MPIA SOLAR ROADSHOW 2022
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
MPIA SOLAR ROADSHOW 2022
EASTIN HOTEL, PENANG
2ND MARCH 2023
YB Zairil Khir Johari
Penang State EXCO for Infrastructure and Transport
Mr. Davis Chong
President of Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA)
Dato’ Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock
Chairman of Persatuan Kebajikan 88 Captains
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A very good morning to all of you.
Firstly, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA) for inviting me here today to officiate the MPIA Solar Roadshow 2022, Penang.
This event which focuses on green initiatives, specifically in Solar PV, will feature speakers from the authorities and solar industry players to channel information about policy, incentive and other aspects related to investment in the rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system for renewable energy harvest.
Solar power generation systems, as many of us are aware, are highly versatile and adaptable, making them ideal for any size and location, as long as there is sunlight. The rooftops of our buildings, therefore, serve as perfect sites for solar PV systems, as they receive ample sunlight throughout the year.
A rooftop solar PV system can provide electricity directly to appliances in the building, reducing the amount of electricity imported from the grid. Under the Net Energy Metering or NEM programme by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia, energy consumers can even sell the surplus of electricity from the solar PV system to Tenaga Nasional, bringing significant savings to consumers on their electricity bills.
Furthermore, tax allowances are available for companies investing in PV systems under the Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) by MIDA, which is one of the incentives introduced by the Federal Government to encourage the adoption of renewable energy. And, according to the recently tabled budget 2023, the GITA incentive will be extended to December 2025.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Aside from the Federal Government, the Penang State Government has also been actively promoting the adoption of green energy, particularly solar energy, within the state to make sure that Penang continues its social and economic development without neglecting its environment.
In keeping with the Penang2030 vision, the State Government, through the Penang Green Council, launched the Penang Green Agenda 2030 in 2021. Under PGA 2030, the state has achieved several milestones, including the formation of the Penang Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Taskforce (PREET), aimed at substantially increasing the uptake of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency projects in Penang by 2030.
This will entail introducing an effective and implementable framework, which will include regulations or by-laws, incentive and assistance packages as well as industry or sectoral policy. Among the goals are to advance the readiness of local manufacturing industries for the digital age and the green economy, as well as to modernise and diversify sustainable agriculture.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Globally, countries are moving towards green economy or growth in order to achieve a more sustainable development. This is reflected in the European Union’s new “Green Deal” and China’s Ecological Civilization. These countries recognize the benefits of turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities that will create new jobs and industries. The Malaysian government too has identified green technology as a new area of economic growth, with solar energy playing a significant role.
In fact, our local solar industry has already begun to make significant progress over the last decade, as evidenced by global solar panel manufacturers establishing production facilities in Malaysia and the development of local companies' capacity in solar system design, engineering, consultancy, operation, and maintenance. Companies from the conventional energy sector, such as Petronas, Tenaga Nasional, and Malakoff, have also made forays into the solar industry. This demonstrates that solar energy is gaining traction in the business community.
Given Malaysia's mature ecosystem and abundant sunlight, the country indeed has enormous potential to further develop its solar PV industry to greater heights. While safeguarding our environment, we can look forward to exporting not only solar panels and system components, but also related skills and services to the region. As a result, it is critical that we continue to band together to develop and promote the solar industry in Malaysia, in line with the efforts of both the Federal and State Governments.
Accordingly, I would like to commend MPIA for their initiatives in creating public awareness of Solar PV as one of the best sources of renewable energy. The efforts of MPIA through events like today's Solar Roadshow 2022 are exemplary, and I hope that all participants will gain beneficial information and make the right decision to invest in green energy. Together, we can create a safer and greener environment for our future generations.
With that said, I hereby, with great pleasure officiate the last leg of the MPIA Solar Roadshow 2022 in Penang!
Thank you.