Latest news with #NationalEnergyTransitionRoadmap
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Balancing innovation and responsibility
MALAYSIA is racing toward a digital future – one powered by a booming data centre industry projected to consume over 20 GW of electricity by 2040, as forecast by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra). This explosive growth is unlocking vast economic potential but also highlighting the way that Malaysia must balance the demands of a thriving digital economy with the environmental challenges it brings. According to Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, Malaysia's data centre industry has witnessed substantial growth, with investments totalling RM184.7 billion from 2021 to December 2024 thanks to the increasing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital services. Our proximity to Singapore, which imposed a moratorium on new data centres due to resource constraints, has further enhanced Malaysia's appeal. Local communities, particularly in Johor and Selangor, are seeing new employment opportunities and infrastructure development as global players establish operations in these regions. Reuters reported that the investment made by one of the world's largest technology companies in Malaysia is expected to generate approximately US$10.9 billion in new revenues over the next four years and create more than 37,000 jobs, demonstrating the sector's potential to drive national growth. The economic benefits are clear. Faced with significant opportunities for growth, it's all the more important that we carefully consider our responsibilities to the wider community, and the impacts on the places we live and work. The impact that data centres pose to the environment needs to be carefully managed. Malaysia's Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation has projected that electricity demand from data centres, which require continuous power and extensive cooling systems, will reach 7.7 GW by 2030 and could surge to 20.9 GW by 2040. To mitigate these issues, the government has implemented several forward-looking initiatives. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), introduced by the Ministry of Economy, aims to achieve 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050, an ambitious leap from the current 25%. Additionally, the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) allows data centre operators to source energy directly from green power producers, bypassing the national grid. The significant amount of water required to cool data centres have also raised alarms. The National Water Services Commission (Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara/SPAN) warns that unchecked water usage by data centres could contribute to a water crisis. In response, several strategies have been adopted to manage water consumption. Water Usage Effectiveness metrics help track and promote efficient water management practices within data centres while companies have collaborated with state-owned entities to develop recycled water supply schemes, reducing reliance on potable water. There is also growing interest in alternative cooling technologies, including immersion cooling, which can significantly lower both water and energy consumption. These are important strategies, and it is critical that we continue to build on this work to ensure that we are balancing our economic growth with the urgent need for environmental stewardship. We know that collaboration between public and private sectors is an essential part of ensuring responsible growth of any sector, so it's great to see that the government has taken a proactive stance in regulating and guiding the development of data centres. The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry's guidelines outline best practices for energy and water efficiency, safety, scalability, and the adoption of smart technologies. Environmental Impact Assessments are mandatory for projects with significant ecological implications to ensure new data centres consider and mitigate environmental impacts. Government incentives, including potential tax breaks, also encourage green practices such as renewable energy integration, advanced cooling systems, and efficient water usage. Beyond government action, industry stakeholders are actively contributing to responsible practices within the data centre ecosystem. The YTL Group 2024 Sustainability Report highlighted that YTL Green Data Centre Park in Johor integrates advanced technologies and energy-efficient designs including solar-powered infrastructure, advanced cooling systems, and rainwater harvesting systems to minimise environmental impact while ensuring high performance. With an expected capacity of 500MW, the park stands as a regional benchmark for balancing technological advancement with environmental responsibility. We have also seen leading global data centre providers focusing on energy efficiency to meet their carbon neutrality goals and investing in rooftop solar panels and virtual power purchase agreements for solar farms. Addressing the dual priorities of economic development and environmental sustainability requires a multi-pronged approach. One potential solution is the development of responsible data centre certification programmes. By creating a national certification that evaluates facilities on their energy efficiency, water usage, and carbon emissions, the government can incentivise more sustainable choices. Another opportunity lies in regional collaboration, where Southeast Asian nations work together to share technologies, regulatory best practices, and renewable energy resources. Investment in research and development is also crucial. Government grants and private sector initiatives can support the creation of advanced cooling systems, AI-driven energy management, and water recycling innovations tailored to Malaysia's tropical climate. Lastly, transparent reporting and environmental accountability must be prioritised to ensure measurable progress and public trust. Malaysia stands at a pivotal crossroads: the path forward must blend innovation with responsibility. By fostering collaboration across government, industry, and academia, Malaysia can lead Southeast Asia not just in digital capability, but in responsible digital leadership. Achieving this vision will require actionable policies, measurable standards, transparent reporting, and shared accountability.
