UKM’s Pledge Towards 100% Renewable Energy
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is committed to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050. In our Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 under the fourth pillar Sustainable Campus, we have planned and progressively taken actions on the development of affordable energy (Figure 1) and energy-efficiency management (Figure 2) in UKM.
Figure 1 : Objective 4 Developing Affordable Energy
Figure 2 : Objective 5 Efficient energy management
Actions To Create UKM Powered By Renewable Energy
UKM has implemented 3 renewable energy sources in the campus as an effort into providing alternative energy. The renewable energy sources that are currently operating by the institutes in UKM are solar power, biodiesel and clean biomass
1. Solar power
UKM Solar Power project was implemented for the purpose of saving the university’s electricity costs. A 1,460,000-kWhsolar panel has been installed on the roof of the UKM building in Bangi, involving 50 buildings. From this project, between 10% to 20% reduction is expected in maximum electrical demand charges.
Solar panel installation in UKM Bangi Campus
2.Hydrogen Energy
UKM supports government’s policy to Net Zero Carbon in Energy Production for 2050 when UKM Fuel Cell Institute (SELFUEL) successfully produced Electrolyser unit, which is a hydrogen production system, from the joint research collaboration with Petronas Research Sdn. Bhd. (PRSB). The project that was developed was a pilot plant for the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) type electrolyser system for the production of bio-hydrogen from the green source that is water. The bipolar plate design (straight line design) and the plate coating process have been successfully developed and optimized to increase hydrogen production. Grade 2 Titanium plate coated with Iridium-ruthenium capable of operating to produce hydrogen up to 1000 hours of operation with the ability to maintain hydrogen production performance of 46kWh/kg H2.
3. Clean biogas
In the aspect of environmental engineering research, UKM has implemented biogas production research in one of its living labs, Chini Lake Research Center (PPTC) to utilize green technology for nature preservation and pollution reduction. Biogas research in PPTC has compiled a biogas database in collaboration with the industry, in a built biogas facility known as Biogas Technology Cockpit. For every 1 kilogram of palm oil mill effluent (POME), it produces 0.75 kg methane (CH4), which will then produce a 10 kWh energy rate.
Biogas Technology Cockpit in Chini Lake Research Center (PPTC)
UKM supports the government’s and the world’s mission in reducing greenhouse gas emissions especially within the campus area. One of the initiatives that has been carried out by UKM is by the usage of zero-emission vehicles in which UKM has launched two hydrogen vehicles, a golf cart buggy and a mini hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV). Through modifications of electric vehicles, these energy efficient, environment-friendly vehicles were developed by a group of researchers from UKM’s Fuel Cell Institute (SELFUEL) in collaboration with industry.
4. Hydrogen hybrid vehicles
The development of the hydrogen hybrid vehicle is based on the technical codes issued by Malaysian Technical Standards Forum Bhd (MTFSB) by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998).
5. Electric bicycles
UKM supports the goal of a low-carbon campus by providing sustainable transportation facilities. Electric bicycles in the UKM campus is the latest initiative in reducing the use of private vehicles and also the dependence on the campus bus service. This electric bicycle is low-carbon and also environmentally friendly.
6. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Golf Buggy
UKM has also introduced the hydrogen fuel cell golf buggy, one of the zero-emission vehicles used in UKM.
As of 2023, UKM is in progress to install solar/LED streetlights in the campus as one of the initiatives on upgrading facilities based on energy saving requirements to fulfill the UKM’s commitment in developing affordable energy in the Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030.
Fuel Cell Institute (SELFUEL)
The establishment of Fuel Cell Institute (Institut Sel Fuel), the first research institute in Malaysia conducting research on fuel cell and hydrogen energy, was approved by the Ministry of Higher Education on the 1st of July 2006. The name of the Institute was initially Institute of Fuel Cell Technology (Institut Teknologi Sel Bahan Api). The new name Fuel Cell Institute (Institut Sel Fuel) was approved on 14th July 2007.
SELFUEL website: www.ukm.my/selfuel
Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI)
The Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is a renowned research institution dedicated to advancing the development and utilization of solar energy in Malaysia and beyond. With a strong commitment to promoting sustainable energy solutions, SERI plays a vital role in driving the country’s transition towards clean and renewable energy sources. Recognized for its cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, and multidisciplinary approach, SERI brings together experts from diverse fields such as engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science, and environmental science. SERI’s research primarily focuses on enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and affordability of solar energy systems.
SERI website: www.ukm.my/seri/
UKM Solar Service Launch
YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Hj. Nordin, Minister of Higher Education, accompanied by Prof Dato’ Gs. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ekhwan Hj. Toriman, UKM Vice Chancellor launched the UKM Solar Service at the Working Visit to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
UKM’s Generation Management Center (JANA@UKM) has collaborated with Syarikat PV Hi Tech Solar Sdn. Bhd. to manage UKM’s Solar Services RFP Project worth RM24 million to generate green energy from renewable energy sources of 7MWac.
Solar panels that are expected to be used for a period of 25 years will be installed on more than 50 building roofs at the UKM Bangi campus. The estimated savings that will be obtained from this solar installation will involve electricity bill savings of at least 16% for each kwh used.
UKM Solar Project
Installation of Solar Thermal Systems and Low Energy Architecture panels at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. These solar panels will be used to turn on the hot water system using the solar thermal collector method
Photovoltaic solar was also installed in the student residence of the Faculty of Medicine at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Bertam Smart City Expected to Reduce 69.7% of Carbon Emissions
The state goverment’s project to transform the city of Bertam into a smart energy city, is expected to have the potential to reduce energy and carbon emissions by 69.7%.
UKM through the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) and UKM Pakarunding in collaboration with Jinko Solar Technology Sdn Bhd has made strides in developing this smart energy city.
