The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has recently released a report titled “Energy Transition Outlook: Malaysia”. The report analyses Malaysia’s energy system and provides insights into the country’s potential to transition to a low-carbon and sustainable energy system.
Malaysia is among the most highly developed states of the Southeast Asia region and a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). By 2050, the primary energy supply in Malaysia is expected to increase by 60% over that of 2018, while the country’s population is projected to rise to more than 40 million people.
According to the report, Malaysia has made significant progress in developing its renewable energy sector in recent years, but there is still a long way to go in order to achieve the country’s clean energy targets. The report highlights that Malaysia has set a target of achieving 20% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2025, and 31% by 2025. However, as of 2021, only 4% of Malaysia’s electricity came from renewable sources.
The report suggests that Malaysia has the potential to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity, with solar and wind energy being the most promising sources. The report estimates that Malaysia could reach a renewable energy capacity of 33.4 GW by 2030, which is equivalent to 54% of the country’s total electricity capacity.
In addition to expanding its renewable energy capacity, the report also suggests that Malaysia needs to focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. The report notes that Malaysia is heavily dependent on natural gas for electricity generation, which makes up around 43% of the country’s electricity mix. The report suggests that Malaysia should explore options to reduce its dependence on natural gas and transition to more sustainable energy sources.
The report also highlights the potential benefits of transitioning to a low-carbon and sustainable energy system, including improved energy security, job creation, and reduced carbon emissions. The report suggests that Malaysia could create up to 200,000 new jobs in the renewable energy sector by 2030, while also reducing its carbon emissions by up to 53 million tons per year.
Overall, the Energy Transition Outlook report by IRENA provides valuable insights into Malaysia’s potential to transition to a low-carbon and sustainable energy system. The report highlights the need for Malaysia to increase its renewable energy capacity, improve energy efficiency, and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels in order to achieve its clean energy targets and reap the benefits of a sustainable energy system.
 has released its Energy Transition Outlook report, stating that Malaysia is in a good position to achieve its clean energy targets with the right policies and investment. The report highlights the potential for growth in solar, wind, and hydro power, as well as the importance of developing energy storage and electrifying transportation.){kind=link}