Malaysia's Installed Renewable Energy Capacity Rises to 31 Percent

Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the country’s installed renewable energy capacity has increased to 31 percent as part of efforts to reduce dependence on coal. The statement was made during a National Energy Council meeting in Malaysia on Wednesday. “As of last December, Malaysia has increased its installed renewable energy capacity to 31 percent as part of efforts to reduce dependence on coal,” Anwar said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur. This marks progress in Malaysia’s national energy transition towards green or environmentally friendly energy. Anwar said these efforts are further strengthened by the success of the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS), which is now complemented by the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). In the transport sector, he continued, the implementation of B15 biodiesel is pushing Malaysia towards the use of more sustainable alternative fuels. This move, according to him, will also be reinforced through the development of PETRONAS’ biofuel hub in Pengerang, Malaysia. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s public transport electrification projects are proceeding according to plan, including the operation of 250 electric buses and the construction of an 800-kilometre rail network. “In Sarawak, the first phase of the hydrogen hub construction for the Autonomous Rapid Transit system is scheduled for completion by the end of this year,” he said. Anwar stressed that amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and global energy supply crises, Malaysia must prepare to ensure long-term energy security. “Therefore, the government will review the need and strategy for establishing a national petroleum stockpile as a measure to strengthen the country’s resilience,” Anwar explained.