PETALING JAYA: MTC Orec Sdn Bhd (MTCO), a Malaysia-based bioenergy engineering specialist, has formalised its strategic partnership with Evonik Industries AG, a global leader in specialty chemicals, reinforcing a long-standing collaboration to advance biomethane development in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.
The collaboration is anchored by a supply and purchase agreement signed by MTCOCEO Dr Zahari Mohamad and Evonik membranes and fibres vice-president Dr Goetz Baumgarten recently.
The partnership between MTCO and Evonik began in 2015, focusing on unlocking the value of organic waste through biomethane solutions. In 2019, this collaboration progressed with the development of two pioneering direct national distribution grid pipeline injection biomethane plants in Johor. Since then, it has evolved into a strong technical alliance delivering multiple biomethane projects across Malaysia and Indonesia.
To date, the partnership has contributed to the development of seven biomethane plants, demonstrating the scalability and commercial viability of biomethane solutions in Malaysia.
Through the integration of Evonik’s Sepuran Green membrane technology, MTCO has enhanced its engineering capabilities in handling diverse feedstock and gas compositions, enabling more efficient and reliable biomethane production.
As a certified Evonik Strategic OEM assembler, MTCO retains ownership of process design and detailed engineering, ensuring that global technologies are seamlessly integrated with local expertise and adapted to local operating conditions.
In addition, as an investee company of VentureTECH Sdn Bhd (VentureTECH), MTCO has progressed its expansion and strengthened its ability to scale and diversify.
Through VentureTECH’s strategic guidance and governance, the company has evolved from a technical specialist into a regional bioenergy player, while maintaining alignment with national sustainability priorities and industry standards.
Zahari said, “Our collaboration with Evonik reflects a shared commitment to advancing biomethane solutions through engineering excellence and continuous innovation. With the support and guidance of VentureTECH, we have strengthened our capabilities, refined our strategic focus and accelerated our regional expansion. We aren’t just building plants; we are developing an ecosystem that supports Malaysia’s position as the central hub for bioenergy in Southeast Asia.”
With the signing of this new agreement, the partnership is set to accelerate its expansion into Indonesia and other Southeast Asia markets, building on its established track record in Malaysia.
In parallel, the collaboration is exploring opportunities in emerging segments, including sustainable aviation fuel and sustainable marine fuel, in line with the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
