KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur continues to advance its institutional sustainability agenda through the implementation of a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation Project under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) mechanism, reinforcing the University’s commitment towards a low-carbon campus and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
The initiative forms part of UTM’s broader strategy to integrate renewable energy solutions into campus operations, reduce long-term reliance on fossil fuel–based electricity, and contribute to measurable reductions in carbon emissions. Scheduled for full completion by 10 February 2026, the project represents a high-impact operational intervention aligned with national clean energy policies and global sustainability frameworks.
With a total installed capacity of 934.8 kilowatt-peak (kWp), the Solar PV system is deployed across key academic, administrative, residential and community facilities at UTM Kuala Lumpur, including Blocks J1 to J4, Dewan Azman Hashim, the BATC Building, the Malaysia–Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), the UTM Kuala Lumpur Mosque and Scholars Inn. Electricity generated will be consumed on-site, directly reducing grid dependency, while surplus energy exported to the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) grid will be offset through the NEM mechanism.
This approach enhances energy efficiency and is expected to deliver sustained reductions in electricity consumption from the national grid, contributing to long-term operational cost savings and lower campus carbon intensity. The project also provides a data-driven platform for monitoring renewable energy generation and emissions reduction, supporting institutional sustainability reporting and continuous improvement.
Head of Campus, UTM Kuala Lumpur Branch, Prof. Dr. Fauziah Sh. Ahmad, described the project as a strategic step in strengthening sustainable energy governance and advancing UTM’s transition towards a low-carbon institution.
“The adoption of the Net Energy Metering mechanism enables UTM Kuala Lumpur to optimise solar energy utilisation while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources. Beyond cost efficiency, this initiative contributes directly to emissions reduction and supports the long-term sustainability goals of the University,” she said.
She added that the project also serves as a living demonstration of clean energy adoption within a higher education setting, enhancing sustainability awareness among students, staff and stakeholders.
The project is fully supported by the in-house expertise of UTM Kuala Lumpur’s Development and Asset Division (BPA), which oversees planning, technical coordination, installation monitoring and quality assurance. The involvement of multidisciplinary engineers and technical officers ensures compliance with technical, safety and operational efficiency standards, strengthening project governance and institutional capability.
In addition to operational benefits, the Solar PV installation contributes to institutional capacity building in sustainable energy management and provides a foundation for future integration into research, teaching and industry collaboration initiatives.
The Deputy Director of UTM Campus Sustainability (UTMCCS), Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Shamsul Sarip noted that the project is expected to contribute positively to UTM’s performance in global sustainability assessments, particularly under SDG 7 indicators, through verifiable data on renewable energy generation, reduced grid electricity consumption and carbon emissions mitigation.
The Solar PV installation at UTM Kuala Lumpur reflects the University’s sustained commitment to embedding sustainability into core operations, supporting national and global clean energy transitions, and advancing a resilient, low-carbon future for higher education and society.
Source: UTM NewsHub
