Wasco Greenergy Bhd is looking to expand beyond Malaysia and Indonesia as industries across the region step up efforts to cut carbon emissions, SunBiz reported.
The company, a subsidiary of Wasco Bhd, provides engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning services for steam-energy systems. Its portfolio includes biomass-fired boilers, gas-fired boilers, heat-recovery steam generators and steam turbine generator systems.
Chief executive Lee Yee Chong said manufacturers in Malaysia and Indonesia are seeking solutions that are practical, dependable and compatible with their existing facilities. Many factories still rely on natural gas, diesel or coal for steam and power, he noted, adding that biomass — particularly empty fruit bunches (EFB) from palm oil production — offers a cost-effective and carbon-neutral alternative in suitable settings.
The company’s strategy focuses on replacing fossil-fuel boilers with EFB-based systems and offering build-own-operate (BOO) models. This allows clients to reduce emissions without having to manage new and unfamiliar technologies. Long-term operation and maintenance support, along with phased transitions, form a key part of the approach.
Lee said the cost advantage is already clear in many cases, as raw EFB fuel is often cheaper than natural gas and coal. This enables companies to lower both emissions and operating expenses. He added that some of Wasco Greenergy’s plants have been running continuously for more than four to five years.
Malaysia and Indonesia together produce about 85% of the world’s palm oil, generating large volumes of biomass residues that support the company’s business. Wasco Greenergy has operated in Indonesia for over two decades, and both countries remain its core markets.
Over the next three to five years, the group plans to strengthen its project execution capabilities in Indonesia, expand its BOO portfolio and gradually enter neighbouring markets such as Thailand, Myanmar and Philippines. Lee said the company would take a careful and measured approach rather than pursue rapid expansion.
On the technology front, Wasco Greenergy is focusing on proven and commercially viable solutions. Priority areas include higher-efficiency steam turbines and boilers, advanced combustion systems, better heat recovery and performance monitoring through digital tools. The company is integrating digital systems to support predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and improved combustion control.
Lee said the firm is not pursuing technologies that appear promising but lack commercial viability. He stressed that its boilers are designed for continuous operation over several months with minimal downtime.
Following its stock market listing, Wasco Greenergy plans to invest in skilled technical personnel, strengthen its digital and automation capabilities and expand its expertise across new projects and markets.
