Petronas Solar PV

It is proudly to announced that Malaysia's single largest rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a green energy initiative undertaken by the one and only PETRONAS, has been up and running on the roof-top of Suria KLCC shopping mall. I am pretty sure that not many of you might know but it is here now.

10th of October 2012, is the day that the system was launched and introduce to everyone is Kuala Lumpur. The official launch of PETRONAS 1st Solar Photovoltaic Installation was held at Level 6, Sky Lobby, Tower 3, KLCC.

It is joint initiatives of PETRONAS and Mitsubishi Corporation to paves way for other green technology initiatives. It all started in 2010, where Mitsubushi Corporation began to explore ways to actively support PETRONAS in the field of environmental protection and environmental sustainability, which culminated in as agreement, in October 2010, to jointly undertake this project. Through this collaboration program. Mitsubishi Corporation agreed to provide the funding needed to design and install the system along with its expertise in solar power technologies and infrastructure.

The event started of with a welcoming remark by Encik Hashim Wahir, the Group Chief Executive Officer, KLCC Sdn Bhd. 

 Quoted :

 "The Installation of the Solar PV Panels at Suria KLCC takes us all a step further in sustainability development via renewable energy. This is very much in line with the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water vision to ensure sustainable development and conserve the environment for future generations, because they are after all the leaders of the future. .... I Strongly believe that revelation of the Solar PV Panels today is a significant step that will impact individuals, business and the nation as a whole. It puts us on part with green practice around the globe."

Next followed by YBhg Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, the Chief Operating Officer, PETRONAS.

Quoted:

"Business plays a major role in helping to protect and enhance the environment and society. In today's landscape, the natural environment has become a key strategic issue in the business world. Through implementing sustainability strategies, organizations can integrate long-term profitability with their efforts to protect ecosystem. .... PETRONAS embarked on this Solar OC Installation Project in April 2011 with the aim to increase our efficiency, generate energy savings and develop technical capability in solar PV via the transfer of technology know-how. ... Lastly, we hope that this long standing partnership with all the parties involved, will support future collaboration for mutual prosperity whilst promoting the efficient use of renewable energy"

Speech by Mr Kazuyuki Mori, the Senior Vice President of Natural Gas Business Division A, Mitsubishi Corporation.

PIC

Quoted:

" I hope that the installation of the first solar PV system at Suria KLCC will pave the way for the future diffusion and practical use of PV technology in Malaysia. And we look forward to strengthening our special relationship with PETRONAS through continued exploration of further collaborative opportunities around the world."

Last but not least, speech by YB Dato' Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Malaysia.

PIC

Quoted:

"The Contribution by PETRONAS with their largest solar PV installation on the rooftop of a shopping mall is commendable as it certainly makes a significant contribution towards achieving our long term target. The Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water is committed to green technology as it it imperative for us as a nation to overcome environmental degradation, improve health and lives, protect eco-system and contribute positively to the economy."

With the expertise of both organization, PETRONAS and Mitsubishi Corporation, the challenge of mobilizing 7,000 solar panels, 2,000 sets of mounting structures and 600 tones of equipment was completed in just over seven months.

The process was down during midnight hours only to prevent disruptions during normal operation hours at Suria KLCC and the adjacent billings.

The clean energy generated from the system contributes to the reduction of carbon emission of approximately 360,000kg of carbon dioxide a year. It is able to generate power capacity of up to 600 Meawatt annually while electricity produced is equivalent to powering ip to 250 households and 6,500 energy saving fluorescent lightbulbs for 12 hours daily.

PETRONAS Utilizes 6 different technologies:

1. Mono-crystalline silicon
2. Poly-crystalline silicon
3. Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin film
4. Tandem thin film
5. Copper indium selenium (CIS) thin film
6. Hybrid heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HIT ) 
   
   
   
   
   Crystalline silicon (c-Si)

   • Well-established technology, Well understood engineering materials, Stable; The best performance among PV technologies.

   • Two types are mono- and poly-crystalline silicon
   o Mono:higherefficiencyandhighercost

   o Poly:lowerefficiencyduetograinsandlowercost
   
   

   Thin Film
   (HIT & tandem)

   • Costs of manufacturing are higher than alternatives, Not flexible, Heavy,
   • Made of hybrid: amorphous silicon and crystalline silicon with varies configuration to optimize the performance • Uses small amount of Si,Simple manufacturing process, Light, Flexible
   • Performs well in diffused and direct sunlight
   
   

   CIS/CIGS
   (Note: CIS is CIGS without Gallium)

   • Lower cost than crystalline silicon, Offer better performance than c-Si in diffused sunlight environments, Lower weight and smaller size compared to wafer silicon

   • Potential for more efficient manufacturing processes and lower cost that c-Si, Potential for new applications in Building- 
   
   

Being able to stand there and witness and see the solar PV Panels with my own eyes, it was truly amazing. I mean how rare are you allow to stand side by side with a solar pv panels. Therefore a big thank you to PETRONAS & Advertlets for giving me a chance to be there :)