SHAH ALAM – 5 November 2020 Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) today inked seven (7) Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with GO ENERGY SDN BHD (GO ENERGY), a 100% subsidiary of UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd (UiTM Holdings), to develop and supply a total of 11.057MW solar power generation facilities in 7 UiTM campuses in Dungun, Permatang Pauh, Jengka, Kuala Pilah, Alor Gajah, Segamat and Bertam. UiTM was represented by the Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Datuk Ir Dr Mohd Azraai Kassim, whilst GO ENERGY was represented by Puan Norzaimah Maarof, Director of GO ENERGY and Group Chief Executive Officer of UiTM Holdings.
According to Emeritus Prof. Datuk Ir Dr Mohd Azraai, the installation of solar power generating facilities in the above-mentioned campuses is part of UiTM Green Campus Project, aimed to conserve energy consumption as well as generate clean energy for UiTM’s own consumption in all of its 35 campuses nationwide. This project will support UiTM’s strategies for a better management of energy consumption by at least 25%, thus reducing UiTM’s carbon footprint by approximately 74,000 tonnes per annum. This is particularly pertinent as despite the global slowdown caused by COVID-19, there is greater focus on a sustainable long-term energy future which will aid in UiTM’s efforts to become a carbon neutral university.
Norzaimah added that UiTM Holdings had successfully completed and commissioned a 60MW Large Scale Solar PV (LSSPV) Plant in Gambang, Pahang in April 2019 and that it was this achievement that had given UiTM the confidence in entrusting the development of UiTM Green Campus Project to UiTM Holdings. UiTM Holdings is expected to invest about RM285 million to develop the project, which will be significantly funded by a Green Islamic Financing Facility to be procured from one of the biggest financial institutions in Malaysia.
The execution of UiTM Green Campus Project will be undertaken by GO ENERGY over a period of three (3) years, through five (5) development phases, with the first phase comprising the seven (7) campuses mentioned earlier. The project, once completed in 2022, will boast a combined capacity of up to 66MWp solar photovoltaic generating facilities in all UiTM campuses. GO ENERGY, which is a special purpose vehicle to implement the project, will design, construct, operate, own and maintain these solar photovoltaic generating facilities for 21 years under the terms of the PPAs, which govern the obligations of the parties to sell and purchase the clean energy generated by the facilities.
Emeritus Prof. Datuk Ir Dr Mohd Azraai added that once completed, the project will not only be instrumental in UiTM achieving its sustainability goal but also shifts the university’s modus operandi to be more self-reliant while creating opportunities for UiTM’s lecturers and students to conduct relevant research activities and increase human capital capabilities, both academically and commercially within the new energy area. Additionally, graduates from UiTM may benefit from the project through employment with UiTM Holdings, and current students have the opportunity to intern and experience practical training in this soon-to-be renewable powerhouse of the nation.