With the recent generation of over 200MW of electricity at the Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Plant, as a result of the recent heavy rainfall, it is high time that we had a national discourse on pivoting to renewable energy -- and given the ongoing fuel and energy crisis, it is imperative that we don’t dally on this.
Exactly a year ago, the State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid expressed that various initiatives were being taken to increase the stake of renewable energy sources in our country, and yet very little development has occurred since then.
As a nation that is prone to witnessing heavy rainfall throughout most of the year, it makes sense for us to invest in technologies such as hydroelectricity and even solar power to a degree, especially in the context of the ongoing energy crisis. While the government has taken necessary measures to cushion the blow, it goes without saying that the current solutions are far from sustainable.
Which is why we need to start discussing the adoption of renewable energy in a more pertinent manner.
Green energy is the sustainable way forward, and can be a more reliable choice for the overall well-being of our people and the environment. And as a nation that is fighting at the frontlines in the battle against climate change, it is indeed incumbent on us to start considering sustainability in all major facets of how our country is run -- energy is perhaps the most important, in that regard.
Renewable energy is the future, but we need to start accepting it in the present.