KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 20): Solar photovoltaic power plant-centric Pekat Group Bhd has won an award at both the national and regional levels for its renewable energy (RE) project in Pulau Tioman.

In a statement last Friday, the firm said its subsidiary Pekat Solar Sdn Bhd’s (PSSB) 144kWp solar PV system and 274kWh Energy Storage System (ESS) for the Barat Tioman Beach Resort in Pulau Tioman has been selected as the 2nd runner up for the “On Grid – Local Grid” category at the National Energy Awards 2021.

It said the project also received 2nd runner up under the same category, “On Grid – Local Grid” at the ASEAN Energy Awards 2021.

The ceremony was held virtually last week in conjunction with 39th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2021.

Pekat executive director Wee Chek Aik said PSSB undertook the project to supply renewable energy alternative technology such as solar and hybrid microgrid systems to supply the energy shortage to the resort.

“The solar hybrid system has helped the resort to reduce dependency on the utility grid, reduce operating cost of using diesel generators as well as reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

“This system has proven to save up to RM250,000 annually as the TNB bill and diesel cost are reduced.

“The initial upfront investment is estimated to give back positive returns on the 5th year of the system being operated,” he said.