EPIC PLANS TO EXPAND SOLAR ENERGY SERVICE NETWORK

CHUKAI, July 22 (Bernama) -- Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Bhd (EPIC) plans to expand its service network through its subsidiary EPIC Solar Sdn Bhd (ESSB) in the field of solar energy and green technology in Malaysia.

ESSB chairman Dr Mamad Puteh said the plan is in line with the company's mission and supports Malaysia's aspiration to achieve the use of 40 per cent renewable energy by 2035.

Dr Mamad said that in order to achieve that wish, EESB has become a pioneer and driver in solar projects on the East Coast with the opening of a 28-hectare solar farm with a capacity of up to 18.5 Megawatts (MW) in Teluk Kalong.

"The power plant in Teluk Kalong supplies solar energy with a capacity of up to 18.5 MW to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) through the national grid for a period of 21 years, i.e. until 2039.

"It was developed with an investment of around RM80 million in 2017," he said in a statement in conjunction with a ceremony to celebrate 150,000 Accident-Free Working Hours at the ESSB Solar Farm in Teluk Kalong Industrial Area here.

Also present were EPIC Group chief executive officer Mukhtar Suhaili and ESSB head of company Azman Muda.

Dr Mamad said that in line with the goal of making Kemaman Port a green port, ESSB also carried out the installation of solar street lights and solar floodlights at the East Wharf terminal.

According to him, the installation of street lights and floodlights, which are categorised as support services, are also extended to EPIC's customers at Kemaman Supply Base (KSB), including Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd.

"EPIC has a great desire to make Kemaman Port a green port one day.

"Facilities based on solar energy generation such as street lights and floodlights will help the operations of not only EPIC's subsidiaries but also our customers at the wharf and KSB," he said.

In the meantime, Dr Mamad said ESSB has also taken a step forward by producing the EPIC Solar Car (ESCAR) which is environmentally friendly.

ESCAR innovation is the result of a collaboration between ESSB and Universiti College TATI (UCTATI) in the Kemaman district.

Dr Mamad said that initially ESCAR was only used in ESSB's solar farm, but it was expanded to several premises of the subsidiary, namely Kuala Terengganu Support Base (KPKSB) and Sukma Samudra Sdn Bhd (SSSB).

"ESCAR is an innovative light vehicle (buggy) that is usually used in golf clubs, the hospitality industry and tourist areas.

"It uses electricity powered by solar energy stored in the battery. One of the advantages of ESCAR is that it can save on electricity," he said.

He further said that ESCAR will be improved in terms of increasing capacity and existing features for commercial purposes in the future.

Dr Mamad said ESSB is also developing the ability to become an investor, supplier and installer of solar-powered roofs.

Boosted by an experienced and highly skilled workforce, he is confident that ESSB will be a leading competitor in the renewable energy industry and further generate economic resources for Terengganu.

-- BERNAMA