Kedah wants more green tech investments - Mukhriz

PENDANG, Feb 11 (Bernama) --  Kedah is inviting investors to develop more green technology-based projects in the state, especially those relating to solar power.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said this would not only create more jobs, but also open up new business opportunities with regard to the handling, maintenance and installation of solar panels at commercial and residential premises.

"The state government is also evaluating the entry of several new solar projects, and I am aware that solar projects are now becoming increasingly popular not only in our country, but also abroad and I hope more Kedahans will take the opportunity to get involved,” he told reporters after opening the 50-Megawatt Quantum Solar Park Malaysia here, today.

Quantum Solar Park's chief executive officer Azman Zainuddin was also present.

Meanwhile, Mukhriz said the construction of the solar plant in Pendang district had indirectly made Kedah one of the leaders in the country's solar industry and would help strengthen the state government's 'green' efforts.

"This project is also among the initiatives to support the objectives of the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change (MESTECC) in increasing the use of renewable energy in Malaysia.

"The state government will continue to support the growth of green technology as a new development model in enhancing the sustainability and resilience of the country, especially in achieving the target of generating 20 per cent of the country’s electricity through renewable energy by 2025, and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions under the 2015 Paris Agreement," he said.

The 50-megawatt solar power station which began operations December last year is the largest in the north of the country, and capable of generating electricity for 30,000 households, while reducing carbon emissions by 21,000 tonnes annually.

-- BERNAMA