National Energy Awards 2024 Showcases Malaysia’s Commitment To Energy Management

The National Energy Awards (NEA) 2024 has once again highlighted Malaysia’s dedication to advancing energy management, efficiency, and sustainability. The prestigious awards, spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), celebrated 25 organizations and individuals for their significant contributions to energy optimization and renewable energy adoption. Here’s a closer look at the key highlights from this year’s event:

Key Highlights:

• Total Submissions: 134 from various sectors including healthcare, government, and private industries.
• Energy Savings: 315.37 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually, translating to approximately RM 45 million in reduced energy bills.
• Renewable Energy Generation: Over 283.71 GWh annually.
• Carbon Emissions Reduction: 238,504.41 metric tons annually, equivalent to planting 5,962,610 trees.

Notable Achievements:

1. Top Performers:
   • Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM): Awarded first place in Category 1 for Energy Management in Large Buildings. UTeM achieved substantial energy reduction, surpassing its annual target with reductions of 17.8%, 18.5%, and 19.3% over three years.
2. Green Residential Excellence:
   • Hydroponic House: Recognized in Category 2 for its innovative design, including a central courtyard, natural lighting, and a 6-kW solar PV system that fulfills over 34% of its electricity needs.
3. Tropical Building Sub-category:
   • PETRONAS Leadership Centre, Bangi: Celebrated for its eco-friendly design, featuring extensive greenery, a man-made lake, and solar energy integration.

Statements from Leadership:

• Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), expressed admiration for the progress made across sectors, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in driving Malaysia’s future growth and energy transition agenda.

Impact on Malaysia’s Energy Goals:

• The NEA’s showcased efforts contribute significantly to Malaysia’s environmental goals, reflecting the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The awards underscore the critical role of integrating renewable energy sources and improving grid management as energy demands grow.

Future Outlook:

• The NEA will continue to recognize innovative and sustainable practices in energy management. The 2025 edition of the awards will open for submissions in October, inviting more organizations to demonstrate their contributions to Malaysia’s energy sustainability goals.

The National Energy Awards 2024 highlight Malaysia’s leadership and progress in energy efficiency and sustainability, setting a benchmark for future achievements in the country’s journey toward a greener and more sustainable energy future.

The National Energy Awards (NEA) 2024 once again put Malaysia’s dedication to energy management and sustainability in the spotlight, highlighting remarkable achievements in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The awards, organized by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), showcased the country’s commitment to advancing its energy transition goals and reducing carbon emissions. Here’s an overview of the event’s significance and notable outcomes:

Significance of NEA 2024:

• Recognition of Excellence: The NEA celebrates organizations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional efforts in optimizing energy use, adopting renewable energy technologies, and enhancing overall energy management practices.
• Support for National Goals: The awards align with Malaysia’s broader objectives of reducing reliance on carbon-based fuels and transitioning towards sustainable energy practices. This effort supports the nation’s target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Highlights from the 2024 Awards:

1. Submissions and Impact:
   • Total Submissions: 134 across various sectors, including healthcare, government, and private industries.
   • Energy Savings: Award winners collectively saved 315.37 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually, equating to about RM 45 million in reduced energy bills.
   • Renewable Energy Contributions: Over 283.71 GWh of energy was generated from renewable sources by the award recipients.
   • Carbon Emissions Reduction: Achieved a reduction of 238,504.41 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, comparable to planting approximately 5,962,610 trees.
2. Noteworthy Achievements:
   • Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM): Secured first place in Category 1 for Energy Management in Large Buildings, surpassing its annual energy reduction targets with reductions of 17.8%, 18.5%, and 19.3% over three years.
   • Hydroponic House: Recognized in Category 2 for Green Residential, featuring a central courtyard, natural lighting, and a 6-kW solar PV system that covers over 34% of its electricity needs.
   • PETRONAS Leadership Centre: Celebrated in the Tropical Building sub-category for its extensive greenery, eco-friendly design, and integration of solar energy.

Statements from Leadership:

• Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), praised the progress made by various sectors in advancing Malaysia’s energy transition agenda. He emphasized that the commitment to sustainable practices will be crucial for driving future growth and achieving the nation’s environmental goals.

Looking Ahead:

• Future Submissions: The NEA will continue to recognize and celebrate innovative practices in energy management. The 2025 edition of the awards will open for submissions in October, providing an opportunity for more organizations to contribute to Malaysia’s energy sustainability goals.