Characterization of Leucaena leucocephala (Petai Belalang) as an Energy Crop for Power Generation Application

TNB Research Sdn Bhd, No. 1, Lorong Ayer Itam, Kawasan Institusi Penyelidikan, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Currently, empty fruit bunch (EFB) is the main biomass source to fuel biomass power plant and as co-firing fuel with coal at the existing coal-fired power plants in Malaysia. However, these power plants frequently face insufficient EFB supply, which may contribute to load losses. Energy crops a new source of biomass, are introduced to replace or substitute the shortage of biomass supply. Planting energy crops worldwide ensures a sufficient and cleaner fuel supply for power generation. Positive characteristics of the energy crop are including calorific value, carbon contents and density. Higher value of these parameters indicating the good quality of the energy crop. While, the negative characteristics of energy crop are including moisture content and ash content. Higher value of these two parameters indicating lower quality of energy crop. One of the studied energy crops was Leucaena leucocephala (Petai Belalang), which showed better quality than EFB, based on calorific value, moisture content, ash content and density. It is naturally grown, typically near rivers in Peninsular Malaysia. Furthermore, it can be easily planted and matures in about six months for harvesting.