@ green | March-April , 2021

First virtual event garners RM3.4 billion investment interest

Azman Mahmud

Shamsul Bahar

Themed “ Energising Sustainability ”, IGEM 2020 featured 161 exhibitors and registered more than 15,000 visitors from 79 countries . It clocked up to 10,000 participants engaging in the 55 conference sessions and 77 pocket talks .

The Ministry of Environment and Water ( KASA ) announced on Jan 26 the impressive gains , solidifying IGEM ’ s role as Southeast Asia ’ s most potent green technology , business and innovation platform .

Tuan Ibrahim

These leads were computed from the RM3.08 billion potential investments from 64 projects recorded by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority ( MIDA ) and RM339 million in possible exports recorded by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ) during MATRADE ’ s International Sourcing Program ( INSP ).

Minister of Environment and Water Datuk Sri Tuan Ibrahim Man said : “ It is indeed a commendable feat that IGEM 2020 has surpassed its targets , despite being held virtually for the first time and against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty .”

IGEM 2021

The Minister also announced that IGEM 2021 would take on a virtual platform again and offered sponsors , exhibitors , participants and other stakeholders greater visibility , flexibility and opportunities .

IGEM 2021 may run over six months , expected to kick-off on July 1-Dec 31 , 2021 .

Targetting RM2 billion in business leads with 200 exhibitor booths and over 10,000 visitors from 20 countries this year , IGEM 2021 will also see the reaffirmation of strategic investment partner MIDA and business-matching partner MATRADE to organise the much-in-demand business matching sessions for the 12th consecutive year .

Dato ’ Azman Mahmud , Chief Executive Officer of MIDA , said : “ The targetted RM1.6 billion business leads for IGEM 2020 have been reinforced with a new projection of RM3.08 billion investment in Renewable

Energy ( RE ), Energy Efficiency ( EE ), Solar Leasing , Integrated Waste Management , Green Building and manufacturing sectors .

“ The Renewable Energy segment for waste management has gained the highest investment leads of RM1.75 billion ( 57 per cent ), followed by RM814 million ( 26 per cent ) interest in Renewable Energy for mini-hydro .

“ Starting from 2016 until September 2020 , MIDA has also approved 1,317 green technology projects with investments amounting to RM18.55 billion , as well as 63 specialised green service companies with a total proposed operational expenditure of RM318.51 million , under the incentives of Green Technology .”

IGEM 2021 Virtual will be co-organised by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre ( MGTC ), the lead agency for KASA . It will develop and implement new programmes on green growth , climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation ; in line with the nation ’ s green agenda .

Chief Executive Officer of MGTC , Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor , said : “ We look forward to IGEM 2021 , which will be on a bigger scale through the hosting of international exhibitors , regional delegates , industry and thought leaders physically here in Malaysia , as well as reaching out globally to the larger community of international green entrepreneurs via the virtual platform .”

“ As demonstrated by the results , the green economy continues to thrive both in Malaysia and globally . Given the countless possibilities yet to be unearthed within the sector , it is truly very exciting to witness how green economy will shape a more environmentally sustainable and economically stable Malaysia in the coming years .” — @ green

BY CAMILIA REZALI

The National Energy Awards ( NEA ) recognises the public and private sectors ’ outstanding achievements and best practices in driving the country ’ s sustainable energy agenda .

NEA is a part of the governments ’ effort in promoting Energy Efficiency ( EE ) and Renewable Energy ( RE ).

The winners of NEA 2020 were announced on Nov 18 , 2020 , naming 30 winners and runnerups in various categories . Their ( the winners ) firstrate achievements then qualified them to represent Malaysia at the virtual Asean Energy Awards ( AEA2020 ) held in November 2020 .

Out of 27 Malaysian organisations at the AEA2020 , 15 won awards .

The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources , Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah , said during the opening that NEA would continue to be a catalyst for the adoption and implementation of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy practices .

He also repeated Malaysia ’ s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 45 per cent in 2025 and further decrease it by 60 per cent by 2035 .

“ The electricity supply industry is not only responsible for ensuring that the people have sufficient electricity supply , but the electricity supply

industry also plays an important role in reviving the country ’ s economy which is currently facing great pressure amidst the Covid-19 pandemic ,” he highlighted .

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources has set the RE target at 31 per cent in 2025 and 40 per cent of RE out of the total generating capacity , respectively .

For peninsular Malaysia , the RE capacity is expected to reach 8,531MW with 4,474MW comprising solar energy .

Fulfilling these targets may need significant importance placed on the elements of reliability , sustainability and affordability in planning for the nation ’ s electricity supply and further ensure that the cost of supplying electricity is shared equitably throughout the country .

“ The current reserve margin is 38.5 per cent . The percentage is estimated to have an impact on solar development in Malaysia . The integration cost of solar into the electricity supply system is also a factor that has to be considered , as it will impact electricity tariffs .

“ We need to develop RE according to the capabilities of our country . The reserve margin rate is expected to reach 52 per cent by the end of 2021 ,” he added .

IN HIS OPENING REMARKS ... The Minister of energy and Natural Resources , Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah delivering his speech , congratulating all winners of NEA2020 and AEA2020 .

ENERGY EFFICIENT ... Top Glove , PLUS Malaysia Berhad and Telekom Malaysia were recipients of Energy Efficiency award .

Despite the challenges faced by the electricity supply industry in transitioning to a lower carbon pathway , the Malaysian electricity supply industry has provided reliable electricity supply to its customers with affordable tariffs .

Shamsul highlighted : “ Malaysia is at fourth place among 190 countries in the Ease of Doing Business index in terms of ease in getting electricity - an index system created by the World Bank .”

Malaysia will continue its pursuit to transit its power sector based on its system readiness , grid capability and people ’ s affordability supported by advancement in technology to ensure an equitable and smoother transition .

With this , energy efficiency is made a priority . The government has implemented a National Energy Efficiency Plan ( NEEAP ) 2016-2025 , resulting in cumulative electricity savings of eight per cent in 2025 compared to 2014 . — @ green