KUALA LUMPUR (March 27): Iskandar Investment Bhd has partnered with Cenergi SEA Bhd, a subsidiary of UEM Group Bhd, to work together on various renewable energy exploration initiatives using Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
A statement on Wednesday said the partnership aims to accelerate the creation of the Southern region's first net zero carbon central business district (CBD) in Medini, Johor. The collaboration will begin with both companies exploring the purchase of approximately 4,000 RECs to offset Iskandar Investment’s current carbon emissions.
In addition to that, Cenergi SEA will also provide technical support to Iskandar Investment to develop its own RECs through future renewable energy projects. This initiative will enable Iskandar Investment to not only reduce its carbon footprint but also generate tradable instruments that support the growth of the clean energy market.
Commenting on the partnership, Iskandar Investment president and chief executive officer Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said, "We are thrilled to join forces with Cenergi and leverage their extensive experience in sustainable energy solutions. This collaboration, coupled with the collective efforts of our ten esteemed partners, signifies a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving our net zero aspirations in Medini.
“By combining our expertise, we are confident in making significant progress towards establishing the first net zero carbon CBD centering on digital, innovation and GBS. This is a crucial step towards a cleaner, greener future, and we are committed to realising this vision for the benefit of generations to come,” Idzham added.
Iskandar Investment’s roadmap to net zero extends beyond renewable energy, encompassing five strategic pillars that represent the core focus areas of its key environmental, sustainability, and governance (ESG) initiatives: energy, waste, water, green building, and sustainable mobility. The statement said this partnership complements the previously announced partnership with seven electric vehicle industry players.
Representing Cenergi SEA, its group CEO Hairol Azizi Tajudin said, “Our collaboration with Iskandar Investment encompasses two primary objectives — providing RECs to bolster their green initiatives and supplying solar energy to power the Medini net zero carbon CBD plus their [renewable energy zone] in alignment with the National Energy Transition Roadmap. Through this partnership, we aim to support their commitment to sustainability and contribute to the development of renewable energy infrastructure in the region.”
Cenergi SEA joins other industry players including Maybank, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, Nano Malaysia Bhd, Handal Indah Sdn Bhd, Handal Green Mobility Sdn Bhd, Kumpool Sdn Bhd, Yinson Green Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd, GO TO U (M) Sdn Bhd, UN Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei (UNGCMYB), to collaborate with Iskandar Investment to accelerate the creation of Medini as a net zero CBD.
Idzham also highlighted, “At Iskandar Investment, we are aware and acknowledge that achieving net zero carbon emissions requires a concerted effort from all segments of society, and this collaborative approach will be instrumental in realising our long-term vision. We are determined to win as we step into this unknown territory, but certainly not without our current and future strategic partners.
“With the immense challenges ahead, Iskandar Investment welcomes strategic collaborations and engagement with all stakeholders including government agencies, local authorities, financial institutions, global organisations, private institutions, strategic partners, academic experts, and scientists alike,” he added.