By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Feb 21 — Selangor has become the pioneer state in the country to use solar-generated electricity to partially power up government buildings following the official launch of its solar panel facility at the state secretariat building here.
This effort aligns with the state government’s commitment to sustainability and promoting green energy.
State executive councillor for the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the installation of the 0.5 megawatts of solar power at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Building is able to lead to a reduction in monthly electricity consumption of up to 2 per cent.
This translates to a monthly saving of approximately RM8,000 out of the overall average electricity cost of RM500,000.
According to Jamaliah, the solar panel installation at the state secretariat building was completed last year and has begun operations since August 16.
She also revealed that similar projects are currently being implemented in the nine district and land offices across the state, with one (Hulu Selangor) already in operation since January 17, while others are in various stages of development.
Once completed, they will contribute a total of 1.5 megawatts in renewable energy.
“I hope the installation at all the district and land offices in Selangor will be completed soon to realise the state government’s commitment to utilising more sustainable and low-carbon energy sources,” she said at today’s launch.
Jamaliah anticipates that the solar panel installation programme at all these buildings will be completed by year-end.
“This is just the beginning, and serves as an example to other establishments and premises,” she told reporters later.
“I hope a similar initiative will also be implemented at other local authorities’ buildings and public areas such as schools and mosques.”
Jamaliah also expressed her gratitude to the Selangor Economic Planning Unit and Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s subsidiary GSPARX Sdn Bhd for their cooperation in ensuring the solar panel project runs smoothly.
Also present at today’s launch were Deputy State Secretary (Development) Datuk Johary Anuar and GSPARX managing director Elmie Fairul Mashuri.