Daily Express
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysia, Russia to deepen nuclear energy ties
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Bernama pic MOSCOW: Malaysia and Russia will strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy development, covering institutional, technical, legal, and human capital areas, said Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah, also Energy Transition Minister, noted Russia's experience and advanced technology could support Malaysia's energy goals under the National Energy Transition Roadmap. During his four-day visit, Fadillah met Russian Deputy PM Alexey Overchuk and Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev, discussing nuclear tech transfer, legal frameworks, training, and power grid upgrades. He said Cabinet had agreed in principle to consider nuclear power in Malaysia's future energy mix to reduce reliance on coal and gas. However, Fadillah stressed that public support and thorough studies are essential before moving forward. His visit followed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Russia trip in May. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Charting green course: Is Malaysia steering towards zero-emission ports?
Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd has already demonstrated foresight with initiatives like solar power installations in Tawau and the exploration of electrified Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (e-RTGs) at Sapangar Bay Container Port. The global maritime industry is abuzz with a powerful new vision: the zero-emission container port. This isn't a distant dream, but a pressing global mandate, championed by alliances like the Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA). The question for Malaysia, strategically positioned along the world's busiest shipping lanes, is whether we are truly pulling our weight in this critical race. Malaysia has undeniably begun its journey towards greener ports, taking tangible steps and laying crucial groundwork. However, these efforts remain incremental, often confined to pilot projects, facing considerable hurdles before a systemic shift can be achieved. A cornerstone of zero-emission ports is the transition to Battery-Electric Container Handling Equipment (BE-CHE). Here, Malaysia shows promise. Westports Malaysia has emerged as a clear leader, implementing significant pilot projects with battery-electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (e-RTGs) and terminal tractors, directly slashing diesel consumption and emissions. The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) is also actively exploring electrification. Meanwhile, Sabah Port Sdn Bhd has wisely pursued solar power installations for its warehouses in Tawau and is pursuing similar initiatives at Kota Kinabalu Port. However, it has been forced to slow down due to bureaucracy within the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) in approving the project. The challenge remains scaling these successful pilots to a complete replacement of existing fleets, a feat still being pioneered globally by leaders like Yantai Port in China and European ports such as Gothenburg and Hamburg. Besides focusing on equipment, people are starting to pay more attention to using cleaner fuels like hydrogen to cut down pollution from shipping and trucks. Malaysia has some big advantages, like lots of untapped renewable energy and government support. For example, Sarawak is testing hydrogen-powered buses. Malaysia has a national plan (called the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap) to become a hydrogen exporter by 2050. But for now, there are still big challenges to get hydrogen or ammonia fueling stations running on a large scale — things like making 'green' hydrogen, ensuring safety, and managing costs. Meanwhile, making all the port trucks (drayage trucks) switch to cleaner energy is a huge task that's barely started. On the governance side, big companies like Westports and PTP regularly share reports on how they plan to reduce emissions. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) outlines the country's overall plan to support green transport and hydrogen development. However, there are still no detailed, cost-effective, port-specific plans that spell out exactly how to get to zero emissions, including clear targets and deadlines. Translating these broad national goals into real, mandatory steps and investments at each port still needs more work. Perhaps Malaysia's most significant gap lies in shore power, or 'cold ironing.' This technology, allowing berthed ships to plug into the grid and switch off polluting engines, is notably absent in our container ports. High capital costs and complex coordination have stalled progress, leading to continued emissions of local air pollutants (SOx, NOx, PM) and CO2 from vessels at berth – a major missed opportunity. While Malaysian ports are engaged in broader sustainability efforts, these alone will not achieve zero emissions. The core focus must be on intensifying