JELEBU: The Glami Lemi Fisheries Research Institute (IPP) will become the first research centre to utilise solar panels that aim to save up to RM6.7 million for 20 years beginning next year.
Fisheries Research Institute Malaysia’s senior director of research Dr Azhar Hamzah said the collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) through its subsidiary GSPARX Sdn Bhd will see the installation of solar panels on the roofs of Glami Lemi IPP to generate 572 kilowatts of energy.
He said during the first year, the initiative is expected to save RM130,000 compared to the monthly utility cost of RM50,000.
“The costs for the installation and maintenance of the solar panels will be fully borne by TNB. The use of solar panels in the fisheries industry is expected to boost research and breeding activities in areas where access to utility is challenging,” he told reporters.
He said this after opening the 66th Glami Lemi IPP Open Day and the signing ceremony of the Supply Agreement of Renewable Energy (SARE) between the Department of Fisheries Malaysia and GSPARX Sdn Bhd in Titi, Jelebu, yesterday.
He said the effort was in support of the National Green Technology Policy to increase the capacity of renewable energy generation to up to 20 per cent of the total electricity generation capacity by 2025.
On the Glami Lemi IPP, he said the institute was established in Melaka on Aug 21, 1957, known as the Tropical Fish Culture Research Institute (TFCRI) before it was relocated to this state, adding that it has made significant advancements in freshwater aquaculture research in the country.
“The research and technology transfer activities have strengthened the relationship between the Fisheries Department and farmers as well as aquaculture entrepreneurs, who are the backbone of the country’s fish supply,” he added.
The Glami Lemi IPP plays a role in developing strains for high-value fish species through aquaculture techniques. Research on freshwater fish species including koi, kelah, patin buah, krai, temoleh and baung continues to be conducted due to the high market demand. – BERNAMA
