Message by the President

Despite the pandemic, movement controls and slowdown in economic activities, the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) approved more than 350 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) projects under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) programme in 2020, the highest in a year since NEM was introduced in 2016, indicating a strong interest to invest in solar PV systems.

Many businesses are now deploying solar PV systems as part of their measures to reduce the cost of doing business, as it gives them significant saving in energy bills. In addition, it is very positive to their corporate image, with some companies able to sell their products or services at a premium over their peers.

SEDA revealed that there were close to 4,000 completed NEM installations towards the end of year 2020. In fact, the entire 500 MW NEM quota was fully taken prior to the deadline, and a further 500 MW quota under NEM 3.0 was subsequently announced.

On the other hand, the Large Scale Solar (LSS) programme which has been implemented since 2016 had accumulated more than 850 MW operational capacity as of fourth quarter of year 2020.
With the LSS4 successful bidders announced in the first quarter of 2021, there were more than 2,400 MW of LSS projects awarded. In other words, we are seeing very positive growth in both the rooftop segment and LSS segment of our solar PV industry. All this will translate into a significant milestone for Malaysia in terms of sustainability and renewable energy accomplishment.

Initiated by the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications to have an industry voice and established in year 2006, MPIA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of solar energy and consists of members from the local solar supply chain.

MPIA bridges communication among the stakeholders and has been working with the government to ensure the efficient, ethical and professional growth of solar industry. It is currently the only trade association representing the solar PV industry in Malaysia.

I would like to thank the past presidents and committee members for building the solid fundamentals of MPIA for what it is today.