Latest news with #PenangEnergyFramework
The Sun
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Penang explores floating solar projects for renewable energy goals
GEORGE TOWN: Penang plans to develop floating solar projects in line with the state government's efforts to achieve a target of 10 per cent renewable energy by 2030. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project is seen as a suitable alternative in efforts to expand the use of renewable energy sources due to land constraints in Penang and the high cost of developing ground-mounted solar farms. He said presently, his team is considering various strategic locations with potential to implement the project, including dam areas such as the Teluk Bahang Dam and Mengkuang Dam. 'Dams are most suitable for a floating solar project in terms of area and water stability, unlike the sea where there are unique challenges and even the panel installation methods are different. 'However, many matters need to be examined first, considering that the dams are sources of drinking water supply and are under the management of the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). So, it requires approval and also more thorough study,' he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Photovoltaic Sustainable Energy Association (MPSEA) Solar Roadshow 2025 here today. Zairil also emphasised the importance of the floating solar project in Silicon Island, considering the area is being actively developed and requires renewable energy sources as an alternative energy supply. Therefore, he said the state government will try to expedite the implementation of the project, especially to support development on the artificial island as the state's new green technology hub. 'It is really necessary on Silicon Island because the first area to be developed is the technology park. In two years, the factory will start operating, so we need renewable energy, especially solar,' he said. Earlier in his speech, Zairil said the state government is committed to promoting energy efficiency through the Penang Energy Framework adopted in 2024, which sets clear targets of 10 per cent renewable energy and 25 per cent energy efficiency improvements by 2030. 'The framework mandates the installation and use of renewable energy systems for all new non-residential buildings and also requires the collection of building energy intensity data for all buildings in Penang,' he also said. He added that the Penang government will also expand its energy framework to include energy use in other sectors, such as industry and transport. - Bernama
Barnama
29-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Penang Identifying Locations For Floating Solar Projects
GEORGE TOWN, July 29 (Bernama) -- Penang plans to develop floating solar projects in line with the state government's efforts to achieve a target of 10 per cent renewable energy by 2030. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project is seen as a suitable alternative in efforts to expand the use of renewable energy sources due to land constraints in Penang and the high cost of developing ground-mounted solar farms. He said presently, his team is considering various strategic locations with potential to implement the project, including dam areas such as the Teluk Bahang Dam and Mengkuang Dam. 'Dams are most suitable for a floating solar project in terms of area and water stability, unlike the sea where there are unique challenges and even the panel installation methods are different. 'However, many matters need to be examined first, considering that the dams are sources of drinking water supply and are under the management of the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). So, it requires approval and also more thorough study," he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Photovoltaic Sustainable Energy Association (MPSEA) Solar Roadshow 2025 here today. Zairil also emphasised the importance of the floating solar project in Silicon Island, considering the area is being actively developed and requires renewable energy sources as an alternative energy supply. Therefore, he said the state government will try to expedite the implementation of the project, especially to support development on the artificial island as the state's new green technology hub. "It is really necessary on Silicon Island because the first area to be developed is the technology park. In two years, the factory will start operating, so we need renewable energy, especially solar," he said. Earlier in his speech, Zairil said the state government is committed to promoting energy efficiency through the Penang Energy Framework adopted in 2024, which sets clear targets of 10 per cent renewable energy and 25 per cent energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
New Straits Times
29-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang govt evaluating locations for floating solar projects
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is assessing several strategic locations, including dams and coastal water bodies, to implement floating solar projects as part of efforts to strengthen its Renewable Energy (RE) sources. State Infrastructure, Transport and Utilities Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said locations under consideration included the Teluk Bahang Dam, Mengkuang Dam and waters near the Penang Port. He said that land-based solar farms were not ideal for Penang due to the scarcity and high value of available land. Therefore, he said, installing solar panels on water surfaces was seen as a more practical alternative. "Floating solar is a real possibility for Penang because we are surrounded by water. We are evaluating several sites, including dams and offshore areas," he said after officiating a solar roadshow here today. Zairil, however, noted that if a dam was used for potable water, like those at Teluk Bahang and Mengkuang, more rigorous studies and approvals would be necessary. Zairil said the floating solar technology had already been successfully implemented in several countries, and Penang was keen on exploring it, particularly to support Silicon Island, which is in the early phase of development. He said the first phase of Silicon Island involved the creation of a Technology Park, with factories expected to begin operations within the next two years. "This drives the need for renewable energy sources like solar to support demand. "However, the development plan for Silicon Island has already allocated 40 per cent of land for infrastructure, 30 per cent for green technology parks, and the remainder for commercial and residential use, making land-based solar farms unlikely," he added. Zairil also pointed out that private entities intending to sell solar-generated power to the national grid must obtain approval from the Energy Commission and participate in the relevant regulatory schemes. If the power is for self-consumption — such as the proposal by Penang Port — the process is significantly simpler and faster. In a related development, Zairil said Penang aimed to achieve 10 per cent renewable energy usage and 25 per cent energy efficiency by 2030 through the Penang Energy Framework introduced last year. This framework also mandates renewable energy integration in new non-residential buildings and will be expanded to the industrial and transportation sectors to reduce carbon emissions.
The Star
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Green summit to rally stakeholders, industry leaders for climate action
(From left) Tan, Sundarajoo, Chow, Baderul Amin and Penang Green Summit organising chairman Datuk Lawrence Lim Hua Kwang, who is also PGC director, at the press conference. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star Penang is taking steps to lead regional action in addressing climate change and its economic and social impact. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that the state would host the Penang Green Summit 2025 from Oct 31 to Nov 1 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre. He said the event, themed 'Moving Towards Sustainable Energy', would merge purpose, partnership and policy in climate leadership, and energy transition. 'The Penang Green Summit 2025 is more than a continuation – it's an evolution. 'We are living in a time of climate emergency. We will not wait, we will step up,' he said during a press conference at Komtar. Chow, who is also Penang Green Council (PGC) chairman, pointed out that the hottest year ever recorded was 2024 when global temperatures reached 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. He said rising sea levels, floods, heatwaves and disruptions to food security were part of unpredictable weather. 'Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue but also an economic, social, and public health challenge. 'If we fail to act decisively, we risk the very well-being of our current and future generations,' he cautioned. Chow said PGC had since 2011 been pushing for public awareness, green certification, policy advocacy, and industry enablement. 'Last year, we launched the Penang Energy Framework for clean, secure and efficient energy, with a focus on renewables and energy efficiency,' he said. The upcoming summit will be the state's next step in terms of moving from the planning to implementation stages, he added. The two-day event will bring together decision-makers, industry leaders, academics, innovators and public sector players for dialogue, alignment and action. As part of the summit, the state government will also host a Green Gala Dinner to recognise leaders in sustainability. The dinner will also be a platform for industries to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and explore green solutions. PGC general manager Josephine Tan said the state was advancing its renewable energy agenda through action plans. 'Each programme is tied to clear sectoral objectives and all are progressing as planned. 'These initiatives underscore our dedication to building a low-carbon future,' she said, reaffirming Penang's continuous push towards sustainability. Also present during the press conference were Penang environment committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo and Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid.
