Energy Management and Waste Heat Recovery in the Malaysian Oleochemical Industry

The Malaysian economy heavily relies on the agricultural-based oleochemical industry, which is known for its thermal energy-intensive operation but is considered green due to its use of natural fats and oils. It significantly contributes to the economy and focuses on exports. However, challenges such as stringent global emission regulations and escalating energy costs prompt industrial practitioners to seek approaches to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon footprint, and improve profit margin. While the petrochemical industry has seen significant research in energy management, energy efficiency assessments, tools, and artificial intelligence for big data analysis, a comparable level of attention has not been observed in the oleochemical sector. Despite the potential for fuel savings through reduced consumption without compromising production output or quality, waste heat recovery methods remain underexplored in the oleochemical industry. Existing literature shows that energy management programs have been applied in the oleochemical industry to address challenges related to lower fuel consumption. However, there is a notable gap in the adoption of waste heat recovery practices within oleochemical factories. This study aims to fill this research gap by investigating energy management practices, energy efficiency measures, and approaches to waste heat recovery adoption in the oleochemical industry. Bridging this gap will provide novel insights and practical solutions to enhance energy efficiency, minimize carbon emissions, and improve the overall sustainability of the oleochemical sector.