Perception of Energy Experts on the Adoption of Energy Efficient Technology: A study on Commercial and Industrial Electricity Consumers of Klang Valley, Malaysia

Ir. Dr. THIRUMALAICHELVAM SUBRAMANIAM

Apr 2019 · Notion Press

About this ebook

Barriers to commercial and industrial energy efficiency improvements in Klang Valley, Malaysia are more pronounced due to the existence of factors such as weak policy and regulatory frameworks, economic and financial constraints, lack of information, and other issues. This research utilized a qualitative research methodology using a phenomenology approach aimed at enhancing the knowledge of commercial and industrial energy efficiency in Klang Valley, Malaysia by investigating the barriers associated with the implementation of energy efficiency measure. The eleven main themes and twenty-eight sub-themes identified from the study revealed that energy is poorly managed in the various commercial and industrial sectors and that there is an energy efficiency gap resulting from the low implementation of energy efficiency measures. In addition, the study revealed that the most important factors impeding the implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency technologies in the organizations are principally economic and financial barriers such as lack of budget funding and access to capital. The study also revealed that these economic and financial barriers are linked to the lack of adequate government framework for commercial and industrial energy efficiency. The study also showed that market factors related to cost reductions resulting from lowered energy use and threats of rising energy prices are the most important drivers for adapting energy efficiency technologies. To motivate energy efficiency, there should be established standards, guidelines, roadmaps, regulations, and enforcement of regulation suitable for the local environment, which at present has not been executed completely in Malaysia.

About the author

Ir. Dr. Thirumalaichelvam Subramaniam P.E., REEM has been involved in the Aviation, Manufacturing, Building Services and Hospital industries for the last 40 years. He has extensive experience and knowledge in the field of engineering, energy efficiency and management.


He was instrumental in the management of multi-million-dollar projects that involved in the design and setting up of manufacturing plants and hospitals in Malaysia and abroad for major companies including multinational and public listed companies such as Arab Malaysia Bhd., Bolton Properties Bhd., Columbia Asia, Lion Group, Radicare Sdn. Bhd., and Sime Darby Bhd.

Ir. Dr. Thirumalaichelvam Subramaniam P.E., REEM has extensive education in both the fields of Engineering and Management and holds a Diploma in Engineering Technology (U.K), Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (USA), Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering (Canada) and Master of Business Administration (U.K). He received his Doctor of Management in Energy Efficiency degree from the Swiss Management Centre (SMC) University in October 2018.  He is also a registered professional engineer in both Malaysia and United States of America and the first person to be registered as a Registered Electrical Energy Manager (REEM) in Malaysia

Ir. Dr. Thirumalaichelvam Subramaniam P.E., REEM has been appointed by the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia as a principle interviewer and mentor for potential professional engineers since 2002 and also acts as a technical arbitrator for the Institute since 2007. 

Ir. Dr. Thirumalaichelvam Subramaniam P.E., REEM with his patented innovation  on Chiller Energy Management System was awarded the “Winner–Special Submission Category” in Asean Energy Awards 2009 by the Asean Energy Centre (ACE), the Malaysian Prime Ministers award for “Best Product Innovation” in 2009 and “Winner – Energy Efficient Category” in Global Cleantech Innovation Programme under UNIDO in 2016.