Biomass Waste-Based Hydrogen Production: A Review of Its Potential in Malaysia

Malaysia generates an estimated 182.6 Mt of biomass annually that can be harnessed for hydrogen production. However, the commercial deployment of biomass-based hydrogen technologies in Malaysia remains limited, hindered by technological and logistical challenges. The objectives of this review are to highlight key biomass types available in Malaysia such as oil palm residues, rice husk, rice straw and sugarcane bagasse, explore relevant thermochemical and biochemical conversion technologies, and identify its strategic implications. Among them, oil palm biomass remains the most significant for its abundance and potential, with by-products like palm oil mill effluent (POME), empty fruit bunches (EFB), mesocarp fibre and palm kernel shells. Thermochemical methods, like gasification and pyrolysis are suitable for dry lignocellulosic feedstocks like EFB and rice husk, while biochemical routes such as dark fermentation are effective for wet organic waste like POME. By leveraging diverse biomass streams through targeted technology applications and aligning with Malaysia’s Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap, Malaysia can advance its hydrogen economy using locally available resources. The review outlines that strategic utilisation of biomass waste can contribute to the Malaysia’s green hydrogen economy, supporting local resource strengths while mitigating climate change and securing national energy.