KUALA LUMPUR: The solar generation quota for commercial and industrial category users has seen a 88 per cent or 880 megawatt (MW) take up rate from the total 1,100 MW quota.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government has introduced the Net Energy Metering (NEM) Net Offset Virtual Aggregation (NOVA) for solar installation on unused space of specific buildings to enable solar generation for commercial and industrial category users.

"A quota amounting to 1,100 MW has been allocated and until now 880MW or 88 per cent of the quota has been successfully distributed to various parties," he said in his speech at the launch of solar system at IHH Healthcare Malaysia today.

The minister said IHH Healthcare's initiative is a significant milestone towards Malaysia's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.

"It aligns perfectly with our national goals to increase the use of renewable energy and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This project serves as an inspiring model for other sectors to emulate," said Fadillah who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister.

IHH Healthcare has launched a comprehensive renewable energy initiative across its network of 17 hospitals via transition to solar power through the installation of rooftop solar panels. 

The renewable energy initiative undertaken by the hospital is in line with Malaysia's goal to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to global initiatives against climate change. 

IHH Healthcare Malaysia chief executive officer Jean-Francois Naa said as demand for private healthcare grows, the company continues to expand to increase access for its patients.

"However, healthcare leaves an environmental footprint. Mindful of this, IHH Malaysia began its journey towards sustainability."

"Among others, we focused on energy consumption as electricity accounts for over 75 per cent of our direct greenhouse gas emissions. We decided to adopt renewable energy solutions."

"Eight of our hospitals have transitioned to solar power. By 2025, all our hospitals would have completed the transition, making us the first private healthcare group in Malaysia to undertake this extensive rollout of solar projects," he said in his speech today.

Beyond energy transition, IHH Healthcare is committed to waste management and energy efficiency initiatives for the good of the planet.

It also comprehensively addressed its other core sustainability pillars encompassing patients, people and the public through initiatives such as antimicrobial stewardship, service excellence and upholding clinical quality to the highest standards.

"Moving forward, we intend to continue transitioning to green energy with offsite solar projects and Virtual Power Purchase Agreements," added Naa. Meanwhile, Fadillah said the ministry is working together with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB)  and the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) to enable the installation of solar panels at affordable housing projects.

"That is a part of the programmes we are planning. That is why we have installed new meters and collaborated with TNB and KPKT to ensure these inittiatives are not only for those who can afford it but there will also be other insentives by the government for others," he told a press conference.

Commenting on the usage of solar panels at government hospitals, he said the ministry will discuss with the Health Ministry , depending on the latter's budget.

"What we are looking at is to encourage government hospitals to collaborate with private parties like IHH Healthcare for the installation. There will be profit sharing in terms of energy conservation," he added.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/04/1044030/fadillah-88pc-take-commercial-industrial-solar-generation