INGENIEUR
PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
Green Engineering
When the Asian Development Bank ( ADB ) announced that it would no longer finance coalfired power plants in 2021 , it was intended to speed up the early retirement of coal-fired power plants and accelerate the transition to low carbon footprints around the region . Meanwhile , the International Energy Agency , IEA announced that investment in Renewable Energy needs to triple by the end of the decade if the world hopes to fight climate change and keep volatile energy markets under control . These are strong messages for the energy sector to embark on green energy seriously and strategically to meet environmental sustainability goals .
In the same vein , the Malaysian Government has introduced the Malaysian Electricity Supply Industry 2.0 ( MESI 2.0 ) programme focusing on the electricity supply industry ’ s readiness in facing new challenges with the emergence of disruptive technologies , especially those involving renewable energy sources . It serves to encourage and facilitate the supply of green energy in the country . Additionally , the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap ( MyRER ) launched recently by the Government aims to achieve the national aspiration of 31 % renewable energy ( RE ) capacity by 2025 and 40 % by 2035 .
The theme of this issue on ‘ Green Energy ’ is to reflect upon the roles of the engineering fraternity in complementing Government and global focus
in this direction . The article on ‘ Going Sustainable with Urban Environment Design ’ showcases Malaysia ’ s contribution in green energy in the formulation and implementation of GBI , MyCREST , myGHI , pHJKR , GreenRE and Sustainable INFRASTAR for development projects .
The article on ‘ Menara KEN TTDI ’ serves to showcase a shining example of local project among others that received international awards on green development such as FIABCI for sustainable development goal , BCA Singapore Green Mark Platinum , ASEAN Energy Award as well as other local awards .
While Malaysia may be well suited for solar energy for renewable energy , the pursuit for other potential sources of green energy should be fully explored . The often over looked potential of geothermal source is well documented in the article ‘ Geothermal Energy Potential in Malaysia ’. Such energy sources of low capacity such as minihydro plant can come in handy in remote areas with a small population .
As the call for ESG is getting louder globally and locally , it is time that practising engineers view green energy development as the new game of the future .
Dato ’ Seri Ir . Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman President , BEM
4 VOL 91 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2022