Sultan Mizan Officiates CEFORE To Boost Sustainable Energy Industry

KUALA NERUS, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, today graced the launch of the Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (CEFORE) at Tok Jembal Beach here, a collaboration between Petronas and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).

Also in attendance were the Sultanah of Terengganu Sultanah Nur Zahirah, who is also UMT Chancellor; the Yang di-Pertuan Muda of Terengganu Tengku Muhammad Ismail; Tengku Sri Setia Mahkota Raja Tengku Datuk Seri Muhammad Mu’az; Tengku Puteri Utama Raja Tengku Datuk Seri Nadhirah Zahrah; and Tengku Puteri Daulath Raja Tengku Datuk Seri Fatimatuz Zahra.

Accompanying the royal family were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Petronas Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh, and UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim.

Speaking to reporters, Mohd Zamri said more than 100 fishermen in Tok Jembal and Kubang Badak have benefitted from CEFORE, the country’s first integrated energy model, which combines wind, solar, and wave energy to generate electricity.

“All the energy generated is channelled into a 1.3 megawatt-hour storage system, enough to power about 100 homes,” he said.

Mohd Zamri said since it began operations in June, CEFORE has supplied electricity to an ice-making machine with a capacity of 800 to 1,000 kg per day, enabling fishermen to store their catch.

He said the project, which began in 2023, reflects the success of the UMT-Petronas partnership in implementing an initiative that delivers direct benefits to the local community.

He added that CEFORE also creates academic opportunities, with UMT set to welcome its first intake of 40 students for the Bachelor of Renewable Energy Technology programme next month.

“The university hopes CEFORE will expand within the next year or two to benefit more communities, including those in the offshore industry,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Bakke said the centre’s operations reflect Petronas’ commitment to sustainable development and the nation’s long-term sustainability.

“This visionary project serves as both a proof of concept for hybrid renewable energy and a research hub. It marks a significant step towards the nation’s energy future, underscoring Malaysia’s and Terengganu’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

“By harnessing Terengganu’s abundant resources, we are developing one of the region’s continuous offshore renewable energy solutions, showcasing Malaysia’s capability to deliver high-impact innovations,” he added.

-- BERNAMA