Malaysia needs to gain ground in green technology

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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia needs more exposure in the field of green technology transfer, human resource and capacity building in order to become a regional leader, according to the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC).Its general manager Thomas Brandt said local companies could source knowledge and expertise by collaborating with leading manufacturers, suppliers, institutions and associations in Europe.

“Germany as the leading country in energy policies and unequalled introduction of renewable energies (REs), can provide practical examples of what can be done,” he said at briefing here yesterday.

Brandt said the sector has proven to be the only one experiencing, tremendous growth over the past decade and despite the economic climate.

“Therefore, we believe it has plenty to offer Malaysia, a country with an abundance of sunshine to generate energy security and become the new economic sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, Brandt pointed out that RE in Germany rose from 6.3 per cent in 2000 to over 16 per cent in 2009.

He said job opportunities in the sector in Germany had grown from 30,000 employees in 1998 to 300,000 in 2010, and expected to grow by 500,000 by 2020.

“The share of RE in Europe is due to rise by 20 per cent by 2020. The European Union (EU) policies are now focused on developing and strengthening the importance of photovoltaic as solar thermal usage,” he explained.

Brandt said solar thermal energy would cover an estimated 12 per cent of the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation projects.

He said almost 40 per cent of the total energy is used in buildings and therefore, the conversion of solar energy into heat, is a major factor.

The solar heating is usable then for both water and space heating, as well as cooling, with latest transmission technologies.

“There are a lot of things that can be learnt,” he added.

In another development, the MGCC is planning to bring between 20-25 local companies to Germany from June 8-16, to gain the latest insights on European and worldwide policies on green policies.

The programme also allows Malaysian entrepreneurs to gather the latest technologies, products and services at the Intersolar Europe 2010 exhibition, the meeting point for the international solar industry, showcasing 1,800 exhibitors.

The delegation will also visit the Solar Town in Freiburg and the Photovoltaic-Solar Research Institute. — Bernama