The Star 28 Sep 10;
MUAR: A target has been set for 2080 megawatts or 11% of all the electricity generated nationwide by 2020 to be sourced from environment-friendly renewable energy, said Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui.
This was in line with a framework of the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015) announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak which gave emphasis to the use of such energy, he added.
“Although the application of green technology is still new in our country, we should not lag in taking advantage of opportunities to introduce green technology products,” he added.
Chin said this in a speech at the opening of a new building of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) in Jalan Temenggung, Muar, by the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, here yesterday.
The text of his speech was read out by the deputy minister, Noriah Kasnon.
Also present were the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Tunku Ismail, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and TNB chairman Tan Sri Leo Moggie.
In Kuala Lumpur, Chin said public consultation was crucial before the country decide on having a nuclear power plant.
He added that a timeline from now until 2015 had been set to have nationwide consultations on the proposal.
“At the end of the day, if the public does not wish for a nuclear reactor, we will respect that decision,” he told reporters at the National Water and Utilities Summit here yesterday.
On another matter, Chin said Malaysians might have to bear with higher water tariffs in the future.
He added that state-owned water utility operators needed to repair or replace old water pipes, in which a substantial amount of expenditure would be needed.
Green light for green technology
New Straits Times 29 Sep 10;
AT last year's climate change summit in Copenhagen, Prime Minister Da-tuk Seri Najib Razak pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent if there were green technologies and funding from the West.
The government set up a RM1.5 billion green technology funding scheme to encourage companies, especially in the energy, water and waste management industries, to use green technology.
It allocated RM20 million under the 2010 Budget to promote green awareness and lifestyle among consumers.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said the ministry had approved 10 per cent or RM104.8 million for six projects in the scheme.
"We are lagging behind Thailand and Singapore in green technology, which has a huge potential."
Chin blamed this on the lack of awareness among industry and consumers about environmental concerns such as inefficient energy use and carbon emissions.
The ministry will host the International Greentech & Eco-Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia next month. Its Dare to Dream challenge will encourage young minds to report on issues and suggest sustainable measures through green technology.
Malaysia Energy Centre chief operating officer Ahmad Zairin Ismail notes the potential of the green technology industry, which includes information and communication technology, transportation, buildings, water and waste water management, energy and manufacturing.
Najib said in his blog in May that the renewable energy sector could create at least 52,000 jobs by 2020.
