KUALA LUMPUR: SP Setia has launched D'Network, the world's first solar-powered hybrid food and beverage (F&B) hub at Setia Eco Park in Setia Alam, Selangor.
Spanning across 3.16 acres, D'Network is a realisation of SP Setia's vision to build a green and sustainable hub that effectively runs on solar power.
D'Network is powered by 345kWp of hybrid solar energy, complementing the supply from traditional electricity grids.
The hub is centred on providing a different class of unique F&B experiences through its offering of dining and retail, and an array of community activities that are all powered by sunlight.
A balanced mix of tenants from various backgrounds includes F&B, grocery, spa, fashion, garden resources, delivery point and e-services.
"D'Network is created out of Setia's vision for more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly developments. To diminish the impact of the environment, we chose to make use of solar energy as it is one of the cleanest and non-polluting renewable energy sources available," said SP Setia senior executive vice president Datuk Koe Peng Kang at the launch on Wednesday.
SP Setia pioneered solar power at Setia Eco Park in 2007, with the estimated current capacity of 2mWp, which is equivalent to a mini power plant.
During the day, photovoltaic cells in the solar panels transform solar power into electricity for usage in the common areas while the excess current will be injected into the national grid.
At night, solar energy that was stored and what is generated by the solar power system is used for lightings, ventilators, air-conditioners, irrigation systems, musical fountain, as well as the waste composting machine which produces fertiliser for plants.
"Food waste will be turned into bio-compost through a solar-powered microbial compression technology in the near future. The bio-compost will then be used to nourish the beautiful plants you see in our landscapes. We create a Malaysian-themed garden, illustrating the type of beautiful flowers that can grow in the country," Koe said.
The 11 tenants which have opened their doors to patrons include Grand Ya Lim Seafood restaurant, The Grange restaurant, Thai Odyssey that offers spa, dining and art, San Francisco Coffee and Garden Grocer supermarket.
Another distinctive feature in this F&B hub is the world's first solar musical fountain.
Coined as the symphony of sustainability, the centrepiece charges up during the day using solar power to illuminate through the night, mesmerising patrons with its changing lights, water dancing, and melodious tunes.
Songs can be chosen by the patrons in advance to give a different dining experience.
D'Network enjoys the same serene and cool ambience as of most parts of Setia Eco Park where the air is usually 1 – 2°C cooler.
With just 3.7 units per acre, Setia Eco Park is one of the largest high-end enclaves with low-density gated and guarded developments in Klang Valley consisting of semi-detached homes and bungalows.
Setia Eco Park dedicates 25 per cent of its eco-landscape to parks, streams, and lakes while introducing nectar plants and aquatic reeds to recreate a habitat and nesting ground for the resident wildlife like birds, butterflies, and fish.