PETALING JAYA: The government will give its necessary support to shape policies for a conducive ecosystem in the country’s transition to cleaner forms of energy, says Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Nik Nazmi said the ministry is committed to increasing electricity generation from renewable energy sources through the Electricity Supply Generation Development Plan 2021-2039.
“The term ‘transition’ cannot only be a mere slogan but a firm commitment to realise that future generation depends on how we act now as well,” he said in his speech at his working visit to the Tenaga Nasional Bhd
(TNB) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
“I am very interested in TNB’s Energy Transition Plan, to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the government’s desire to continue supplying electricity to the people towards a more prosperous and sustainable life, with a commitment to meet the environmental, social and governance or ESG criteria,” he added.
Nik Nazmi said the government also realised that most of TNB’s profits are used to develop the company’s main assets to further strengthen the country’s electricity supply system for the well-being of the general public.
He also noted that electricity infrastructure investment is very important for TNB’s commitment as a leader in the country’s energy transition.
“After its privatisation, TNB became one of the most successful government-linked companies not only in terms of electricity supply services, but also dividends to the government-linked investment companies.
“This contribution is very large and it can be enjoyed by the people,” he said.
Nik Nazmi also noted TNB’s efforts to switch to solar energy, hydro and generation technology using hydrogen and ammonia to reduce carbon emissions.
He said this was a good start to address the issue of climate change and achieve a net-zero emission cycle economy.
In a statement, TNB said its efforts to transit to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 will be backed through realising the 8,300 megawatt renewable energy generation target in 2025.
This will be followed by a 35% reduction in carbon emission intensity and 50% of its coal generation capacity by 2035, the company added.
“All these steps contribute to the well-being of nature in dealing with climate change.
“It is the transformation of electricity generation and the drive of new growth sectors related to energy transition, including low carbon mobility, energy storage and new energy such as hydrogen,” TNB’s president and chief executive officer Datuk Baharin Din said.
