Dr Norasikin Ludin joins us for our third ‘TEA Break’, where we discuss the opportunities arising from next-generation solar, including improved sustainability, and the benefits of attracting and supporting more women in the energy sector. Norasikin is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Solar Energy Research Institute at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
‘TEA Breaks’ is a series where we chat to our experts on the TEA@SUNRISE project about Transforming Energy Access (TEA) and next-generation solar. Join us for 10-15 minutes with a cup of tea (or beverage of your choice) as we discuss the challenges and opportunities of renewable energy transitions.
Transcript:
Georgia Bevan (GB): Hello my name is Georgia and welcome to the third episode of TEA Breaks, where I talk with our TEA@SUNRISE experts about next-generation solar and transforming energy access. Today I’m speaking with Dr Norasikin Ludin who is an Associate Professor at the Solar Energy Research Institute at Universiti Kebangsaan in Malaysia.
Q1: What is your area of expertise?
GB: So hello Norasikin, can you first tell us a bit about yourself and your area of expertise please?
Norasikin Ludin (NL): Ok thank you Georgia. First of all I thank you very much for inviting me today. So just a little bit about my background. I’m currently the deputy director of the Solar Energy Research Institute at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The Solar Energy Research institute or SERI founded in 2005 focuses on advancing solar energy research and innovation where I’ve been actively contributing to both leadership and research development. My research expertise is in renewable energy with a primary focus on solar energy. So this includes the fundamental study of solar cells, from materials to device performance, as well as the broader impact assessment of energy systems covering environmental, economy, and policy aspects.
Q2: What attracted you to working in this area?
GB: So what attracted you to working in this area in the first place?
NL: What initially attracted me to work in renewable energy was my longstanding passion for environmental sustainability, which began during my undergraduate studies in environmental management and biodiversity conservation. So my career in renewable energy started in the year 2000 where I was involved in policy management and biomass power generation. That same year Malaysia introduced the free fuel policy which prioritised renewable energy and which provided a clear national direction and further inspired me to contribute to this field. And my work still remains focused on supporting Malaysia’s renewable energy goal by driving research, innovation, and developing future talent to contribute to the clean energy sector.
Q3: What are the benefits and challenges of next-generation solar technologies?
GB: Well that leads on great for our next question. So at TEA@SUNRISE we are focusing on locally manufactured and next-generation solar technologies rather than the traditional silicon solar panels. What do you think the benefits of focusing on these new technologies are, but also are there any challenges to it?
NL: Over the past 15 years silicon PV manufacturing has transformed global electricity generation. However, most silicon panels were not originally designed with end of life considerations which raises a concern about growing waste and reclaimed materials and environmental impact as demand continues to rise. The second generation, which is thin film PV technologies, offer some advantage, but they rely on critical raw materials that could limit their long term role in the energy transition. So this is where next generation PV technologies like perovskite show a great potential. Since they are still in the early stage of development we have a unique opportunity to design them with circular economy principles in mind, to ensure that they can be fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
Another benefit is the cost and manufacturing advantage. So next-generation solar has a lower production cost due to the simpler manufacturing process and reduced energy use, because if we compare to silicon which needs a higher temperature. So this type of next-generation technology only needs lower temperatures. So it is a potential route to faster production and scaling compared to the traditional silicon PV.
And also another benefit is the enhancement of the performance. Which is that next-generation benefits from properties like it is lighter and more flexible, suitable for niche applications like building integrated PV and aerospace, and also it can perform better in low-light conditions and high temperatures, expanding usability in diverse climate.
And also the local economy impact — this is another benefit which can boost the local industry through manufacturing and RnD growth, and reduce the reliance on imported PV panels and support energy security.
For the challenges I can say that the first one is about the commercial readiness and scalability. So now it’s still in pre-commercialisation phase, with limited lab-scale production and requires further testing to ensure durability and reliability for over 20 years plus lifespan.
