Two tech firms will help to incentivize this through advanced analytics, machine learning and automated predictive maintenance and operation.
Malaysia will soon tap on AI and IoT to get one step closer to her national goal of increasing the share of renewables to 20% of the country’s energy mix by 2025.
This can be achieved by using cloud-based advanced analytics applications for the solar industry. The first step is to deploy advanced analytics and remote monitoring applications to manage 200 megawatt (MW) of solar assets. These applications will be utilized in engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) projects that are currently in the pipeline.
In line with the Government of Malaysia’s National Policy on Industry 4.0, aimed at positioning the country as a primary destination for investment in the high technology sector, two tech corporations will collaborate to popularize renewable energy use in Malaysia.
A solar photovoltaic (“PV”) solutions specialist Solarvest Holdings Berhad (Solarvest), and green tech and Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) firm Envision Digital International (Envision), will partner to enhance renewable energy productivity and contribute to the national objectives.
Tapping on the Sun, IoT and AI
According to Davis Chong Chun Shiong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Solarvest: “Our partnership with Envision will bring best-in-class technologies for renewable energy management to Malaysia, in line with our business vision of creating a world where clean energy is easily accessible to many, and our ambition to remain at the forefront of the sector’s digital transformation movement. It represents a game-changer for us, as we reinvent our business approach to stay ahead of competition, ensure business sustainability, and attract more investors and consumers into the solar revolution.”
Envision owns an AIoT operating system that currently connects and manages more than 63 million smart devices and 180 gigawatts (GW) of energy assets globally. Driven by machine learning, this proprietary technology facilitates monitoring, advanced analytics, forecasting, and applications that provide insights to help organizations improve management of their energy assets’ performance.
With machine learning, advanced analytics and remote operational monitoring capabilities powered by EnOS, the partnership can make more informed and strategic decisions throughout its EPCC and operations and maintenance processes. This includes visualizing power generation conditions, proactively detecting and diagnosing emerging system underperformance or component health issues from raw data, and receiving automated recommendations for pre-emptive or corrective actions.
Maximizing photovoltaic ROI
By suggesting methods that increase solar power generation by up to 15%, EnOS optimizes energy productivity and efficiency while maintaining the long-term health of photovoltaic assets, thereby maximizing a solar plant’s return on investment.
“The integration of ‘edge-to-cloud’ IoT applications will improve operational efficiencies in Malaysia by rapidly analyzing large volumes of data across various assets on a network. This automated process will eliminate potential human errors, reduce the amount of time and labour required, leading to improved cost savings. These benefits would significantly enhance our value proposition to existing and potential customers,” added Mr. Chong.
According to Sylvie Ouziel, International President, Envision: “We are convinced that ‘green’ can fuel a new economic growth wave. Access to affordable renewable energy for the masses is foundational in this new growth. The AI and IoT technology solutions that Solarvest will take to the Malaysian market are essential to improve the productivity of renewable energy assets and thus speed up their deployment and adoption.”
The solar digital analytics market is expected to reach RM400 million by 2025. The group believes that the partnership will accelerate local market penetration and provide proper end-to-end solutions that meet Malaysia’s market expectations. “Together with Solarvest’s expertise in engineering, delivering and managing digital solutions, we strive to facilitate wider adoption of AI and IoT in the sector and accelerate the popularization of renewable energy—all of which will contribute to building a more sustainable future for people and businesses,” said Ouziel.
