Kuala Lampur:Universiti Malaysia Sabah: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is anticipated to save more than RM57 million in electricity costs due to its new solar energy project, as stated by the university's vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the solar project is being executed at no cost to UMS in collaboration with a commercial solar energy engineering company and will span a period of 25 years. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the university's current monthly utility bill of approximately RM1.7 million.

After launching the UMS solar photovoltaic system, Prof Mansor explained that the first phase of the project has a generation capacity of 10.57 megawatts (MW) and has the potential for further expansion to accommodate the university's increasing energy demands. The project underwent development, installation, testing, and commissioning before its commercial operations began on September 18.

Prof Mansor emphasized the role of higher education institutions in adopting green technology and renewable energy, highlighting that UMS could serve as a demonstration site for such innovations in Sabah. He expressed hope that the solar system would not only be perceived as campus infrastructure but also as a practical laboratory for students and researchers to collect data, build expertise, and develop innovations.

He also underscored the importance of strengthening collaborations among universities, government, agencies, and industry through the solar project, aiming to bring together expertise, technology, and resources from multiple stakeholders, thereby enhancing opportunities in green technology, talent development, and innovation.