KUCHING: Pernec Corporation Bhd is expanding its activities into green power generation, cashing in on the ever present source of solar and wind energy, says Managing Director Abdul Karim Abdul Sallam.The information technology flagship company of Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) is traditionally known as a major player in the telecommunications sector.
Abdul Karim disclosed that Pernec had manufactured its first solar energy system to power some of its payphones at the end of last year.
“Now, we are looking into an alternative green energy generation system. We are already into solar energy with some of our payphones, although the number is not that high.
“We now plan to solar-power all our payphones,” he said at the 11th Unit Trust Week 2010 (MSAM 2010) here yesterday.
The group has about 35,000 payphones nationwide under the brand name of ‘Helo’.
As a beginning, the group he said, has identified solar energy and the wind turbine energy system to jumpstart its green energy business.
“We have also identified established global partners, who posses the proven technological know-how, to be shared with local customers,” he explained.
Pernec, he said, will be testing its wind turbine systems at three different places in Kuching, in conjunction with the event.
Trials at various sites in Johor and Sabah have also been conducted with the result being very encouraging.
“We are also holding talks with several government agencies such as Felda and Felcra as well as private organisations like Tenaga Nasional, who have shown a keen interest to participate in this project,” he added.
He said the price of the wind turbine system, which currently ranges from RM20,000 and above, will be subsequently reduced when there are more take-ups.
“This will also make them more affordable to the masses. We are truly optimistic of the huge potential of these alternative energy sources, especially from those in Sabah and Sarawak,” he noted. — Bernama