AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF PDC SOLAR PV SYSTEM
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF
PDC SOLAR PV SYSTEM
3RD AUGUST 2023
A very good morning to everyone.
Thank you all for gracing us with your presence today as we gather to celebrate the Official Launching of the PDC Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System at Marelli Automotive Lighting Malaysia. This event represents a significant step forward in our journey towards building a greener, more resilient future for the beautiful state of Penang.
The PDC Solar PV System, with its impressive capacity of 3.1MWp (Megawatt peak) and comprising 5,727 solar panels, shines brightly as a beacon of progress in our mission to transition to renewable energy sources. It embodies our commitment to combat climate change and create a sustainable future for our children and future generations.
On this special occasion, I extend my warmest congratulations to PDC, Marelli Automotive Lighting Malaysia, and all parties involved in achieving this remarkable milestone. Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have indeed brought us closer to realizing the environmental goals outlined in the Penang2030 vision, specifically to 'invest in the built environment to improve resilience’ and to 'implement climate change adaptation plans’.
This project, which commenced on 20th March 2023, is also an embodiment of the remarkable spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Penang. I, therefore, would like to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the project team, including the installer, Solarvest Holdings Berhad, architects, engineers, and construction workers, who have put their hearts and souls into bringing this visionary project to life.
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is crucial that we acknowledge the gravity of the global challenges posed by climate change and the far-reaching consequences it presents. Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it poses a significant threat to our economy, society, and the well-being of future generations. It demands urgent and collective action from all levels of society to address this crisis.
In response to this pressing challenge, we have chosen to embrace solar PV technology as a proactive step towards a low-carbon, sustainable energy future. The estimated 4,382 MWh of clean energy that this installation will generate annually stands as a powerful testament to the immense potential of renewable energy sources in powering our state's growth while minimizing our ecological footprint.
Each solar PV module within this system stands proudly as an ambassador of eco-friendliness, producing electricity effectively without burdening our atmosphere with carbon pollution. By doing so, we not only bolster Marelli Automotive Lighting Malaysia's sustainability efforts but also fortify the overall environmental well-being of Penang.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In Penang, the State Government has been steadfast in promoting green energy adoption to ensure our social and economic development remains intertwined with environmental stewardship. Aligned with the Penang2030 vision, we launched the Penang Green Agenda 2030, a comprehensive strategy that has already achieved significant milestones, including the establishment of the Penang Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Taskforce (PREET).
Our collective goal is to substantially increase the uptake of renewable energy and energy-efficient projects in Penang by 2030. Through such efforts and initiatives like today's launch, we aim to to advance the readiness of local manufacturing industries for the digital age and the green economy, as well as, foster the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices across all sectors in the state.
I must say, I am pleased that the Federal Government, too, has identified green technology as a new area of economic growth, with solar energy playing a significant role. Accordingly, in synergy with both the Federal and State Governments, PDC has taken a proactive step by forming Solar Voltech Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary that aims to "Harness the Power of the Sun to Create a Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Future."
Through Solar Voltech Sdn Bhd, PDC envisions to transform the way Penang State generates and consumes energy by providing exceptional solar system solutions to government agencies and factories in Penang. The cutting-edge technology employed in these solutions ensures high-quality, efficient, and reliable solar energy generation.
Hence, as we commemorate this official launch, let us also recognize the significance of this milestone in propelling our efforts to advance Penang as ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’. It is a testament to our state's ability to embrace cutting-edge technology and lead the way towards a cleaner and greener future.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the PDC Solar PV System is not just about celebrating a technological accomplishment, but also making a firm statement that Penang is committed to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for all. As we embark on this transformative journey, I call upon all citizens of Penang to be active participants in our collective mission to protect our environment. Every action, no matter how small, counts towards building a more resilient and sustainable future. Let us all be conscious consumers, advocates of renewable energy, and champions of sustainable practices in our daily lives.
Having said that, I once again thank everyone who has contributed to the realization of this remarkable project. Your dedication and hard work are inspiring, and I have no doubt that together, we will continue to pave the way for a greener and brighter Penang where innovation, technology, and environmental consciousness go hand in hand.
Thank you.