KUALA LUMPUR: Nefin Group today has appointed Solarvest Holdings Bhd as the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) solutions provider for a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) project.
This involves 12 stores and one fresh distribution centre of hypermarket chain Lotus's Malaysia, with an estimated cumulative capacity of 7.98 megawatts-peak (MWp).
In 2021, Solarvest said it was engaged by NE Suria Satu Sdn Bhd, a joint-venture company of Petroliam Nasional Bhd and Nefin Group, to complete the first phase of the project where it installed solar PV panels at 15 hypermarkets (then known as Tesco) across Peninsular Malaysia.
With the new addition, Lotus's Malaysia will have a total of 27 solar-powered outlets , the most among hypermarket brands in Malaysia.
Solarvest executive director and group chief executive officer Davis Chong Chun Shiong said having worked with Nefin Group on a few other occasions, including the first phase of the project, the company was confident that the collaboration would once again produce top-notch results.
"The repeat contract is a testament to both our quality workmanship and ability to deliver innovative solutions in the solar PV EPCC space.
"As Malaysia work towards its carbon-neutral goal by 2050, we continue to expect conducive policies towards renewable energy to get as many parties involved, as quickly as possible. Thus, the market potential remains huge for clean energy players like Nefin Group and Solarvest," he said.
Globally, retail giants have been moving towards renewable energy adoption at an accelerating pace.
Lotus's Malaysia president Kenneth Chuah said installing solar PV panels on the rooftops of stores and distribution centre was a step forward for the company both in utilising green energy and reducing our impact on the environment.
"Ultimately our goal is to build a strong foundation for sustainable living for the benefit of people today and the generations to come," he said.
Nefin Group head of business development and managing director (Malaysia) Chong Bor Hung said with more corporates integrating sustainability into their business strategies, the company believed the next generation of retail stores would be powered by solar energy.
"This installation will bring practical cost-saving benefits to Lotus's Malaysia. Given its huge operational footprint across the country, it is set to enjoy substantial long-term savings in its electricity bill," he said.
The commercial operations date of the project are expected to chieved by July 31 this year.