Petronas Solar PV (Photovoltaic) System KLCC Official Launch

Petronas recently unveiled their latest green energy initiative, the single largest rooftop solar PV installation on a shopping mall in Malaysia. Petronas Solar PV for short, the launch happened last week at the rooftop of Suria KLCC shopping mall, incidentally being the location of the really cool solar panels.

Official Launch of Petronas' 1st Solar Photovoltaic Installation

Launched in Kuala Lumpur, KLCC to be exact, I had the privilage to attend the event, and witness first hand this historic event. The event of Petronas' 1st Solar Photovoltaic Installation was officially launched by the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, YB Dato' Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui. 

Also gracing the launch event were Petronas Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Downstream, YBhg Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin; Group Chief Executive Officer
of KLCC Holdings Sendirian Berhad and Chairman of Suria KLCC Sendirian Berhad, Encik Hashim Wahir, and Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Corporation, Mr Kazuyuki Mori.

Petronas Solar PV Panels design pattern from the top of KLCC

The space itself was really big, installed on the 9000 square metres rooftop, I was just in awe to be able to get a chance to walk along the multiple Petronas' Solar PV panels. The 685 kilowatt peak system is part of Petronas' Solar PV Project piloted in collaboration with Mitsubishi Corporation to develop its capability in PV technology project management, access technology performance, build its green credentials and enhance public awareness on sustainable development.

Check out Petronas Solar PV in all its glory, up close and personal

Now when did it all start? All these solar pv panels couldn't have suddenly appeared overnight. The installation of the Petronas Solar PV system started back in April 2011 and had taken only nine months to complete. February 2012 was when it was fully commissioned, and had a capability of producing more than 600 megawatt-hours of solar energy annually, enough to power up to 250 households. It now supplies about 30 per cent of Suria KLCC's power requirements!

Petronas Solar PV panels looked rather simple, but the technology is groundbreaking to say the least.

A word of warning though, do not play hide-and-seek here least you find yourself electrocuted!

Now comes a couple of facts about Petronas' First Solar PV System. Check them out below.

• The clean energy generated from the system contributes to the greenhouse gas reduction by approximately 360000 kilogramme carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, and will reduce the shopping complex's green house gas emission. 
• These awesome contraptions were installed in patterns that follow the Islamic architectural and the songket motifs that are common to the Petronas Twin Towers. 

This was what's underneath the first layer of Petronas Solar PV panels

Petronas Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Downstream, YBhg Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin did state that Petronas has embarked on similar initiatives to incorporate the solar PV technology into other areas of their operations. In addition to that, Petronas is also developing a utility scale Solar Independent Power plant of 10.02 megawatt peak at Gebeng, Kuantan.  

VVIPs of the launch being brought on a tour around the site

On a side note, beautiful view from the rooftop of KLCC looking down at the park and lake below.

The Petronas PV Project paves the way for Petronas to continue exploring opportunities in green and renewable energy towards the reduction of greenhouse gasses as part of its effort towards sustainable development. Personally, I feel this is a really cool initiative, one which would eventually help heal the earth, or at least slow down the usage of its resources. Thumbs up to Petronas' first solar PV system!