KEMAMAN: Terengganu is prepared to explore more opportunities for renewable energy, says its Mentri Besar.

Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the use of renewable energy, such as solar and wind, not only improves the understanding and appreciation for greener energy generation, but could potentially lead to further technological developments and improvements.

“The more it is used, the better the understanding for green technology and this could lead to more locals being involved in the field,” he said on the sidelines of the launch of Eastern Pacific Industrial Corp Bhd's (Epic) large scale solar photovoltaic plant here Monday.

Dr Ahmad Samsuri said the state has also received new proposals for renewable energy projects from various companies, including international players.

“We will consider these proposals to find those that could be good investments for the state,” he said.

Epic's 70-acre solar project, which costs RM86mil, can generate 18.5MW of electric energy to the power grid.

The solar plant is said to be the largest in the country.

Last year, Epic signed a 21-year contract with Tenaga Nasional Bhd to generate solar energy to the grid.

The company is expected to make about RM273mil out of its solar project during that period.

The plant started operating on March 23.