Another challenge is about the long term stability and degradation. I think everybody knows about the weakness of next-generation solar, where perovskites are prone to moisture degradation and stability issues.
Another challenge is initial capital investment because we need high up-front costs for research development and facility set up.
While the next generation PV technologies like perovskite present exciting opportunities for a more sustainable and efficient solar energy future, to realise their full potential requires to balance the innovation with practical challenges. So by focusing on local manufacturing Malaysia can not only drive technological leadership but also build a more resilient clean energy economy.
Q4: What are the main challenges to addressing energy access in Malaysia?
GB: So another part of TEA@SUNRISE is that we want to use these technologies to transform energy access in countries in Africa, Asia, and the Indo-Pacific. What do you think are going to be the main challenges to addressing energy access in Malaysia?
NL: One of the challenges is energy infrastructure gaps. So we still have the infrastructure gap where a major challenge is to reach the remote and rural areas. Particularly in another part of the peninsula, because currently I’m in the peninsula part, and we have another part which we call Borneo. We have two states there, Sabah and Sarawak, where access is still limited. So our current centralised system makes it difficult to extend reliable electricity to this region so innovative solutions like an off-grid solar system or micro-grid powered by the next generation PV could be a game changer. But they need proper investment and infrastructure support.
And another challenge is about the policy and regulatory barriers. So Malaysia has made progress with renewable energy transition roadmap policies specifically supporting next-generation technologies like perovskite, but it still remains limited. So the approval process for renewable energy project can also be I can say, slow and complex, which can discourage new market players. Clear guidelines and dedicated incentives are expected to accelerate this adoption.
Another challenge is about public awareness and acceptance. So there is still limited public understanding of newer solar technologies and how they differ from traditional silicon PV panels. Engaging with communities through awareness campaigns and pilot projects can build trust and demonstrate the benefit of clean and reliable solar energy.
So finally ensuring that clean energy is accessible and affordable for all communities is essential. While we can say that next-generation solar technologies are advancing rapidly but we must ensure that they don’t become cost prohibitive for marginalised groups. To overcome this challenge Malaysia needs a collaborative approach like stronger policies, investment in local RnD, and public-private partnerships. So we assume that by focusing on the next-generation PV technologies we have the chance to create a more inclusive sustainable energy future while positioning Malaysia as a regional leader in clean energy innovation.
GB: Wow yeah that’s quite exciting, there’s lots of challenges but lots of good opportunities there as well.
Q5: Why is it important to attract and support more women in the energy sector, especially in leadership roles?
GB: So you’ve been involved in a women energy leaders programme which is aiming to increase women’s leadership in clean energy sector in South East Asia and the Pacific. So why do you think it’s important to attract and support more women in the energy sector, especially in leadership roles, and what broader impact could this have on the industry and society?
NL: Attracting and supporting more women in leadership roles in the energy sector is crucial currently for several reasons. Many of which I have seen first-hand in my own career and mentoring experience across South East Asia.
One is we can say that diverse perspectives drive innovation. I have observed how diverse teams often bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to complex challenges. Women’s unique perspectives actually can significantly shape more inclusive and effective energy strategies, especially when tackling sustainability and circular economy issues.
And another thing is about closing the talent gap. So the global energy transition needs skilled talent and we simply can’t afford to overlook half of the population. Encouraging women into leadership roles helps breach the talent gaps and ensure we have the right expertise for a sustainable energy future.
Previous studies have shown that gender diverse teams often perform better both financially and in meeting sustainability goals. So supporting women in leadership doesn’t just make business sense but it also creates more inclusive policies and solutions that consider the needs of all communities, driving social and economic benefit.
So empowering women in leadership positions transforms not just companies but entire industries. It can foster a culture of collaboration, equity, and fairness. In my own leadership role I have seen how the inclusion of women has led to more holistic and impactful energy policies which are vital for achieving long term success and resilience. So by increasing the numbers of women in leadership we are not just strengthening the energy sector but we’re also fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone, especially for the next generation.
