EPRE 2017 to Shed Light on Renewable Energy

Malaysia’s biennial show on power generation and transmission supports government’s commitment to increase contribution of non-fossil fuels

Malaysia’s per capita energy consumption has increased from 1,100 KWH in 2010 to 4,460 KWH in 2014, in line with the country’s acceleration towards middle income status by 2020. Meanwhile, actual energy demand is forecast to rise from 16.9GW in 2015 to 20.3GW in 2020.

Recognising the nation’s need for increased energy capacity and the corresponding need to reduce carbon emissions, the Electric, Power and Renewable Energy 2017 (EPRE 2017) stamps its mark once again as the region’s flagship event for power generation, transmission and renewable technology.

EPRE 2017 was officiated by YB Senator Dato’ Sri S.K. Devamany S. Krishnasamy, Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.

The biennial show, held from 15 – 17 March 2017, is in line with the Malaysian government’s commitment towards achieving the national green agenda and increasing the percentage of contribution from non-fossil fuel sources including biomass, biogas, solar, and mini-hydro.

Said Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, Chairman of Malaysian Exhibition Services Sdn Bhd, “EPRE 2017 integrates high-level seminars with potential business collaborations, presenting priceless opportunities for members and visitors to expand their professional network and form new industry connection.”

Featuring some 200 exhibiting companies from 27 countries, including three international pavilions from China, Korea and Taiwan, EPRE 2017 brings together leading authorities and industry captains under one roof, with the objective of catalysing the advancement of the renewable energy sector in the ASEAN region.

Themed “Essence of Energy”, the International Exhibition of Power Generation, Sustainability and Renewable Energy for the ASEAN region is anticipated to surpass the resounding success achieved in its previous installments, with over 3,000 trade visitors from 35 countries / nations expected to visit throughout the duration of the three-day show.

According to Datuk Seri Ir. Azman bin Mohd, President/CEO of Tenaga Nasional Berhad, TNB has set its sights on Renewal Energy and global expansion combined with a smarter grid and value added customer products, as part of its goal to emerge as one of the world’s top 10 utilities by market capitalization by 2025. This was reflected in TNB’s 10-year strategic plan.

“As the largest electricity utility in Malaysia, we continue to lead the way in building a more sustainable energy platform by actively exploring alternative energy, in line with the government’s green agenda. In tandem with our efforts, we are proud to once again be involved in EPRE, which serves as an opportune platform for leading industry players to converge and deliberate on the challenges, pitfalls and potentials of the future of renewable energy. The upcoming show also plays a crucial role in positioning Malaysia as a champion of the ‘Green Energy Revolution’ in the ASEAN region and for the developing world,” said Datuk Seri Ir. Azman bin Mohd.

In its 12th installation, EPRE 2017 will be a showcase of the latest technology, equipment and machinery in the fields of power generation, transmission and renewable technologies. It will provide an ideal and timely platform to foster greater collaboration between industry stakeholders and open up communication channels to discuss the challenges towards making Malaysia’s RE goals a reality.

“While there has been some progress in the development and deployment of renewable energy (RE) in recent years, we still have a long way to go. Energy providers are currently more focused on meeting rising short and medium-term demand. Developing feasible RE solutions could help Malaysia to avoid becoming a net fuel importer in the next 30 years, as well as reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life,” said Dato’ Abdul Razak bin Abdul Majid, Chairman of the Energy Commission of Malaysia.

“However, stakeholders must cast a long-term view and prioritise responsible development, which will prove more sustainable and profitable in the long run,” he added.

According to the Chairman of Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia (SEDA), YBhg Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai, SEDA has approved 9,719 projects under the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) mechanism as at October 2016, which encompass biogas, biomass, solar PV, small hydro and geothermal.

“The FiT has proven that RE is viable and has the opportunity to scale beyond token capacity. We have witnessed a paradigm shift towards greater deployment of renewable energy for power generation in the country.  From there, apart from preserving our Mother Earth, we have managed tap into job opportunities for the market. As at October 2016 up to 2019, we have projected to create over 25,439 employment opportunities and avoid over 3.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions,” said Datuk Dr Yee.

However there are institutionalized barriers that require addressing in order for RE to be an effective game-changer. With the advent of worsening climate change and volatile prices of fossil fuel, sustainable energy in the realm of sustainable development needs to be taken seriously by all citizens of the world,” he added.

Said Mr. Ahmad Shadzli bin Abdul Wahab, President of the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA), “There is still much to be done in RE in Malaysia. Germany’s success in implementing solar energy capacity is due to the combination of a proven FiT scheme, good financing opportunities, availability of skilled photovoltaic (PV) companies and good public awareness of PV technology. The upcoming EPRE 2017 presents a platform to explore and capitalize on the various opportunities in the RE sector, particularly the vast potential of solar energy.”

Ir Chew Shee Fuee, President of The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM) attested to the valuable role of EPRE in hastening the E&E industry’s journey towards green technology.

“Growing interest and awareness of green technology and sustainable practices in the global electrical and electronics industry provides a great impetus for us to hasten our shift towards implementing green practices and processes in our manufacturing, in the near future. The EPRE plays a crucial role in showcasing E&E manufacturing products from across the region and provides a unique opportunity for us to exchange ideas while expanding our professional network,” he said.

Major players participating at EPRE 2017 include both first-time and return exhibitors such as Amtech Power,Atlantic Blue, Conway Terminals Manufacturer, Electrique Energie & Metering, Firmtest Technology, Fusheng Compressor, New Taipei City Green Industry Association, Tekno Bumi, Kabeltec Asia Pacific, Korea Electrical Manufacturers’ Cooperative, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Longi Solar, Lucy Asia Pacific, Powernic, TYCO Electronics and many more.

EPRE 2017 is currently underway at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 15-17 March 2017 and is fully supported by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water Malaysia (KeTTHA), together with the Energy Commission, CIDB, TEEAM, SEDA, MPIA, REASabah, BMCC, IEM and the nation’s premier power supplier, Tenaga Nasional Berhad. It is endorsed by Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Malaysia Cable Manufacturers Association (MCMA).