Over 30 participants comprising secondary and tertiary students, teachers and officials participated in the first Solar Energy Tour organised as part of the Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE) 2021 Energy Theme Week yesterday.
The tour, organised by the Ministry of Energy (ME) and supported by Mitsubishi Corporation Brunei, Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd (BSP) and Green Brunei themed ‘Energy Transition: Towards a Sustainable Future’ was aimed at raising awareness and understanding of renewable energy technologies in the country.
Legislative Council member and Green Brunei co-founder Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari led the contingent.
The group’s first stop was Brunei’s first solar plant Tenaga Suria Brunei (TSB). Mitsubishi Corporation Country Representative Tadashi Hara, who welcomed the contingent, highlighted the collaboration by Mitsubishi Corporation and agencies to promote renewable energy.
As an on-grid 1.2-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant commissioned in 2010, TSB represents a joint project between the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan to lay the foundation for powering the nation with solar energy.
The solar power generated from the TSB plant is equivalent to an annual electricity consumption of 200 households. The plant contributes about 0.14 per cent of the country’s total power generation capacity, and is operated and maintained by the Department of Electrical Services, ME.
Officer Azri bin Haji Isa briefed the group on the plant’s operations and maintenance.
The group also took a tour of the plant and took a closer look at a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle by Mitsubishi Corporation.
The contingent then joined an interactive sharing session with GO GREEN advocate Wu Chun.
The group also visited the Seria Energy Lab featuring interactive exhibitions ranging from local marine life in their Aqualab and renewable energy showcase.
The contingent toured the exterior perimeter of BSP Flagship 3.3 Megawatt Solar Photovoltaic Plant in Seria which was officiated by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, in April. The plant comprises some 7,000 solar panels to power 600 homes and offset the energy used at BSP Head Office.
Credits : Borneo Bulletin