In a landmark effort to bring renewable energy solutions to Malaysia’s education sector, Malaysia One Hundred, a think tank based in Ipoh, in collaboration with GSPARX, a subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), is spearheading an ambitious solar panel project in Government-Assisted Schools (SBKs) across the Kinta Valley in Perak under the Net Energy Metering 3.0 programme (NEM 3.0). This initiative, which also enjoys strong support from YB Howard Lee, MP for Ipoh Timor, represents a crucial step towards Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), with a broader aim of contributing to the circular economy.
The Solar Energy Pilot Project in Schools
Dubbed within inner circles as the “Schools Solar Energy Pilot Project,” this project is designed to reduce energy costs for schools by introducing renewable energy into their infrastructure. The installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels in participating schools will help generate energy savings, estimated at RM200,000 annually. That is, if Malaysia One Hundred, GSPARX and TNB achieve their goal of generating 1 megawatt of energy through the installation of PV solar panels.
Out of the 15 schools that signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GSPARX, seven schools have thus undergone site visits by GSPARX and TNB for further assessments, demonstrating strong momentum for the initiative. Should all seven schools proceed with the installation of PV solar panels, a total of 596.55 kilowatt peak (kWp) will be generated, with an estimated RM100, 000 in energy savings annually.
By equipping schools with solar energy, GSPARX and Malaysia One Hundred are not only addressing the rising electricity costs faced by schools but also ensuring that these educational institutions play a key role in Malaysia’s renewable energy future. This aligns with Malaysia’s goal of achieving 70% renewable energy by 2050, a goal that is critical for the nation’s energy security and environmental sustainability.
Offering the dual benefit of reducing operational costs for educational institutions while contributing to the broader national goal of reducing carbon emissions, this project is also part of a broader trend of significant investments in solar power across Asia. As a continent, Asia has become the world’s top solar power generator, with China holding the top spot as the global leader in solar photovoltaics usage. Since surpassing Germany in 2015, China has maintained its dominance, and by the end of 2023, Chinese energy companies had amassed 2,919 GW of cumulative installed solar capacity – an enormous leap from 2016’s total of 77 GW. This extraordinary growth has been propelled by China’s position as the world’s largest manufacturer of solar panels, driving both domestic and international markets.
YB Howard Lee’s recent engagements with China’s leading renewable energy companies underscore the importance of international collaboration in driving Malaysia’s renewable energy agenda. These meetings have laid the groundwork for knowledge exchange, investment opportunities and technology transfers that will benefit Malaysia’s energy transition efforts. The insights gained from these discussions have directly influenced the design and implementation of the solar energy pilot project in Ipoh, ensuring that Malaysia One Hundred and its partners are leveraging global best practices to achieve the nation’s ambitious renewable energy goals.
Solar Energy and the Circular Economy
The integration of solar energy in schools in Malaysia is not just about reducing electricity bills or serving as a cost-saving measure, it is a powerful step towards a circular economy, a system that prioritises sustainability, resource efficiency and waste reduction. At the core of the Schools Solar Energy Pilot Project is the commitment to minimising environmental impact while maximising long-term benefits.
Solar panels, as the name suggests, harnesses an abundant renewable energy source – the sun. The long lifespan of the panels and the recyclable nature of their key components, such as aluminium and glass, ensure that the project contributes to a sustainable, closed-loop system, where resources are reused rather than discarded.
But the impact does not stop there. The solar energy infrastructure is also expected to stimulate job creation in green technology sectors, opening new opportunities in areas such as installation, maintenance and recycling. As the nation transitions towards renewable energy, the demand for expertise in these fields will grow, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to both environmental sustainability and economic development.
Impacting Students and Schools
Beyond the environmental and economic benefits, the project is also a powerful educational tool. Students at the participating schools are witnessing first-hand how solar energy can transform their learning environment, providing a real-world lesson in the growing green economy. As solar energy infrastructure becomes part of their everyday environment, students are exposed to cutting-edge technology that not only powers their classrooms but also serves as a tangible example of the future job market.
Schools are increasingly incorporating renewable energy topics into their curriculum, sparking interest in STEM fields like engineering, environmental science and green technology. The direct exposure through the Schools Solar Energy Pilot Project is preparing a new generation for evolving job opportunities in solar installation, maintenance and recycling – creating a pipeline of future professionals who will help drive Malaysia’s green transition.
This pilot initiative connects students to both environmental responsibility and future career paths, ensuring that the impact of solar energy reaches far beyond the immediate savings on energy bills.
The Coexistence of Heritage and Modernisation
A unique challenge presented itself with the Schools Solar Energy Pilot Project, as most schools in Perak are housed in heritage buildings, some of which have stood for over a century. These buildings are more than just educational spaces – they are cultural landmarks that form the foundation of their communities. While Malaysia One Hundred is committed to bringing modern, sustainable energy solutions to schools, it recognises that this must not come at the expense of their rich historical value.
By ensuring GSPARX thoroughly assesses the integrity of the roof structures and ensuring that the installation of PV solar panels does not compromise the architectural heritage, the project demonstrates that sustainability and heritage conservation can coexist. Renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated into these iconic structures, allowing them to serve both as symbols of the past and beacons of a sustainable future, proving that progress and preservation can go hand in hand.
A Sustainable Future for Perak and Beyond
The Schools Solar Energy Pilot Project aligns with the broader goals of the NETR, making it a stepping stone towards a sustainable future for Perak and, by extension, Malaysia. By integrating renewable energy into the fabric of educational institutions, Malaysia One Hundred and its partners are not only promoting a greener environment, but also fostering a generation of energy-conscious citizens. These students will be at the forefront of Malaysia’s renewable energy transition, equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to contribute to a circular economy and a more sustainable future.
