OREANDA-NEWS. October 17, 2012. Malaysia’s single largest rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a green energy initiative undertaken by PETRONAS, has been up and running on the roof-top of Suria KLCC shopping mall, reported the press-centre of PETRONAS.
 
The system was launched in Kuala Lumpur, today by Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, YB Dato’ Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui. Also present at the event were PETRONAS Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Downstream, YBhg Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin; Group Chief Executive Officer of KLCC Holdings Sendirian Berhad and Chairman of Suria KLCC Sendirian Berhad, Encik Hashim Wahir and Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Corporation, Mr Kazuyuki Mori.
 
The 685 kilowatt peak system has been installed on the 9,000 square metres roof-top as part of PETRONAS’ Solar PV Project piloted in collaboration with Mitsubishi Corporation to develop its capability in PV technology project management, assess technology performance, build its green credentials and enhance public awareness on sustainable development.
 
The six different types of solar technologies installed at a single location in the country have the potential to harness the most energy from the sun. The system provides vital data and information of its applications and performance in Malaysia’s hot and humid weather conditions, which would be useful for future initiatives.
 
The installation of the solar system which started in April 2011 had taken onlynine months to complete. It was fully commissioned in February this year and is capable of producing more than 600 megawatt-hours of solar energy annually, enough to power up to 250 households. It now supplies about 30 per cent of Suria KLCC’s power requirements.
 
The clean energy generated from the system contributes to the greenhouse gas reduction by approximately 360,000 kilogramme carbon dioxide (CO2) per year and will reduce the shopping complex’s green house gas emission.
 
The system’s solar panels have been installed in patterns that follow the Islamic architectural and the traditional songket motifs design elements that are common to the PETRONAS Twin Towers. It is clearly visible from the PETRONAS Twin Towers and the surrounding highrise buildings.
 
PETRONAS Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Downstream, YBhg Datuk Wan Zulkiflee stated that PETRONAS has also embarked on similar initiatives to incorporate the solar PV technology into other areas of their operations such as incorporating a solar PV system into PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad’s operational facility rooftop with a capacity approximately 200 kilowatt peak that is expected to be completed soon. In addition to that, PETRONAS is also developing a utility scale Solar Independent Power Plant of 10.02 megawatt peak at Gebeng, Kuantan.

The PV Project paves the way for PETRONAS to continue to explore opportunities in green and renewable energy towards the reduction of greenhouse gasses as part of its effort towards sustainable development.