KUALA LUMPUR: Malakoff Corp Bhd has partnered with Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd (Senai Airport) to  develop and operate a solar energy system at Senai Airport in Johor. 

The company's subsidiary, Malakoff Radiance Sdn Bhd inked a solar power purchase agreement (SPPA) with Senai Airport for the project.

Malakoff Radiance will install a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility under the build, own and operate (BOO) model at Senai Airport for 15 years. 

With a generating capacity of 0.615 megawatt (MW) and total electricity generation of 800 (MW) per annum, the built-in solar panels are expected to contribute towards a carbon reduction of 555.2 tCO2e per year, which is equivalent to a carbon sequestration of 14,236 trees.

Malakoff managing director and chief executive officer Anwar Syahrin said the company was optimistic about the partnership as it would further accelerate its renewable energy (RE) growth and serve as a catalyst in driving the green energy transformation in the country. 

Anwar said the collaboration was also a continuation of Malakoff's efforts to be the partner-of-choice for clients embarking on their sustainability journey to achieve their corporate green goals.

"Strategically located in one of the country's flagship development zones – Iskandar Malaysia, Senai Airport ranks as one of the busiest and fastest growing airports in Malaysia while serving as an aviation gateway to the Southern region. 

"With a multitude of traffic and growing energy consumption, the installation and operation of solar PV will further boost Senai Airport's transition to green energy, thus saving electricity consumption and lowering carbon emissions," he said.

Senai Airport chief executive officer Kennedy Ayu said it recognised that the aviation industry had a significant role to play in reducing its carbon impact on the environment.

Kennedy said the interest of air safety and to conscientiously not disrupt the air traffic control sight, a detailed glare analysis has identified two rooftop locations – the terminal building and open carpark. 

"Additionally, we hope that this initiative will foster other energy-saving efforts among our stakeholders in the future," he said.