Renewable energy way forward
Kota Kinabalu: Developing renewable energy or alternative energy sources is the way forward towards meeting future energy needs, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman.
“The State Government believes the practice of conserving energy through sustainable and efficient consumption of electricity should be carried out for the survival of the next generation,” he said.
He said the National Green Technology launched in 2009 has four pillars – energy, environment, economy and social.
“For the energy sector, the key challenge is to increase renewable energy resources and efficiently use energy.
“The challenge is the extinction of energy sources such as gas and coal, thus the management of energy resources must be diversified taking into account renewable energy sources in our country’s electricity generation systems,” he said.
Musa, who was represented by Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Infrastructure Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, said this when officiating the two-day Sustainable Energy Convention, here, Thursday.
He further said the people should also be educated and given awareness on how important energy efficiency and optimum use is because it saves the environment and saves cost.
“This is the best way to reduce the production of carbon dioxide as well as save on the volume of its use.
“Environmental sustainability needs to be taken seriously in the interest of all. Energy generation is one of the biggest contributors to climate change through the fossil burning process.
“Additionally, the upgrading and lifestyle of the community also witness the increase in energy needs, especially electricity and other fossil fuels, thus the people are advised to adopt more environmentally friendly lives in order to preserve the environment,” he said.
Musa also applauded Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) for organising the convention which he described as timely as it promotes sustainable use of energy to improve the quality of life of the people.
He also urged SESB to improve the electricity supply system to drive development in the State.
In this regard, he hoped cooperation between SESB and other interested parties would find a holistic approach to develop renewal energy to reduce the impact of fossil fuel in future.
Meanwhile, Pairin told a media conference the convention will discuss about energy and what can be done to make sure energy is sustainable.
“This should be what we are here for to ensure that we come up with more sustainable energy and less use of fossils from the ground that has been used since long ago to generate energy.
“We are always reminded so that our country also takes part in programmes to reduce carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.
“I think what we are emphasising here is to come up with more energy produced from natural creation, from the sun, rivers, water which has no pollution but can produce sustainable energy.
“If we can do this, it is very important, now we are thinking of…we are already producing electrical mobile vehicles, we are also working on producing power from water…all this is for future needs of the world, humans, life and ensure our environment can be sustained for the future,” he said.
Also present were Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, and State Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Radin Malleh, among others. – Sherell Jeffrey
Source: Daily Express
