UPSI’s first phase of solar project expected to save RM13.5mil
UPSI, TNB meterai kerjasama bina infrastruktur dilengkapi panel solar PV
July 20, 2023
UPSI, TNB meterai kerjasama bina infrastruktur dilengkapi panel solar PV
July 20, 2023
TANJUNG MALIM: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Sultan Azlan Shah Campus in Proton City, near here, is expected to save up to RM13.5 million through its first phase of solar project.
The benefits are expected to be obtained over a 20-year concession period through the construction of 3.24MWp photovoltaic (PV) solar panels at the campus.
Its deputy vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff said the project was the result of a collaboration between UPSI Holdings Sdn Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Synergy Generated Sdn Bhd (SGSB) to build solar panels around the campus.
He said the project was in line with the university's commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the collaboration between UPSI Holdings and SGSB aligned with UPSI's strategic objectives toward the development of a smart, digital, sustainable and environmentally-friendly campus.
"The first project is expected to provide benefits and savings of RM13.5 million and a reduction of 56,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the 20-year concession period.
"This collaboration will also open up more research potential, technology transfer and job opportunities for UPSI graduates interested in the Renewable Energy field," he said.
He said this during the Supply Agreement - Renewable Energy (SARE) signing ceremony between UPSI with SGSB and TNB, as well as the offer letter between SGSB and Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB), at the Muallim Scholar's Suites Hall last night.
The agreement is for the implementation of solar system installation at UPSI by SGSB in collaboration with UPSI Holdings Sdn Bhd.
Also present were UPSI board of directors members Datuk Dr Azhar Ahmad and Datuk Seri Ahmad Burak, SGSB executive chairman Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Mahmood, TNB chief customer officer Nasaruddin Mohd Zaini and Group Institutional Banking chief business officer Sharifah Sarah Syed Mohamad Tahir.
Md Amin said the identified areas included the open hall, covered parking, multipurpose sports complex, convocation site, faculty buildings, mosque and several other areas.
"UPSI also needs to implement projects that help improve the campus sustainability and environment, as well as enhance the university's ranking in the 'UI Green Metric World University Ranking' regarding green initiatives.
"For the record, UPSI was ranked 132nd place in the world in 2022 and this initiative will improve its position further this year," he said.
Furthermore, Md Amin said this effort was not only seen to achieve energy savings but also towards optimising the utilisation of UPSI's assets.
He said that UPSI's electricity bill, amounting to RM11.6 million per year, was a significant amount that needed to be allocated from the university's annual expenditure.
"SGSB is a SARE company registered in 2010 with a mission to venture into the renewable energy sector.
"The management consists of professionals and experts in PV technology and distribution systems with a combined experience of 45 years," he said.
Md Amin said to date, SGSB had been involved in engineering and designing large-scale and commercial PV solar systems with a capacity exceeding 165MW.
He further added that SGSB was also the owner and operator of two PV solar farms in Terengganu, with the first farm operating since 2014, making it the first solar farm in the state.
