THE OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF DESIGN VILLAGE OUTLET MALL’S SOLAR PV SYSTEM
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW,
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF DESIGN VILLAGE OUTLET MALL’S SOLAR PV SYSTEM
25 JUNE 2023
Datuk Jason Tai Hee
Managing Director of Pansar Bhd and Chairman of PE Land Penang Sdn Bhd
Mr Thien Chiet Chai
Executive Director of Reservoir Link Group
Mr Alvin Wong
Country Director of EDPR Sunseap Malaysia
Mr. Andy Song
Chief Operating Officer of PE Land (Penang) Sdn Bhd
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
Good evening.
I am deeply honoured to be here this morning as we gather here to celebrate the Official Launching of Design Village Outlet Mall’s Solar PV System. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations to the management team and all those involved for achieving this remarkable milestone.
The Design Village Outlet Mall, with its new system capacity of 1.9712MWp (Megawatt peak), represents a significant step forward in embracing sustainable energy solutions. It comprises 3,584 solar panels, each rated at 550Wp (Watt peak), and is supported by renewable energy revolution.
By harnessing the power of the sun, the Design Village Outlet Mall is projected to generate an impressive 2,868 MWh (megawatt hour) of solar energy annually. The environmental impact of this solar installation is truly commendable as it is expected to avoid a staggering 1,833 tonnes of CO2 (carbon dioxide) equivalent emissions each year, amounting to an incredible 42,928 tonnes over the course of 25 years.
These figures, verified by the Malaysia Green Technology Corporation, are equivalent to planting 715,469 trees. As reported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each tree will sequester approximately 0.06 tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) over the same period. This showcases the significant contribution of the Design Village Outlet Mall towards combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, I am happy to hear that this solar installation will contribute to a reduction in the consumption of non-renewable energy sources. By supporting the consumption of 693 households annually, Design Village Outlet Mall is empowering the community to embrace renewable solutions. This is estimated to result in the avoidance of approximately 39,037 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the next ten years and an impressive 150 million kilometers of petrol avoidance.
Accordingly, I must state that we are gathered here not only to celebrate the launch of the Design Village Outlet Mall Solar PV System, but also to appreciate the vision and dedication behind its construction. This outlet mall stands as one of the largest in the country powered by solar energy, setting new standards for sustainable and environmentally-friendly infrastructure.
The construction of this remarkable project, which commenced on 4th January 2023, was marked by dedication and meticulous attention to detail. I would like to acknowledge the architects, engineers, and construction workers who worked tirelessly to bring this visionary project to life. Their efforts reflect the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Penang, and contributes greatly to the state’s environmental well-being.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Penang State Government has 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, to modernise and diversify sustainable agriculture, and to foster the adoption of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices across all sectors in the state.
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, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals and organizations involved in the realization of the Design Village Outlet Mall Solar PV System. Your dedication, vision, and commitment to sustainability have made this achievement possible.
I would also like to urge everyone present here today to support and promote the use of renewable energy in our daily lives. I am confident that together, we can create a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future for Penang and beyond.
With that, thank you once again for inviting me to be part of this momentous occasion, and let us continue to work hand in hand towards a greener and brighter tomorrow.
Thank you.