Methane capture is one way Bumitama plans to cut emissions and generate income.

Methane capture is one way Bumitama plans to cut emissions and generate income.

Original article written by: Janice Lim

The methane capture facilities that PALM oil producer Bumitama Agri : P8Z +0.83% is proposing to install in its mills could cut greenhouse gas production at each mill by roughly 60% to 70%. 

The chief sustainability officer of Bumitama Agri, Lim Sian Choo, stated that the palm oil company has already begun developing methane capture capabilities at its mill in the Indonesian Riau islands and plans to expand these capabilities at its other 13 mills.

As the liquid waste from the manufacture of palm oil lies in a lagoon to be cleaned before it is safe enough to be released, Bumitama's mills release methane, which traps more heat than carbon dioxide.