Demonstration projects : RE and EE and emerging energy technologies

This chapter will first examine some of the justifications for latest initiatives to incorporate renewable energy (RE) as the "mainstream" fifth fuel option. In the Malaysian context, recurring savings from energy efficiency (EE) also qualify as RE. Interests in REandEE will initially start in Peninsular Malaysia with its high absolute demand and still growing fairly rapidly. There is a strong likelihood that Peninsular Malaysia will become a net energy importer after the year 2005. Domestic gas production is capped, road vehicles will continue to expand and three major coal power plants (Janamanjung, SKS and Jimah) under various stages of project implementation will rely on more imported coal. In this regard REandEE options offer the challenges and opportunities to harness these unique domestic energy resources to reduce fossil fuel imports and simultaneously help the nation to become self-sufficient in REandEE technology. With the ambitious Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) project and as Malaysia continues to move ahead into the new k-economy, the anticipated digital revolution implies a need for very reliable electricity supply. The convergence of digital era with in-situ distributed electricity generation based on environment-friendly gas and RE sources readily available in Malaysia, will become a "reality". The proliferation of digital networks and manufacturing operations controlled by sophisticated and sensitive electronics demand 99.9999% reliable electricity. Yet, some marginalised sections of our population in remote locations do not even have access to electricity, an important ingredient to uplift their quality of life and income generating opportunities. Established in May 1998, PTM is entrusted to bridge RandD and commercialisation of the more promising emerging energy technologies as the energy markets become more competitive with entry barriers. Many of the demonstration projects and EE pilot programs, undertaken and coordinated by PTM are identified to provide useful indications of some of these promising energy technologies. The research communities are encouraged to use their creativity and ingenuity to swiftly exploit the opportunities to be "unveiled" when a competitive Malaysian energy market progressively unfolds.