By: Zaki Salleh
TANJUNG MALIM – Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) is set to implement its first solar project at the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus in Proton City, here.
UPSI has signed a Supply Agreement for Renewable Energy (SARE) with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and strategic partner Synergy Generated Sdn Bhd. (SGSB).
This collaboration aims to construct photovoltaic (PV) solar panels at the central campus.
Vice-Chancellor of UPSI, Professor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, stated that this initiative is in line with the university’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
According to him, the collaboration between UPSI Holdings and SGSB will establish initiatives aligned with UPSI’s strategic objectives towards developing a smart, digital, sustainable, and environmentally friendly campus.
“The first phase of the solar project at the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus in Proton City will provide benefits and savings amounting to RM13.5 million and reduce carbon emissions by 56,000 tons over a concession period of 20 years.
“Eight identified construction areas include open halls, covered parking complexes, sports complexes, convocation ceremony sites, faculty buildings, mosques, and several other areas.
“The installed solar panels will have a capacity of 3.24MWp,” he said.
He made these remarks during his speech at the Signing Ceremony of the Supply Agreement for Renewable Energy (SARE) between UPSI, SGSB, and TNB.
The event also witnessed the signing of an offer letter between SGSB and Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB) at the Muallim Scholar’s Suites Hall on the UPSI campus.
Md Amin further stated that the collaboration will also unlock more potential for research, technology transfer, and job opportunities for UPSI graduates interested in venturing into the field of renewable energy (Solar Photovoltaic).
“UPSI also needs to implement projects that help enhance campus and environmental sustainability, as well as improve the university’s ranking in the UI Green Metric World University Ranking in terms of green initiatives,” he explained.
For the record, UPSI was ranked 132nd in the world in 2022, and this initiative is expected to elevate its position further this year.
SGSB is a registered SARE company established in 2010 with a mission to venture into the renewable energy sector.
To date, SGSB has been involved in large-scale and commercial PV solar system engineering and design works, with a total capacity exceeding 165MW.
SGSB is 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.
