries function as integrated facilities designed to convert biomass into multiple valuable products. Much like traditional oil refineries, they employ a series of chemical and physical processes to break down raw materials into usable forms. However, while conventional refineries rely on petroleum, biorefineries use renewable biological resources such as agricultural waste, forestry residues, and algae.

_{Traditional fossil fuel refineries operate on a linear model, extracting crude oil, refining it into fuels and chemicals, and ultimately releasing emissions into the atmosphere. In contrast, biorefineries adopt a circular economy model, ensuring that waste materials are repurposed and by-products are minimised.}

The biorefinery value chain begins with feedstock processing, where biomass is pre-treated to facilitate conversion. This is followed by biochemical or thermochemical processes that transform organic matter into fuels, biochemicals, or biomaterials. Finally, the extracted products are purified and distributed for use in industries ranging from transportation to packaging.

Thermochemical processes (noun)

Imagine turning leftover farm waste or wood chips into fuel using nothing but heat and clever chemistry. That’s what thermochemical processes do—breaking down biomass at high temperatures to create biofuels and valuable chemicals. It’s like cooking, but instead of making dinner, we’re making clean energy to power the future.

The Role of Biomass in Biorefineries

Biomass serves as the foundation of biorefineries, providing the raw material necessary for the production of biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials. Unlike finite fossil fuels, biomass is a renewable resource that can be replenished through sustainable agricultural and forestry practises.

There are several types of biomass used in biorefineries, each with its own advantages. Agricultural residues such as corn stover and wheat straw are abundant by-products of farming operations, making them a cost-effective feedstock. Municipal solid waste, specifically the organic fraction, presents an opportunity to repurpose food scraps and biodegradable materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

_{Forestry waste, including sawdust and wood chips, offers another viable source of biomass, particularly in regions with significant timber production.}

Biorefineries process these raw materials to produce a range of valuable products. Biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel serve as renewable alternatives to petrol and diesel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation.

Biochemicals derived from biomass can replace petrochemicals in manufacturing, contributing to the production of environmentally friendly solvents, adhesives, and industrial chemicals. Meanwhile, biomaterials, including bioplastics and bio-based polymers, offer sustainable solutions for packaging and consumer goods, helping to reduce plastic pollution.

Asia’s agricultural resources and industrial capacity create a strong base for biorefineries. To become a global hub, the region must optimise biomass use, advance technology, and foster collaboration. Investments, policy coordination, and partnerships will drive growth.

— Ir. Dr. Chow Yin Hui

Technological Advancements Driving Biorefinery Innovation

The rapid advancement of biorefinery technologies has played a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and scalability. Several conversion technologies have emerged to optimise biomass processing, each offering unique benefits.

Biochemical processes such as fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis enable the breakdown of biomass into biofuels and biochemicals through the action of microbes and enzymes. Thermochemical methods, including pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal liquefaction, convert biomass into synthetic fuels and biochar at high temperatures.

Enzymatic hydrolysis (noun)

Think of enzymatic hydrolysis like a biological ‘chop shop’ for plants. Special proteins called enzymes act like tiny scissors, breaking down complex plant materials—like corn stalks or wood chips—into simpler sugars. These sugars can then be turned into biofuels, just like how yeast transforms sugar into alcohol when making beer.

In addition to these core processes, innovations in enzyme engineering and microbial fermentation have significantly improved biofuel yields. Advances in catalytic chemistry are also enabling more efficient bio-based chemical production, reducing dependency on fossil fuel-derived inputs.

Catalytic chemistry (noun)

Catalytic chemistry is like giving a chemical reaction a shortcut. Instead of waiting for molecules to react naturally, special substances called catalysts speed up the process without being used up themselves. It’s the science behind refining crude oil, making biofuels, and even producing everyday products like plastics and medicines—helping industries create cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable solutions.

_{Artificial intelligence (AI) and process automation are being leveraged to optimise biorefinery operations, enhancing precision in feedstock processing and product extraction.}

Several large-scale biorefineries in Malaysia have already demonstrated the commercial viability of these technologies. PETRONAS, Enilive, and Euglena have collaborated to establish a biorefinery in Pengerang, focusing on the production of sustainable aviation fuels and biochemicals. Meanwhile, the EcoCeres Biorefinery in Pasir Gudang is leveraging palm waste to generate biofuels, showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to advancing bio-based energy solutions.

_{Set to commence operations in the latter half of 2028, the biorefinery by Petronas, Enilive and Euglena will be equipped to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) alongside other biofuels like Renewable Diesel and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), meeting the rising demand from the global aviation and transportation sectors.}

Powering the Future with Biorefineries

As the world pushes towards a net-zero future, biorefineries stand at the forefront of this transformation. By turning waste into wealth, they are not just reducing emissions but redefining how energy and materials are produced. Over the next decade, their expansion into global supply chains could pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient world—one where nature itself fuels progress, and every discarded resource finds new purpose.

Curious about how chemistry can power a greener future? Chemical engineers are at the forefront of turning waste into biofuels, creating sustainable materials, and revolutionising energy production. Explore our Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) and discover how you can drive innovation in biorefineries and beyond.

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