The government, via the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA), has identified the technologies to reduce carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said one of the technologies identified was Clean Coal Technology being used in all coal-based power plants in the country.
“I am told that new coal-based power plants under construction will use more sophisticated technology that comply with standards namely Ultra Supercritical Clean Coal Technology,” he said in his keynote address at KeTTHA Excellence Awards 2014 here, Saturday night.
Text of the keynote address was delivered by Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili.
Kumpulan Melaka Berhad won the Energy Excellence Award, Harta Maintenance Sdn Bhd won the Green Technology Excellence Award while Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad won the Water Excellence Award. Muhyiddin said the energy sector was facing new challenges, including finding mechanism to develop a more sustainable and eco friendly power generation.
The use of coal as a source of main fuel for generating electricity in Malaysia which was expected to increase from 42 per cent to 58 per cent by 2020.
However, the over dependence on coal could affect Malaysia’s commitment to reduce 40 percent carbon intensity by 2020.
“The challenge faced by developing countries is balancing between the cost of electricity and conservation of the environment.”
The government was studying eco friendly technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) and nuclear energy.
He said KeTTHA was also finalising guidelines on energy efficiency (EE) via the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP).
“This plan will, among other things, facilitate and spur the development of EE to a higher level.”
The government was committed to ensure that green technology industry continues to grow by giving tax exemptions and loans to industry players.
They include Goods and Services Tax (GST) exemption on green products with MyHIJAU recognition, cost to obtain certification of green products and services and soft loan for solar PV via Green Technology Financing Scheme(GTFS).
The government was also considering to give Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) and Income Tax Exemption (ITE) to promote the use and production of products and green services among small and medium industries (SMI).
