The Perak Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) building in Ipoh will soon be the first-ever UTC building in the entire country to be equipped with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, in line with progressing towards the achievement of the Sustainable Smart City initiative by 2030.
According to the Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, Ipoh City Council (MBI) is the first local authority (PBT) in Perak to engage in the joint effort with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and GSPARX Sdn Bhd (GSPARX), a subsidiary company of TNB specialising in renewable solar energy.
“The PV solar panels system is projected to be able to save the council of up to around RM2.5 million in electricity bills throughout the 21-year Supply Agreement of Renewable Energy (SARE) contract.
“It has a capacity of 530 kilowatt-peak (kWp) with expected green energy generation of up to 677,075 kilowatt-hour (kWh) per annum.
“The installation is expected for completion in July this year,” he told reporters during a launching ceremony of the Ipoh Smart City Action Plan at Kinta Riverfront Hotel earlier today (March 23).
Rumaizi, representing MBI, signed three memorandums of understanding (MoU); one with TNB for the solar panel system installation; another with Sultan Azlan Shah University (USAS) for the Ipoh Smart and Prosperous City Implementation Research; and another with Sunway City (Ipoh) Sdn Bhd (Sunway) to upgrade a stretch of Tambun Road.
TNB was represented by chief retail officer Datuk Ir. Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan; USAS by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Dr Anas Md Yusof; and Sunway by founder cum chairman, Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah.
The signing sessions were witnessed by the Menteri Besar of Perak, Dato’ Saarani Mohamad.
Also present was the Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government and Tourism, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi.
“The solar panel system is also in line with achieving MBI’s mission to make Ipoh a livable, resilient and sustainable smart city,” Rumaizi expressed.
Chris Teh
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