SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER . 2023 | @ green

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Gentari partners SEB to roll out first EV charging station in Sarawak

SAREF 3.0 Official Launching .

SAREF3.0 ’ s discussions will serve as the foundation for the creation of a White Paper

BY FATIHAH MANAF

This international participation underscores the global scope of the discussions that unfolded during the forum .

“ We have witnessed important discussions on how we can achieve a more sustainable energy future for our region from different stakeholders – examining and putting into serious consideration how we can continue to strive towards meeting the Paris Agreement and shared net zero targets ,” said Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datu Sharbini Suhaili .

“ It is important for these same conversations to continue after today – while conferences like SAREF are vital , especially in the face of the growing climate crisis , they cannot and should not be our only platforms for partnership and collaboration .”

Sharbini believed the conference marked a small but essential step in their collective journey to achieve net zero ambition . He emphasised the responsibility lying with them to nurture the relationships formed at the conference and continue progressing toward the mutual objective of a more sustainable energy future .

“ The time for action is now , and we must act together . Whether linking power grids through interconnections or embarking on shared sustainability studies – whether preparing our workforce or ensuring no one is left out , whether we need more policy , financial or fiscal incentives – we must take advantage of our opportunities . This is our privilege and responsibility .”

MAKING PROGRESS

Out of the five identified fundamental aspirations when SAREF was launched in 2019 , Sharbini said they had already accomplished three of them and are making progress on the remaining two .

“ Malaysia ’ s Federal government recognised large hydro as a renewable energy resource in 2021 , with the dialogue generated at SAREF contributing to this achievement . Government bodies have also provided greater policy support for decarbonisation targets – which is reflected at both the State and Federal levels ,” he shared .

Additionally , he mentioned that SAREF had encouraged greater collaboration among key stakeholders for the delivery of the UN SDGs , with significant milestones including the introduction of Sarawak ’ s first Renewable Energy Certificate as well as the launch of the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association or MPIA ’ s Sarawak Chapter .

“ With all that we have achieved thus far , I believe we are well positioned to accomplish our remaining goals by the end of this 10-year thought leadership campaign – as long as we continue to work closely with one another . What this means , of course , is that there will be a SAREF4.0 and a SAREF5.0 .”

FACILITATING IMPORTANT DISCUSSIONS

He then summarised some discussions and dialogues throughout SAREF3.0 , covering renewables , sustainability , energy transition , interconnections , and more .

“ In the special session on a ‘ Shared Energy Future ’, my fellow speakers and I reckoned with the current state of the world while charting the path forward – recognising that we have everything we need , from enabling policies to the relevant technologies , to achieve our goals . As Dame Christiana said , we are not interested in condemning people or countries for the past . The only thing that matters is moving forward in the right direction together .

“ Plenary Session 1 ‘ ASEAN Renewable Energy Development – Accelerating the Energy Transition ’ stressed the need for solid power development strategies in Southeast Asia , emphasising the importance of hydropower in this transition and ASEAN ’ s unified front in navigating climate change and its associated challenges . Through this , we can create integrated renewable energy frameworks and policies towards a just energy transition , facilitating net zero .

“ At our Energy Leaders Forum , we discussed strategies , plans and insights on delivering an accelerated and just energy transition in the relevant markets , countries , and regions .”

WORLD HYDROPOWER CONGRESS

With the World Hydropower Congress ( WHC ) coming up towards the end of October and the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference ( COP28 ) happening right after , Sharbini said that industry players would have ample opportunities to refine the plans and ideas that have been raised throughout SAREF3.0 . Additionally , Sarawak Energy would be working with NBCUniversal to prepare a White Paper capturing the discussions and commitments of the two-day conference .

“ Sarawak Energy will be participating at the latest WHC in Bali , reaffirming our commitment to being part of the solution towards advancing a just energy transition in Southeast Asia . We will share how our focus on responsible and sustainable hydropower development has allowed us to green the grid and electrify the fleet , delivering important benefits to Sarawak and its people .” – @ Green

CLEAN ENERGY solutions provider Gentari Sdn Bhd ( Gentari ), via its whollyowned subsidiary , Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd , has expanded its electric vehicle ( EV ) charging network into Sarawak in partnership with Sarawak Energy Berhad ( SEB ).

The first charging points in the State are located at Kuching ’ s ICOM Square , a strategic lifestyle location with easy access to malls , restaurants and office buildings . The station offers three charging points , two of which are equipped with an impressive 180kW DC charging power , making it the fastest and largest capacity public charging station in Borneo .

Accessible 24 / 7 , the charging service will be on trial throughout September . Users in Kuching will also be able to access a network of 600 charging points across Malaysia through Gentari ’ s EV roaming network via both the Setel and JomCharge mobile applications .

“ The launch of Gentari ’ s inaugural EV fast charging station in Kuching , in collaboration with Sarawak Energy Berhad , marks a pivotal stride in advancing the EV infrastructure across Sarawak .

“ This launch , the first of many to come , signifies substantial progress in bolstering the region ’ s EV network . By introducing 24 / 7 fast charging capabilities , we are building range confidence and making the transition to EVs appealing ,” said Deputy CEO of Gentari and CEO of Green Mobility Sdn Bhd , Shah Yang Razalli .

MPIA Sarawak Chapter launched

THE MALAYSIAN Photovoltaic Industry Association ( MPIA ) launched its Sarawak Chapter during the Sustainability & Renewable Energy Forum ( SAREF 3.0 ) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching ( BCCK ) on Sept 7 .

The Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak , Datuk Julaihi Narawi , officiated the launch event .

The establishment of the MPIA Sarawak Chapter marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration , innovation , and advocacy in the photovoltaic sector . This aligns with the vision of the Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Zohari Openg , who aimed to position Sarawak as a powerhouse of solar energy production and utilisation .

One of the primary focuses of the MPIA Sarawak Chapter is to ensure the smoother implementation of Net Energy Metering ( NEM ) projects across Sarawak . With its commitment to collaboration and advocacy , the Chapter aims to facilitate the deployment of NEM projects , enabling individuals , businesses , and industries to harness the benefits of solar energy .

In line with its mission to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange , the MPIA Sarawak Chapter invites stakeholders from various sectors to join as members . By becoming part of the Chapter , members will contribute to the growth of the photovoltaic industry and gain access to a network of industry professionals , researchers , policymakers , and technology innovators .

To enhance the professional development of its members , the MPIA Sarawak Chapter has plans to organise competency courses , workshops , and seminars . These initiatives will equip industry professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive the industry forward , ultimately contributing to Sarawak ’ s transition towards sustainable energy solutions .