KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, emphasising the need for a robust energy transition strategy.
Speaking to reporters at the Ramadan Iftar PEKEMA event last night (Mar 16) he addressed concerns regarding the national power grid’s capacity to support the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs).
The government, he said, has outlined a strategic plan to enhance power generation and grid stability, with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) serving as a framework for sustainable energy production.
“We aim to uphold three key pillars: energy security, sustainability, and affordability,” he said.
“If energy production is not affordable, it defeats its purpose.”
Malaysia is actively supporting the Asean Power Grid initiative by integrating regional energy networks to prevent shortages, with Malaya already part of an energy-sharing network involving Laos, Thailand, and Singapore.
“Laos currently sells electricity to Singapore via Thailand and Malaysia. If there is an energy shortfall in Peninsular Malaysia, we can purchase electricity from Singapore or Thailand,” Fadillah explained.
In a move towards greater regional cooperation, Petronas, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), and Vietnam Power have signed an agreement to establish an undersea cable link between Malaysia and Vietnam.
To support its transition to renewable energy, Malaysia is also investing in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to counter the intermittent nature of solar power, ensuring grid stability by storing excess energy generated on sunny days for use during periods of reduced output in cloudy weather.
“TNB is upgrading transmission lines, and tenders are being invited for BESS deployment,” Fadillah said.
“This ensures that solar energy is stored and transmitted efficiently, preventing grid disruptions.”
Additionally, the government is accelerating floating solar farm projects in Sarawak and Malaya, alongside a new rooftop solar initiative that allows property owners to lease their rooftops for solar panel installations, further expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity.
