LEADING UK technological and business university, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) through its School of Engineering and Physical Sciences hosted a virtual net zero energy industry forum on March 24, aimed at addressing the challenges and changes required, technological readiness, role of key stakeholders including regulators and industry players, key green initiatives and policies and carbon offsetting projects as well as future energy systems.
Themed ‘Towards Net-Zero’, the forum was made possible in collaboration with Student Chapters of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM); The Institution of Chemical Engineers, Malaysia (IChemE); Energy Institute Malaysia (EI Malaysia); and Institution of Engineering and Technology Malaysia (IET).
The forum was in line with the Government’s plan to release details of its 2050 net-zero emissions target this year, which includes voluntary carbon market, carbon pricing mechanism, green technology tax, incentives and carbon trading.
Discussion between the panelists ranging from experts in various stages of the energy industrys raised interesting points about the Net Zero Carbon Readiness and provided key insights on green policies, affordability, infrastructure and technology and talent in Malaysia.
These are important factors to take into consideration in order to reach the country’s net zero carbon target.
Panel members also highlighted that Malaysia is fuelled by an energy-centric economy which will require more Government intervention including a clear regulatory framework, industrial incentives to spur green initiatives such as exploring renewable energy and to garner the net zero carbon participation from Malaysian companies.
In addition, they also shared on the importance of businesses to incorporate costs for sustainable green measures to reduce carbon emission towards a more sustainable business model amidst the global energy transition.
“Getting to net zero is not a race, it’s about empowering smart people and the nations, wherever they may be, to take ambitious steps beyond the status quo and to demonstrate to others how to do so.
“Sitting back and making excuses about why things can’t be done is no longer an option,” said Energy Institute managing director (APAC) and Storegga vice president (APAC) Peter Godfrey.
HWUM’s Associate Professor of School of Engineering and Physical Sciences Dr. Adlansyah Abd Rahman also shared on the importance of nurturing a skilled talent pipeline that will be able to innovate and utilise new greenhouse gas (GHG) reducing and removal technologies.
He also stressed on the importance of positive education to help nurture holistic talent that will be able to impact communities and remain resilient in a highly complex world. – March 30, 2022
