National Energy Awards recognises 29 local players for their sustainability efforts

Winners prove their commitment to a greener Malaysia through their initiatives.

THE Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) together with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) announced and awarded 29 winners of the National Energy Awards (NEA) 2023 from a total of 114 submissions.

NEA – held annually since 2018, was set up to recognise leading Malaysian corporations and institutions for adopting game-changing sustainability initiatives in line with the nation’s Just Energy Transition, Net Zero, and sustainable development agenda. The initiative is aligned with Malaysia’s aspiration to be a net-zero GHG emissions nation by 2050.

Of the 29 winners, 23 will go on to represent Malaysia in the ASEAN Energy Awards (AEA) scheduled for 24 and 25 August 2023.

Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad pointed out that that the ministry organises the annual NEA as a way to raise awareness, acceptance and adoption of sustainable energy practices across industries. “I applaud the strong participation by the entrants this year and believe they are all truly winners for championing sustainable energy practices,” he said.

Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad hopes more business will be inspired by the examples set by NEA participants.

Malaysia, he said, requires everyone to play a part in the race to net zero. “The NEA participants have surely led the path with their ideas, innovation, and implementation for all of us to emulate. I am certain more businesses will be inspired by their example and look forward to seeing increased participation in future editions of NEA,” he added.

This year’s 114 submissions offered a commendable combined energy reduction of over 1.34 GW in terms of electricity savings, equivalent to a carbon emissions reduction of over 23,000 metric tonnes per annum.

Of the final NEA winners, nine clinched awards in the Best Practices in Energy Management category, 11 in the Energy Efficiency category, and nine in the Best Renewable Energy Projects category.

In the Energy Management category, four national hospitals received recognition for adopting proactive systematic monitoring and control systems to optimise energy consumption, decrease energy costs and reduce overall environmental impact.

Tzu Chi International School, Johor Port Authority and Kenaga Tower were named award-winners in the Energy Efficiency category that recognises initiatives that adopt sustainable energy practices in a new or retrofitted building.

In the Renewable Energy category, there were submissions from solar, solar to hydrogen, biogas, and mini hydro projects from across Malaysia.

“As Malaysia makes serious strides towards combining robust economic growth with climate action, NEA will continue to play a crucial role to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices,” said the lead judge for NEA, Ir. Chen Thiam Leong.

The panel of judges this year, said Leong, were pleased by entries that demonstrated efforts in making Energy Management, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy mainstream.

For more information on NEA 2023, please visit the official website: www.nationalenergyawards.com.my