Research Institute

Institute of Sustainable Energy (ISE)

INSTITUTE OF SUTAINABLE ENERGY (ISE)

Overview

The core of ISE's strategic direction is on research and development programmes mainly in renewable energy such as bio-diesel, co-combustion, studies micro-hydro, photochemical cells, hybrid energy harvesting system, fuel additives for diesel engines, catalyst for biodiesel reactor, enzymatic reaction for bio-fuels, biogas from waste materials, bio-hydrogen for fuel cell and automotive application, and solid bio-fuel briquette from oil palm mill solid wastes.

Vision

Global leader in renewable energy (RE) research and innovation.

Mission

We strive to undertake niche area research development and innovation in renewable energy (RE) with strategic alliances to serve society.

Our Research

The Institute of Sustainable Energy (ISE) is a Higher Education Centre of Excellence (HICoE) dedicated to advancing renewable energy technologies for a low-carbon future. Their research primarily focuses on sustainable power generation and fuel solutions, including the conversion of waste cooking oil and biomass into bio-fuels, the development of bio-hydrogen fuel cells, and innovations in hybrid solar and low-wind turbine systems. Through specialized laboratories and strategic collaborations with industry leaders like TNB, ISE drives the national renewable energy agenda by translating scientific innovations—such as their campus-wide biodiesel implementation—into practical, real-world applications.

Research Areas

  • Bio-Fuel & Biomass:

    • Conversion of waste cooking oil into biodiesel (including campus fleet implementation).

    • Development of solid bio-fuel briquettes from agricultural waste.

    • Biogas production optimization and biomass characterization.

  • Advanced Power Generation:

    • Solar: Hybrid solar thermal systems and photovoltaic performance enhancement.

    • Wind: Low-wind speed turbine designs optimized for Malaysian weather.

    • Hydrogen: Bio-hydrogen production for fuel cells and clean mobility.

    • Micro-Hydro: Small-scale hydro power feasibility and technology.

  • Energy Efficiency & Hybrid Systems:

    • Hybrid energy harvesting systems (combining multiple renewable sources).

    • Fuel additives for emission reduction in diesel engines.

    • Vehicle energy management systems.

  • Technical Consultancy:

    • Feasibility studies for renewable energy projects (Solar, Biomass, Hydro).

    • Energy audits and efficiency management for industrial plants.

    • Carbon footprint analysis and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).

  • Laboratory & Testing Facilities:

    • Bioenergy Lab: Characterization of biomass properties and fuel quality testing.

    • Field Testing: Real-world validation for solar panels and wind turbines at on-campus test sites.

    • Prototype Development: Fabrication and testing of combustion rigs and gasifiers.

  • Professional Training & Short Courses:

    • Specialized courses on Operation and Maintenance of Biogas Power Plants.

    • Workshops on renewable energy technologies and safety.

    • Customized technical training for utility companies (e.g., TNB).

  • Innovative Renewable Energies Storage and Hybrid System ​

  • Smart Grid Optimization for Integrated RE System​

  • Bioenergy for a Low-Carbon Circular Economy​

  • Advancing Digitalization into Energy Harvesting Technologies​