All Parties Have To Work Together To Expand Green Energy R&D, Says Najib

NILAI, March 20 (Bernama) -- Research institutes and institutions of higher learning have to work together with businesses and the government to expand research and development (R&D) in green energy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.

With the aim of placing Malaysia as the focal scene for regional solar energy research and development, the support from key industry players and businesses was of paramount importance, he said.

"The government is taking decisive steps to ensure that our energy future is green, sustainable and diverse and that Malaysia uses energy in the most efficient manner.

"Malaysia's embracing of green technology is not only to conserve and preserve its resources, but is also envisaged to act as a new economic impetus for the country," he said in his speech at the launch of the First Completion of Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) Solar at Cypark Integrated Renewable Energy Park in Pajam, near here.

The text of his speech was read out by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

By practising energy efficiency, which is expected to lead to saving of RM14 billion in Gross National Income by 2020, "we can preserve the environment and energise the Malaysian economy towards becoming a developed nation by the year 2020," he said.

Najib also praised the Solar Panel Industry Alliance (SPINAL) for their efforts to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of energy and focusing on solar.

With SPINAL efforts to further strengthening regional and international cooperation would benefit the rapid renewable energy deployment around the globe, he said.

The prime minister said the renewable energy target under the 10th Malaysia Plan was 5.5 per cent of the total capacity mix in 2015 or 985 megawatts of generating capacity, from less than one per cent of the energy mix today.

"Out of this, 5.5 per cent solar power would contribute at least 65 megawatts, he said.

By 2020, solar power is expected to contribute to a minimum of 220 megawatts, as per the target under the National Renewable Energy Policy, he said.

"Solar power is one of the more viable energy alternatives because if its advantages such as independence from fossil fuels and zero carbon gas emissions, increased energy security, high job creation potential and significant foreign direct investment," said Najib, who is also Finance Minister.

"Furthermore, Malaysia has ample supply of natural sunlight, which is currently not utilised to its full potential," he added.

The solar park project is part of a 15 megawatts Integrated Renewable Energy Park project and the first solar project completed under the Entry Point Projects (EPPs) of the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

The project, undertaken by Cypark Resources Bhd, is producing eight megawatts green energy currently and has the capacity to produce 11,712 megawatts annually for the next 21 years, with annual sales value of more than RM11 million.