KOTA KINABALU: A private energy company has expressed intention to invest about RM6 billion to develop a Clean Fuel Refinery Complex (CFRC) in Sabah.
Afmaco Energy Bhd (Afmaco) chief executive officer Ahmad Faizul Mohamed Alwi said the company had secured the approval and licence for the operation of CFCR project from the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI).
“We have got our manufacturing licence from MITI (to process lignite) but now we are waiting for approval on the power generation side. We are ready and we are just waiting for the authority to get back to us.
“Once given the green light, we will apply for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which will probably take between six to eight months while the construction (of CFRC project) will take two and a half years.
“For us, the manufacturing and power generation complement each other and we need everything in place before commencing (the project). We are confident we will get through the EIA,” he told reporters at a press conference here today.
At the moment, Afmaco was awaiting approval from Energy, Green Technology, and Water Ministry and the Energy Commission as well as Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) for the purchase agreement.
The company has identified Pasir Putih, Tawau, as the project site with an area of 72-hectare. The proposed mega utility project is said to help in addressing Sabah’s pressing need for sufficient and consistent electricity supply.
“The CFRC project will run on proven environmentally friendly technology by employing zero waste system. It’s a technology from China and it has been in operation in China for over eight years.
“The CFRC project is a ready and feasible solution which can guarantee consistent and abundant power supply to SESB,” said Ahmad, adding the project will open up job opportunities to over 300 people of various skills.
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