Bertam Utilises Solar Power to Cut Nearly 70% of Emissions, Energy Use

Bertam’s new energy sources, based on simulations, will consume much less energy and reduce carbon emissions by 70%. Once delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pulau Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman cut the ribbons on smart energy city Bertam’s opening yesterday, Feb. 26, according to government news agency Bernama on the same day.

According to Datuk Rahman, the solar photovoltaic system installed in Bertam will generate 57,400 kilowatt hours (kWh) and reduce emissions by 835 tonnes annually.

“A total of four buildings in the Bertam district were selected for the implementation of this project, among them are the Abdullah Fahim Mosque, the Kepala Batas Hospital, the Kepala Batas Industrial Training Institute, and the Public Works Department of Seberang Perai Ultara,” he was quoted as saying.

The effort to turn Bertam into a smart city is a collaboration among the state government alongside Universiti Kebangsan Malaysia’s (UKM) Solar Energy Research Institute, UKM Pakarunding, and Jinko Solar Technology.

“This project is in line with the Penang2023 vision, which focuses on aspects of a green and smart state in addition to the balance between economic growth and environmental protection,” he added.