IPOH (Sept 10): There are 28 large scale solar (LSS) projects in Perak with a total capacity of 1,441.30 megawatts (MW), comprising 21 projects that have been operating with a capacity of 542.18 MW and seven projects under development with a capacity of 899.12 MW, to date.

Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said of the 21 projects that have been operating, four are in Kerian, three each in Batang Padang, Manjung and Kampar, two in Kinta, while one each in Gopeng, Sungai Siput and Bidor.

He said that the seven projects under development involved the largest capacity project in the Larut Matang district involving a capacity of 470 MW, followed by Hilir Perak (95 MW), Perak Tengah (29.99 MW) and Selama (4.16 MW), in addition to three projects under development with a total capacity of 299.97 MW, each with a capacity of 99.99 MW.

"Overall, the development of the LSS project shows that the solar energy capacity in the state of Perak has not only reached a significant operational level, but also has the potential for a large increase in capacity through projects currently under development.

"With an additional capacity of 899.12 MW from projects under development, the total LSS capacity in Perak has the potential to reach around 1,441.30 MW when the entire project is completed and begins operating," he said during an oral question and answer session at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here on Thursday.

Teh was responding to a question from Tiw Tee Siang (PH-Tronoh) on the development of investments in the construction of solar farms in Perak, apart from those currently operating, about to operate and in the planning stages, as well as their benefits to the state.

He said the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) through its subsidiary Majuperak Holdings Bhd (MHB) (KL:MJPERAK) continued to play a role as one of the leaders in renewable energy and green technology initiatives in Perak, especially through the development of solar energy projects for religious and educational institutions.

"For the religious institution sector, MHB has established a strategic partnership with the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Custom Council (MAIPk) through the implementation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installation project in 20 pilot mosques in several districts in the state of Perak.

"This project is part of an effort to expand the use of clean energy, in addition to helping mosques reduce their dependence on conventional electricity supplies and optimise utility costs in the long term," he said.

According to Teh, the entire 20 mosque project involves a generation capacity of 513.01 kW, with an initial investment value of RM2.25 million.

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