GB: Amazing, there’s no reason not to include women. There’s loads of benefits.
Q6: What are the most impactful strategies or programmes that can help attract more women to the energy sector?
GB: In your experience, what are the most impactful strategies or programs that can help attract more women to the energy sector and ensure they receive the mentorship and support they need to thrive in leadership roles?
NL: Well I can say the key initiative that I have seen work well both in my own career and in the programmes I have been involved in is for example mentorship and networking opportunities. A strong mentorship programme is one of the most available tools for supporting women in energy. I have personally mentored a group of women in South East Asia helping them navigate challenges and build the confidence they need to take on leadership roles.
And also it needs early engagement and education. So introducing girls and young women to energy related careers from an early stage can ignite their interest. In my experience university collaborations with industry leaders have proven effective programmes that provide internships, scholarships, and early exposure to energy technologies to give women the foundational knowledge and experience needed to strive in this sector.
Another strategy for women, because women actually need a flexible work environment, is creating a supportive workplace culture which is crucial to retain women in energy. So this includes implementing flexible work options, family friendly policies, and promoting gender equity at all organisational levels.
Also role model visibility, showcasing women who have reached leadership positions, is vital. I can say that this is a privilege to see the impact of sharing stories of successful women in energy, both in public forums and private discussion.
And also gender equality in organisational practice. So we need a policy that supports gender equality, in hiring, promotion, and pay, are fundamental. So I believe that organisations must consciously prioritise gender equality, making sure that women have equal opportunities to lead. Programmes focused on unconscious bias training and creating inclusive work environments are something essential to foster diverse leadership teams in energy.
Lastly I can say continuous learning and professional development, since I am an educator. So to ensure that women have access to ongoing professional development is essential to keep them at the forefront of the sector. Throughout my mentorship experience and leadership role I have witnessed how this programme can empower women, helping them not only enter the energy field but also become effective and influential leaders. So it is a journey that requires commitment but the impact on industry and society will be immense.
Q7: Why is it important that we work collaboratively on next-generation solar?
GB: So my next question is why is it important that we work collaboratively on next-generation solar?
NL: The complexity of next generation solar requires a multidisciplinary approach so by collaborating with universities, industry partners, and research institutions we can pull resources, knowledge, and technology. So this is especially important in the context of developing cost effective manufacturing process for advanced solar technologies. For example my work with organisations or industry, like one of the local companies focusing on end of life management of solar panels, highlights how such collaboration can address not just technological challenges but also environmental and sustainability issues.
Another thing is about addressing global energy needs. So the energy transition is a global challenge, and no single country or organisation can solve it alone so we need international collaboration to ensure that knowledge and best practice are shared across borders, helping to accelerate the global adoption of the next-generation solar technologies.
So this is particularly important as we look at the global energy needs and the role that emerging solar technologies will play in providing affordable and clean energy worldwide.
So in conclusion we can say that the power of collaboration cannot be overstated when it comes to advancing next generation solar technologies.
GB: Yeah definitely, it’s too big of a challenge for one person or group isn’t it.
Q8: What do you hope to see achieved through TEA@SUNRISE?
GB: So then final question is what do you hope to see achieved through TEA@SUNRISE?
NL: So in my view one of the most impactful outcomes of advancing next-generation solar is its potential to provide affordable and reliable energy to underserved communities, and through this project I hope we can make a tangible impact in region with limited energy access, especially in south east asia, by developing, scalable, low cost solar solutions that can improve living standards and empower local communities.
I can say that through TEA@SUNRISE I hope to see significant strides in advancing the commercialisation of next-generation solar technologies, promoting sustainable and circular energy practices, driving energy access, and fostering a more inclusive and diverse leadership in the energy sector. I’m excited to contribute to this goal, growing from my experience in both research and industry collaboration. And I believe we can achieve a great thing by working together.
GB: Brilliant, thank you Norasikin, and thank you so much for speaking with me today, I really enjoyed it.