Photovoltaics can generate RM70b, 50,000 jobs

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia can potentially generate RM70 billion and 50,000 job opportunities from the photovoltaics (PV) industry by 2020.
Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah said solar cell conductive coating materials contributed significantly to the thin-film technology industry in the country.
"Currently, Malaysia is the world's third largest PV manufacturers after China and the European Union," he said during the question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat here today.
He was responding to Dr Rosli Che Mat (PAS-Hulu Langat) on the current development of thin-film technology and its significant contribution to the industry.
Abu Bakar said there were eight PV production companies in the country, namely, First Solar and Panasonic Energy Malaysia in Kulim Hi-Tech Park; JA Solar, Jinko Solar and TS Solartech in Penang; SunEdison in Ipoh; SunPower in Malacca; and Q-Cells Malaysia in Cyberjaya.
He said the ministry had always supported and encouraged local industries to explore and adopt advanced technologies such as thin film technology.
"Various initiatives were undertaken directly by the ministry's agency or through research and development fund support such as grants for pre-commercialisation and financial assistance to get the existing related technologies," he said. — Bernama