PETRA, ST ENHANCE SELCO PROGRAMME GUIDELINES

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) and the Energy Commission (ST) will improve guidelines for the implementation of the Solar for Self-Consumption (SelCo) Programme, introduced in 2017.

In a statement today, the ministry said the improvements, which include allowing solar system installations for electricity users in the agriculture category, will take effect from Jan 1 next year.

“In line with current policies and the government’s commitment to accelerating energy transition efforts, and in response to demands for solar installations on land and water bodies, PETRA has agreed to permit configurations beyond building rooftops.

“PETRA is confident the enhancement to SelCo Programme guidelines will broaden access to green electricity, particularly for corporate and industry users, to meet Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments while supporting the national energy transition goal of achieving a 70 per cent renewable energy capacity in electricity supply by 2050,” the statement read.

At present, the existing Guidelines on the Connection of Solar Photovoltaic Installation for Self-Consumption issued by ST allow electricity users to install solar PV systems for self-use on building rooftops, with a maximum installation capacity of up to 85 per cent of their maximum demand.

Solar system installations have so far been limited to building rooftops in line with the programme’s original aim of optimising rooftop spaces for electricity generation without repurposing new land areas.

Taking into account the need for green electricity among corporate and industrial users to meet ESG commitments, PETRA said the improvement to the SelCo Programme will include the installation of ground-mounted solar systems and floating solar systems on water bodies within user premises.

Under the updated guidelines, the existing 85 per cent installation capacity limit for non-domestic users has been abolished to better support corporations and industries in reducing their carbon footprint while fulfilling ESG commitments.

According to PETRA, the improved guidelines will also introduce a requirement for energy storage systems to ensure the overall stability of the electricity supply system, with programme registration to be managed centrally at ST.

Details and updated guidelines for the SelCo Programme can be accessed on ST's official website at www.st.gov.my.

-- BERNAMA