RENEWABLE ENERGY ADOPTION BEGINS WITH GREATER AWARENESS

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 8 (Bernama) – The Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA Malaysia) stressed that education on renewable energy (RE) should be the first step towards sustainable energy adoption in the country.

SEDA Malaysia acting chief executive officer (CEO), Dr Wei-Nee Chen, said that despite the awareness and knowledge on RE in Malaysia improving, it has yet to fulfil its greater purpose.

Chen cited a research report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warning we only have 12 years to curb climate change before a catastrophe occurs.

“The issue on climate change and energy security doesn’t just rest with the government, but the public must be given the opportunity to get involved in helping to save the environment.

“For this reason, SEDA Malaysia has partnered industry players and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to disseminate RE information in the hope that the public will be more engaged,” she said at a press conference today.

Earlier, Chen and SEDA Malaysia authority member, Tan Sri Ahmad Zaidee Laidin, witnessed the inking of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) CEO, Mohd Nazrol Marzuke, and Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA) president, Chin Soo Mau.

The agreement is for MBOT to provide a recognition programme for qualified MPIA members to become certified professional technologists in the niche area of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Chen also introduced an improved Net Energy Metering (NEM) system to encourage Tenaga National Bhd (TNB) and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) domestic, commercial and industrial customers to implement a solar PV system.

She said the monthly electricity bill under the NEM system will be calculated based on net energy consumption (from TNB or SESB), minus solar power from a PV system, multiplied by the retail electricity tariff.

“The NEM system not only contributes towards achieving Malaysia’s RE target of 20 per cent by 2025, but TNB and SESB customers will also pay less for their electricity if they have a solar PV system installed,” she said, adding that NEM system will be effective from January next year.

-- BERNAMA