In pursuit of greener energy source for the campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia is roping in Ditrolic Energy an established alternative power enabler to incorporate clean energy solutions for the entire varsity.
The 20-year solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) agreement is reputed to be the largest University in the country which will set up a 10.6MWp on-site rooftop solar system.
Expected to be functional by year end, the 22,374 pieces of solar modules will be installed across 90 buildings, including solar carports and ground mounted system around its main campus. USM expects most of the energy supplied to its campuses to be clean and renewable with the system to generate power for 63.73% of its peak power demand. Over its lifetime, approximately 278,683MWh of clean energy will be generated, enabling to eliminate 217,705 tonnes of CO2 emissions in total.
Mr. Tham Chee Aun, Group CEO of Ditrolic Energy,”We are ever ready to provide our strongest support to this sector to deploy further investment under our SunLease programme. Currently, Ditrolic Energy is one of the largest clean energy provider to the educational sector with more than 15.7MW of projects under construction,”.
Professor Dato’ Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, USM Vice-Chancellor said, “With the installation of the solar modules in the main campus, USM will be among the first public university in the country to have up to 75% of its maximum demand and about 40% of the total usage for electricity to be generated by solar energy. This will in turn help the university to potentially save up to 30% on its utility bills.”
Malaysia aims to be carbon neutral in its long term climate accord, with the 12 Malaysia Plan detailing out strategic plans for green initiatives more action towards this accord will be implemented in the next 5 years. Hence, the adoption of solar energy by public and private institutions including the one by USM will contribute significantly towards this agenda.
