Introduction
Advanced Lightning, Power and Energy Research (ALPER) was previously under two different RCoE; Centre for Electromagnetic and Lightning Protection (CELP) and Centre for Advanced Power and Energy (CAPER). The merging of the two RCoE was approved by Senate on September 18th, 2018 in order to improve the visibility and the strength of the research for both RCoE. ALPER’s researches are focused into two; i) lightning protection and high voltage, and ii) power and renewable energy where the two were previously under CELP and CAPER respectively.
CELP was dedicated to the research and promotion of the scientifically proven engineering and physics of lightning safety and protection. During the early establishment of CELP, its main objective was to enhance the knowledge of lightning safety and protection in the South Asian and developing countries. It was established with the efforts of scientists from the USA, Colombia, Mexico, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh and UAE. With the invaluable support and effort extended by the well-known scholars and scientists, who lined up as the Advisory Committee Members, the CELP is now blossoming as one of the leading institutions in the world in promoting the scientifically proven methodologies and techniques in Research, Education and Applications of Lightning and related subjects.
CAPER was established in 2012 to develop and be forefront in research on power system so that the existing and soon to be developed electrical power system in Malaysia will operate optimally and economically (no waste). The existence of CAPER will be a reference point in solving power system problems for other institutions of higher learning as well as testing and collaboration centre for utility (TNB) and related industries. In essence, it will be a one-stop centre for electric power system problems. Currently, the electrical power system is required to operate in critical stability limit caused by electrical power deregulation. With the increment of power demand and anxiety of fossil fuel usage in conventional generating plant, the new paradigm of electrical power generation commercially and technically in the whole world becomes more important. Thus, a continuous and detailed study should be conducted to ensure the electricity supply is available and in a safe condition. This research centre is capable of generating intellectual property in the field of power electrical engineering field and continuous income generation through short-term courses that will be offered, offering continuous development programme in the efficient management of electrical energy along with The Energy Commission, in consultation activities and equipment leasing.