UPSI, Lithuania Enter Into Joint Venture To Implement Solar PV Project

TANJUNG MALIM (Perak, Malaysia), Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) created another success story when it was chosen by the Lithuanian government to implement a Solar Photovoltaics (PV) technology project which will encourage research through technology transfer. Perak state Chief Minister Dr Zambry Abd Kadir Tuesday officiated the launch of the US$225,941 (RM1 million) technology project which saw the solar cells being attached to the roof of UPSI Faculty of Science and Mathematics. Zambry said the project was the result of his visit to Lithuania several years ago, during which efforts on technology transfer to Southeast Asia were discussed. "We took this opportunity to work with the BOD Group from Lithuania in sharing our experiences and it was a good start to form this joint-venture and strategic partnership which will benefit both parties," he told reporters. Also present at the launch was Managing Director of the BOD Group Rimgaudas Kalvaitis, UPSI vice-chancellor Prof Dr Zakaria Kasa and President of the Lithuania-Malaysia Business Council Paulius Kuncinas. Commenting further, Zambry said the solar technology project which Lithuania developed was cheap compared to that of other countries which were not suitable for Malaysia. He said UPSI was selected for the location of the project as the university had many researchers and expertise who could assist with it. He added UPSI's involvement in the project would have an impact on the relations between Perak and Lithuania while boosting Perak as a tourist destination. Meanwhile, Kalvaitis said the RM1 million project was jointly funded by the Ministry of Environment of Lithuania at 70 percent and BOD Group 30 percent. "This project will run for 12 months starting today (Tuesday) and this new solar technology which uses glass technology by BOD ideally suits the hot and humid climate in Malaysia and the region. "More importantly, students will be able to monitor and evaluate how this clean renewable technology is helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions," he said, adding that the project would also help raise awareness on climate change, which is a major global threat today. -- BERNAMA