Malaysia’s transition to low-carbon energy goals presents a dual challenge: delivering value today while simultaneously building the ecosystem that will enable achieving Malaysia’s ambition of 70% renewable energy by 2050. While Malaysia has exhibited a consistent capacity for growth in renewable energy sectors, the need to improve energy efficiency and mitigate environmental concerns necessitates the diversification of a sustainable energy mix.
Local think-tank, Datametrics Research and Information Centre Sdn Bhd (DARE) today published its latest report, ‘A Comparative Analysis of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Platforms in Malaysia,’ outlining a comparative thesis to advance Malaysia’s low-carbon goals.
Identifying both challenges and prospects in renewable and sustainable energy platforms, the report dives into an array of sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biogas and biomass. It also scrutinises the synergistic potential of Co-generation (Cogen) and Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) systems, both of which are pivotal for Malaysia’s ambition to secure 70% renewable energy by 2050.
Elaborating on Malaysia’s renewable energy developments, DARE’s Managing Director, Pankaj Kumar, emphasised the benefits observed in countries like Germany and Japan from adopting sustainable energy solutions such as Cogen and WHR.
He noted, “Despite common challenges in renewables, Malaysia’s renewable energy sector has consistently demonstrated capacity for growth. However, industries involved in Malaysia’s renewable and sustainable energy sectors must remain agile. Adapting to the ever-changing sustainable energy environment is crucial to maintain our push towards net-zero and ensure that the solutions we commit to are as practical as they are equitable and just.”
Key findings of the study also include:
- The distinction between renewable and sustainable energy for effective energy investment decision-making
- The role of carbon offsetting in enhancing Malaysia’s green initiatives like National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER), and New Economic Policy (NEP)
- Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable solutions and green innovative technologies in the ASEAN region
Pankaj added that while compiling data on the opportunities and benefits of renewable energy for adaptation and resilience in sustainable solutions, the think tank uncovered pressing challenges, such as energy storage. “These challenges could hinder achieving Malaysia’s energy targets if overlooked,” he stressed.”
Commenting on the impact of sustainable energy solutions, Pankaj said, “The adoption of sustainable technologies and a varied energy mix, along with climate adaptation and resilience financing, should not be seen as a burden, but rather as an opportunity that yields financial benefits. With Cogen for example, it is able to achieve about 40-60% reduction of energy cost. Industries and businesses, especially, need to assess the opportunities in terms of fiscal prudence, environmental dividends, and return on investment from green energy initiatives.”
“It has been proven that this method is cost-effective, capable of reducing carbon emissions and energy costs. It serves as a power generation alternative that assists industrial and factory operations in mitigating the drawbacks of heat losses from their conventional systems, achieving up to 85% efficiency compared to traditional methods,” added Pankaj.
Safran, an aerospace company, for instance, has achieved savings of 168,000,000 kWh over ten years at its WHR facility in Sendayan, Seremban. This project, undertaken by Safran Group Malaysia’s subsidiary’s appointed solutions provider, Kinergy Advancement Berhad, highlights the practical benefits of sustainable technologies such as Cogen and WHR systems.
