May-June . 2024 | @ green Local News • 07
May-June . 2024 | @ green Local News • 07
SD Guthrie expands into green sphere
KIGIP marks a significant milestone as the company explores new revenue avenues
REDEX and TNBX transforming Malaysia ’ s REC marketplace
SD GUTHRIE is leveraging its extensive landbank in Malaysia to develop sustainable revenue streams , starting with its involvement in the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park ( KIGIP ) in Perak . SD Guthrie plans to develop a 1,000-acre site within its Tali Ayer Estate in collaboration with its largest shareholder , Permodalan Nasional Berhad ( PNB ).
The joint proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Investment , Trade & Industry ( MITI ) in February .
Announced in the 2024 National Budget , KIGIP aims to attract green electrical and electronics ( E & E ) investments . The project includes 660 acres of solar farms , providing green energy to lure semiconductor and E & E industries , which are among the fastest-growing sectors globally . This will not only contribute to Malaysia ’ s renewable energy goals but also create jobs and boost the local economy .
The federal and Perak governments are driving this initiative together .
SD Guthrie Group Managing Director , Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha , highlighted that participating in KIGIP marked a significant milestone as the company explores new revenue avenues .
He emphasised the company ’ s strategic use of its extensive landbank and robust balance sheet , which positions it well for this expansion .
|
KIGIP benefits from its proximity to the North-South Expressway , which enhances connectivity to significant logistics hubs , making it appealing to investors and tenants .
The central industrial zone spans 1,000 acres , with 67 per cent designated for industrial use and the remainder for commercial , residential , and green spaces . Future development phases will proceed based on feasibility studies , due diligence , legal requirements , and internal approvals .
SD Guthrie owns and operates the solar farms within KIGIP . The company ’ s net-zero strategy aims to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions by 42 per cent by 2030 . This includes implementing energy-efficient practices , investing in renewable energy , and offsetting remaining emissions through carbon credits or other means .
Renewable energy is expected to become a significant revenue source within five years , with plans to convert less productive agricultural lands into solar farms .
SD Guthrie is also negotiating with various State agencies to replicate KIGIP ’ s green energy model across its strategic landbanks in Malaysia . The company is exploring partnerships to
|
|
|
Datuk Helmy Othman Basha
develop energy-intensive data centres , enhancing its diversification into sustainable ventures .
Previously , SD Guthrie leased land for solar farms under the Government ’ s Large-Scale Solar ( LSS ) schemes . Notably , 40 per cent of the quota for LSS4 solar farms and 38 per cent of the Corporate Green Power Programme ’ s quota were awarded on SD Guthrie ' s land , some for internal use .
By integrating renewable energy projects and green industrial parks , SD Guthrie sets a benchmark for sustainable development and securing long-term revenue streams .
|
|
REDEX has been selected as TNBX ’ s exclusive partner to develop the Malaysia Green Attribute Trading System ( mGATS ) into a leading digital marketplace for Malaysia Renewable Energy Certificates ( mREC ).
This collaboration aims to advance Malaysia ’ s renewable energy goals by creating a robust platform for businesses to meet their commitments .
The mGATS , initially launched five years ago as an information hub for Renewable Energy Certificates ( RECs ), will now incorporate REDEX ’ s innovative technological solutions .
The upgraded platform will facilitate live trading and auctions , offering users price transparency and ease of mREC acquisition . This transformation will significantly boost Malaysia ’ s efforts to pursue a sustainable energy future .
|
Local unis train future green energy leaders
AS Sarawak ’ s green economy grows , local colleges are training new workers .
Swinburne Sarawak and Curtin Malaysia are pioneers in sustainable development and renewable energy job preparation curricula .
Several Swinburne Sarawak programmes meet the needs of the green economy labour force .
Swinburne Sarawak ’ s Research Centre for Sustainable Technologies ( CST ) Director , Prof Jaka Sunarso , said these initiatives included undergraduate Engineering , Science , and Built Environment programmes and postgraduate research on rural and urban development , smart agriculture , sustainable environments , and clean energy technologies .
The undergraduate engineering , science , and built environment curricula indirectly address these concerns . Due to their significance , most modules in these curricula cover renewable energy and sustainability .
Renewable energy is an elective in engineering programmes for all students . The unit teaches engineering students about renewable energy and covers the technological principles , efficiency , cost , and environmental impact of renewable and alternative
energy sources .
Jaka spoke to The Borneo Post about the environmental impact of new energy technologies , barriers to their widespread adoption in industrial and consumer applications , and the role of social attitudes , government planning , financial investments , and incentives .
Swinburne Sarawak ’ s Associate Dean of External Engagement and Impact , Assoc Prof Elammaran Jayamani , said the school held Sustainable Development Goals ( SDG ) Week with Industry Partners every year to teach students and staff about the UN SDGs .
They organise community-based Renewable Energy work , seminars , forums , and exhibitions for students and staff to demonstrate SDG-focused
Students at the engineering lab .
work . CST , SEDC , and Petronas supported Sarawak ’ s Hydrogen Agenda , making suggestions and unique tech improvements .
Essential collaborations include a 2021 techno-economic analysis for a green hydrogen production facility in Kuching and a 2022 Petronas-funded membrane technology project with the National University of Singapore to produce syngas .
Since 2017 , CST has researched thermochemical techniques like wet torrefaction , pyrolysis , and biorefinery to turn oil palm biomass into fuels and value-added products . CST ’ s Chemical Engineering laboratories have begun fuel cell and water electrolysis research to complement Yayasan Sarawak ’ s hydrogen energy research .
REDEX Founder and CEO Kang Jen Wee ( pic ) emphasised the importance of this partnership with TNBX , highlighting REDEX ’ s role in enhancing Malaysia ’ s REC ecosystem .
He noted that this collaboration strengthens REDEX ’ s presence in Malaysia and demonstrates its capability to deploy similar solutions in other markets . By leveraging their expertise , REDEX aims to support the increased certification of renewable electricity in Malaysia .
TNBX , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia ’ s leading utility company , Tenaga Nasional Berhad ( TNB ), is the primary mREC solutions provider for Malaysian consumers and businesses .
According to TNBX Managing Director Ir Mohd Razif Abd Halim , the revamped mGATS aligns with the National Energy Transition Roadmap ( NETR ) and represents a significant step towards Malaysia ’ s low-carbon energy future .
This initiative will promote renewable energy and help the country achieve its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 .
The partnership with REDEX will enable the development of a world-class platform for Malaysian corporate and industrial entities . TNBX will continue to offer practical and user-friendly renewable energy solutions to their customers .