By CHIN SOO MAU
President, MPIA
The NEM 3.0 programme shows that the government is persistent in promoting solar energy in the country.
The Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA) is seeking and waiting for clarifications regarding the NEM 3.0.
MPIA is also engaging with the Energy Commission and the industry as the NEM 3.0 guidelines have yet to be released.
However, the MPIA hopes that the government would revise the allocated quota from 500 megawatts (MW) to 1,500 MW because based on data from the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA), more than 300 MW NEM quota was approved in last year. About 100 MW were approved 2019. That was a three-fold growth for the industry.
Having only 500 MW allocated for the period of 2021-2023 means that the industry will have negative growth for the next few years. Amid the economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, this does not augur well with the industry and the Malaysian economy.
Over the last few years, the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry has been on a very positive growth path, both locally and globally. On the domestic front, our local industry players have been expanding their operation and building up their workforce, creating new jobs for the country, now they are confronted with the adverse growth scenario.
Therefore, we propose for the government to increase the NEM quota from 500 MW to 1,500 MW for 2021-2023 to sustain the growth momentum for the industry and the national economy and contribute to the conservation of our environment.
In summary, MPIA lauds the government direction and strongly urges that the NEM 3.0 application process and implementation process remain precise and straightforward.
About MPIA
Who We Are
The Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA) is a non-profit organisation representing the Malaysian solar industry. MPIA is dedicated to the promotion of solar energy and consists of members from the local solar supply chain, including manufacturers, service providers, system integrators, consultants, insurance providers, training providers and academicians. MPIA bridges communication among the stakeholders and has been working with the government to ensure the efficient, ethical and professional growth of the solar industry.
Our Vision
Everyone can generate their own electricity via solar PV.
Our Mission
• To reform and democratise the electricity supply industry (generation, transmission and distribution).
• To make solar PV price competitive, reliable, sustainable and one of mainstream sources of electricity supply in the country via innovations and incentives.
• To achieve the highest level of professionalism, knowledge and competency in the solar PV industry.
Objectives
To achieve a national target of at least 12 per cent of total national electricity consumption (~10,000 MWp or 10 GWp) is supplied by solar PV by 2030. — @green
