UTP and reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn Bhd (reNIKOLA) today signed a Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA) to embark on a groundbreaking project aimed at enhancing the efficiency of large scale solar (LSS) plants.
The agreement was signed by UTP Vice Chancellor Professor Dato’ Ir Ts Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib and reNIKOLA Head of Operations Andy Cheng.
The collaboration emerged from a UTP student's industrial training stint at reNIKOLA last year. Recognising the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership, both organisations embarked on a joint venture to develop innovative solutions for improving solar photovoltaic system performance.
Through this RCA, UTP and reNIKOLA create opportunities for knowledge exchange and technical collaboration through student industrial training, technical visits, research and innovation projects, and consultancy services. This commitment underscores UTP's role as a catalyst for technological advancement in the renewable energy sector.
UTP, in collaboration with Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari), a subsidiary of Malaysia’s PETRONAS Group, has installed a 7.4MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop panel, the largest single solar rooftop in Malaysia. Since its deployment in early 2022, this grid-connected system has generated over 13,000 MWh of clean electricity, meeting over a quarter of UTP’s total electricity demand.
The university is committed to becoming a Low Carbon Campus by improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. UTP is upgrading campus infrastructure with energy-efficient equipment, implementing a building management system, and pursuing an efficient energy management policy.
UTP and reNIKOLA envision a long-term partnership focused on continuous improvement and innovation. The collaboration will extend beyond the current project, with plans for long-term system performance pilot tests at additional reNIKOLA LSS locations and UTP's role as a consultant for future reNIKOLA development endeavours.
