By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA SELANGOR, Nov 30 — Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd is set to produce an impressive 1,460 GWh (gigawatt hour) of green electricity annually by 2040, following the launch of its ambitious renewable energy strategy, the Net Zero Energy Vision 2040.
The initiative, launched by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari today, outlines the state’s water management authority’s comprehensive plan to transition to renewable energy sources for its operations.
This aligns with its objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and contributing to Malaysia’s national goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
More importantly, Amirudin said the transition will allow Air Selangor to reduce electricity costs in operating water treatment plants under its management.
“For instance, Air Selangor pays a monthly sum of RM12.2 million to TNB for electricity bills to operate Sungai Selangor Phase One (SSP1), Phase Two (SSP2) and Phase Three (SSP3) water treatment plants (WTPs).
“Overall, they must pay RM32.3 million a month for all its WTPs in the state, amounting to RM387.6 million annually, for electricity costs alone.
“With this complete transition (to renewable energy), Air Selangor will not only be able to save RM387.6 million annually, but it can also use these savings to more frequently replace old infrastructure like pipes and pumps in the WTPs,” he said in his officiating speech during Net Zero Energy Vision 2040’s launch at the SSP2 WTP today.
Amirudin also stressed the importance of transitioning to renewable energy as a key strategy to combat climate change and promote sustainability in Selangor.
He added the environmental and financial benefits of such initiatives, which align with the First Selangor Plan’s objectives to make Selangor a sustainable state.
“Our goal is not only to become a modern state but also a sustainable one, ensuring our residents’ well-being and comfort,” Amirudin said.
Air Selangor’s acting chief executive officer Abas Abdullah said via this effort, 9.1 million consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya will benefit from treated and clean water supply entirely produced using renewable energy in the future.
“Implementing this initiative helps Air Selangor reduce operational costs and will position us as a pioneer in large-scale renewable energy in Malaysia.
“We believe that with the right strategy and steps, we can achieve this vision without neglecting our consumers’ needs and comfort,” he said.
To date, Air Selangor has already launched the first of three phases towards achieving the 2040 renewable energy goals.
The first phase saw the installation of a 9MWac solar photovoltaic (PV) at SSP2 WTP on September 29. This will be followed by a 10.5MWac PV installation at SSP3 WTP by the year’s end and an 11.5MWac PV at SSP1 WTP by December next year.
The second phase, which will be implemented between 2025 and 2029, aims to increase renewable energy usage to 52 per cent at the SSP1, SSP2, and SSP3 WTPs, incorporating floating solar systems and energy storage at the Sungai Rasau WTP.
The final phase from 2030 to 2040 will focus on harnessing renewable energy from water catchment areas to achieve net zero status for Air Selangor’s remaining assets, subsequently completing its full shift to renewable sources by 2040.
