Kuala Lumpur airport in Malaysia has installed a 19 Megawatt Direct current system which is estimated to save 2.1 Million Malaysia Ringgits (or around $707821 Australian Dollars) in energy costs annually, based on current rates and consumption.
The massive solar power system is the first solar project to be developed at any Malaysian airport, and is being installed by solar industry leader SunEdison, after they partnered with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad to install, use, and service the system.
SunEdison Malaysia Airport Challenge
SunEdison faced the daunting challenge of delivering a satisfactory return on investment for the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and airlines, as well as minimising the amount of space required for the installation. In order to tackle this issue, SunEdison installed the system primarily on the rooftops of parking lots, and on top of the terminal buildings themselves, in order to reduce the use of space and to maximise savings.
SunEdison will provide permanent maintenance and monitoring services for the installation to ensure that it continues to operate functionally in the long-term.
The solar panel installation follows Malaysia’s renewable energy target (RET) of 5.5% by the year 2015. Solar installation is also being aided by the introduction of a solar PV feed-in tariff in Malaysia that delivers significant savings.
Malaysia Airports manages thirty-nine airports in the country, and coupled with the falling rate of solar panel prices, could suggest the promise of future renewable energy technology installations in Malaysian Airports, and promote renewable energy technology amongst international airlines.
Malaysia Airport to Reduce Airlines Emissions
The 19Mw system is the largest solar PV system to be installed in Malaysia to date, and will take advantage of the Malaysian climate, which is ideal for solar power technology. The project will benefit the economy, environment and local community in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as well as reducing the emissions of the airport terminals and airlines.
