Malaysia Explores Davao Coconut Shells for Alternative Fuel

Malaysia's Borneo New Energy Company is exploring the potential of utilizing coconut shells from Davao, Philippines, as an alternative energy resource, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 11 office announced. Representatives from the Malaysian company, Lian Sheng Wang and Kiing Teck Wee, met with DA-11 officials to assess the supply of coconut shells and by-products in the region, with an eye toward sustainable energy partnerships. "Discussion focused on Borneo New Energy Company’s interest in purchasing coconut shells for energy production. The company is also looking into a minimum supply capacity, with an initial existing plan requiring around 100 metric tons, subject to further assessment of available commodities and supply potential," the DA said in a statement. As part of the evaluation for potential collaboration, the DA is working with the Katipunan Small Coconut Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. This cooperative produces 400 to 500 metric tons of coconuts monthly, and the initiative could provide a new market for its by-products. "Potential collaboration with Borneo New Energy Company may provide coconut farmers with an additional market for coconut shells that are otherwise treated as waste or low-value by-products," the DA stated. The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) previously indicated that it expects a 5% increase in coconut production this year. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that the Philippines produced 4.022 million metric tons of coconut in the fourth quarter of 2025, a 3.5% decline from the 4.018 million metric tons in the same quarter of the previous year. However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced in his fifth State of the Nation Address last July that the government aims to plant 100 million coconut trees by 2028 to boost the country's coconut industry.