KUANTAN: The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) plans to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at its headquarters in Bangi and offices across the country, starting 2025.
MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir described the move as an initiative by the organisation to utilise green energy resources under the Solar Energy Purchasing (SEP) Programme.
"Currently, the PV panels are being installed at MPOB's eastern region office parking facility here which will become the first to be equipped with the system once works are completed in October this year. The system with a total capacity of 110.9 kilowatt-peak is MPOB's pilot project.
"The installation here is part of the supply agreement of renewable energy scheme between MPOB, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), and Mestron Energy Sdn Bhd."
He said discussions were held about two years before the project took off.
"The MPOB SEP programme is a strategic initiative that supports the National Green Technology Policy by enhancing renewable energy capacity.
"This effort is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) per year, thereby conserving the environment in the long term," he told reporters after the document exchange ceremony between MPOB, TNB and Mestron Energy at the eastern region MPOB office here today.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Parveez said MPOB would hold further discussions with TNB to install the PV panels at its headquarters and other offices including in West Malaysia next year.
"We have to identify suitable locations depending on the landscape and areas where there is electricity usage," he said.
Ahmad Parveez described the use of solar PV systems in medium and large-sized buildings such as government offices as an effective and efficient initiative to harness solar energy resources due to the significantly larger surface area compared to domestic and private buildings.
"The method of solar energy generation through this approach does not only reduce operating costs in the long term but also reflects the organisation's commitment towards environmental sustainability," he added.