The ever-increasing need to meet the 2030 Climate Pledge, draws closer and Malaysia is gearing up with plans to reach net zero by 2050, as agreed upon in the Paris Agreement 2015.
As the nation strives to fulfil the promise of cleaner renewable energy (RE) sources, there is a need to explore and discuss areas of expertise, solutions and technology related to these decarbonisation efforts.
To address these, a conference was organised by Malaysia’s leading provider of sustainable energy solutions, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) on Aug 28 and 29, as a platform for discussions, forums and exhibitions.
Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the Energy Transition (ET) Conference featured industry experts from around the world who addressed issues and strategies, as well as identified potential opportunities along the way.
The conference focused on different areas along the course of the two-day event, covering the future of energy, green mobility, sustainable cities and digitalisation.
In his welcome address at the opening of the conference TNB chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Bin Abdul Majid said, “The approach taken by TNB aims to boost renewable energy capacity, improve energy efficiency using smart technology, promote solar and emerging renewable technologies like hydrogen, ammonia, and storage facilities and strengthen regional collaboration in green energy exchanges for our stakeholders”.
Roadmap to decarbonisation
The event also hosted the reveal of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) which was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, together with Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The NETR aims to provide policy clarity in shaping Malaysia as a leader in energy transition among Asian economies by accelerating and navigating the nation’s efforts on a larger scale to shift from a traditional fossil fuel-based economy to a high-value green and sustainable economy.
Launched earlier on July 27, the complete NETR version that was revealed on Aug 29 aims to provide policy clarity in shaping Malaysia as a leader in energy transition among Asian economies, by accelerating and navigating the nation’s efforts on a larger scale to shift from a traditional fossil fuel-based economy to a high-value green and sustainable economy.
The detail of the roadmap was outlined by Rafizi, who introduced the Responsible Transition 2050—a low-carbon pathway for the energy sector. The pathway intends to unlock the economic value brought about by initiatives and enablers set in the roadmap.
Setting plans in motion
TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Baharin Din said that TNB has been going full speed in implementing its Energy Transition agenda since the national utility group’s net zero aspirations were established in 2021 during his conference’s closing remarks and conclusion.
He said the pathway aims to accelerate generation decarbonisation, develop a flexible and cross-border grid, and empower cross-sector electrification and prosumers.
What was important for them, Baharin stressed, was balancing the energy trilemma while enabling the nation’s economic growth - a plan that fully supports the aspirations under NETR.
“We are ensuring that our grid is flexible enough to accommodate the evolving energy landscape, with plans to invest upwards of RM90bil in the grid over the next six years, out of which, 40% will go to energy transition-related capital expenditure,” he said.
On a regional front, Baharin pointed out TNB’s aim to strengthen the Asean interconnection with their counterparts, and the resounding commitment to making it happen.
“The interconnection will enable better renewable energy allocation, support system security, and open up a gateway to over US$6.3tril of new investments by 2050, as projected by the International Renewable Energy Agency.”
TNB chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Majid and TNB President / chief executive officer (right), Datuk Indera Baharin Din (second left) accompanied the Prime Minister and his entourage to visit the TNB booth during the launch of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Pertinent expert viewpoints
Among the many notable contributors in the conference were International Renewable Energy Agency director general Francesco La Camera who sent an urgent message that more need to be done to transition in energy worldwide.
He shared that under the 1.5°C scenario, electricity generation would more than triple from 2020 to 2050. In 2022, around 300GW of renewable power capacity was added globally,” he recounted.
However, he pointed out that most climate pledges have not been translated into actionable national strategies and investment remains depleted.
“Fossil fuel investments in 2022 were nearly twice that of renewables, even amidst record-breaking of US$1.4tril in global investments flowing into renewable projects.”
Urging action, which he said should have been done “yesterday”, he said, “we must detect clear roles and possibilities and build a new energy system together.”
European Association for Electromobility president Espen Hauge shared that if a nation aims to roll out EV adoption, it would need to do it right away for it takes 10 to 15 years for consumers to start getting interested.
“To get people to start trying, you just have to get them to experience first and deal with [setbacks] along the way because it is harder to find a solution than when you have actually seen it.”
Hijjas Kasturies Associates principal director Dr Serina Hijjas shared that today green buildings are needed to mitigate climate change.
“Greenery can bring down 5-7°C in air temperature as a result of less heating on green space as compared to paved surfaces.
“There is proof of this — we have satellite imaging that tells us that green spaces are cooler. A cooler environment means cooler buildings, which means less energy.”
Chief executive officer of Octopus Energy Group Greg Jackson said that “by using data that knows when electricity is cheapest, customers can control the equipment in their homes and businesses because they can tap into cheap power.”
“Technology unlocks the ability to not only provide the service that’s cleaner but also more economically efficient. It is a lot more cost-effective.”
The discussions and newly formed partnerships at the conference over the two days are deemed critical for collectively advancing toward the nation’s Net Zero goals.
They have not only sparked ideas and solutions across the board but also inspired actionable outcomes, which TNB will continue to pursue offline, greatly contributing to the energy transition journey.
