KPJ Healthcare Berhad (KPJ Healthcare), Malaysia’s largest private healthcare provider, chartered a new milestone by entering into a collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and its subsidiary GSPARX Sdn. Bhd. (GSPARX), to champion the adoption of solar power. This strategic move, solidified in a 20-year Supply Agreement with Renewable Energy (SARE), signifies KPJ Healthcare’s resolve to promote renewable energy and reduce its carbon footprint.
The agreement marks the commencement of a phased approach, starting with the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at five distinguished KPJ Specialist Hospitals namely KPJ Bandar Dato’ Onn, KPJ Johor, KPJ Kluang, KPJ Seremban and KPJ Rawang. This proactive initiative aligns with the growing necessity for environmentally sustainable energy solutions in the healthcare sector.
Also present during the signing ceremony today were Datuk Ir. Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan and Kamal Arifin A. Rahman, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Retail Officer of Tenaga National Berhad respectively, alongside Elmie Fairul Mashuri, Managing Director of GSPARX.
Chin Keat Chyuan, President and Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare, shared insights on the venture, stating, “KPJ Healthcare is at the forefront of fostering a sustainable future in Malaysia. Our strategic embrace of solar energy is a significant step towards cleaner energy use and lessening our environmental impact. The first phase will see the installation of rooftop solar PV systems in five KPJ Specialist Hospitals, and we are planning an expansive roll-out to our other remaining KPJ Specialist Hospitals, by the third quarter of 2024.”
“As a 24/7 operational entity, hospitals naturally have high energy demands. Our move towards renewable energy is a conscious effort to diminish our carbon footprint and bolster our sustainability pledge. We are targeting to procure 10% of our energy consumption from renewable sources and reducing 25% greenhouse gas emission by 2025. This shift to solar energy, which requires no initial investment, is projected to cut our electricity costs. These savings will be channeled back into improving patient care and enhancing service quality,” added Chin.
Meanwhile, TNB’s commitment to offering solar energy solutions as a viable electrical power alternative is seamlessly integrated into its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-centered Energy Transition initiative. Through strategic partnerships, such as the ongoing collaboration with KPJ and other organisations, TNB not only aligns with the National Energy Transition (NETR) projects but also underscores its unwavering dedication to reshaping Malaysia’s energy sector. This initiative actively promotes the development of Renewable Energy (RE) and plays a pivotal role in fostering a greener, more sustainable future for the nation.
This initiative is also part of KPJ Healthcare’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning with Malaysia’s vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The Group is already laying the groundwork for future-proof infrastructure by installing EV charging stations at 10 KPJ Specialist Hospitals, set to be operational for public use by Q4 2023, in support of Malaysia’s growing EV ecosystem. This is in addition to other sustainable practices in the medical landscape already undertaken by the Group including introducing Malaysia’s first clinical waste segregation programme with the support from the Department of Environment Malaysia to turn waste into worth, as well as KPJ Healthcare’s Water Harvesting Initiative to support its hospital’s daily operations.
Through these initiatives, KPJ Healthcare is not only leading by example in the healthcare industry but also contributing to a more sustainable future for all Malaysians.