emissions from primary sources: equipment, ships and land transport. And while collaboration exists, it needs to deepen into active partnerships for co-investment in shared infrastructure and enforceable standards. The road ahead is fraught with challenges: the enormous cost of transformation, the need for robust infrastructure, and reliance on evolving technology. Most critically, collaboration needs to become more formalized and action-oriented across all stakeholders – government, port authorities, operators, shipping lines and energy providers. Malaysia's efforts are a meaningful start, but they are preliminary. The urgency of the climate crisis and the ambitions of leading global ports demand a decisive leap beyond incrementalism. To truly contribute its fair share, Malaysia needs: · Mandatory Shore Power Roadmaps: Policy must drive installation, with incentives leading to mandates. · Accelerated Fleet Electrification: Move beyond pilots to comprehensive, funded programs for all major terminals and targeted efforts for zero-emission drayage trucks. ·From Hydrogen Strategy to Port Pilots: Translate national strategy into concrete, funded pilot projects for green hydrogen production and bunkering infrastructure. ·Binding Port-Specific Zero-Emission Roadmaps: Each major port must publish a detailed, costed, time-bound roadmap, integrated into its master plan. ·Enhanced Collaboration Ecosystem: Establish formalized platforms for co-investment in shared infrastructure and coordinated action among all stakeholders. Malaysia has the foundational elements and the will. But transforming our vital maritime gateways into true zero-emission hubs requires significantly escalated ambition, bolder policy, massive, targeted investment, and unprecedented industry-wide cooperation. This is not a challenge for Westports or PTP alone; it's a national endeavor that extends to every corner of our maritime landscape, including the crucial ports of Sabah. With its strategic location at the heart of the BIMP-EAGA region and its growing economic importance, the push for green ports is particularly vital for Sabah. Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd has already demonstrated foresight with initiatives like solar power installations in Tawau and the exploration of electrified Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (e-RTGs) at Sapangar Bay Container Port. These early steps, though pilot in nature, show a commitment to environmental responsibility. However, the path to a truly zero-emission future for Sabah's ports – from the bustling Sapangar Bay to the smaller yet critical gateways like Tawau and Sandakan – will demand a significant acceleration of these efforts. It means overcoming challenges in infrastructure, attracting green investments, and ensuring policies are tailored to Sabah's unique geography and operational needs. The vibrant blue waters surrounding Sabah, a crucial part of its identity and economy, underscore the urgent need for its ports to lead by example in maritime decarbonization. The journey has begun, but the pace must quicken dramatically across the entire nation, including the unique and vital contributions of Sabah's ports, if we are to truly embrace the green horizon and secure a sustainable future for our seas and our economy.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Fadillah concludes central Asian visits, nuclear energy revival on the horizon
Fadillah's visit focused on the potential revival of Malaysia's nuclear energy programme, alongside collaboration in the halal economy, tourism, energy investments and Islamic finance. – Bernama photo MOSCOW (June 28): Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has concluded his eight-day working visit to Uzbekistan and Russia, marking a pivotal step in Malaysia's renewed efforts to strengthen strategic international partnerships. The visit focused on the potential revival of Malaysia's nuclear energy programme, alongside collaboration in the halal economy, tourism, energy investments and Islamic finance. A key milestone was the signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between MyPower Corporation, a special-purpose agency under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra), and the Russian state atomic energy agency Rosatom. The agreement paves the way for potential cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology, as Malaysia re-evaluates its long-term energy strategy. As Malaysia advances its National Energy Transition Roadmap, nuclear energy is being seriously considered as a reliable, clean baseload option to diversify the energy mix and achieve long-term climate and energy security goals. Malaysia previously had a robust nuclear development agenda, including plans to commission two nuclear power plants by 2021. However, these plans were shelved, and the Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation was disbanded in 2018. Today, amid increasing pressure to decarbonise and diversify its energy sources, nuclear energy is once again under consideration as a viable low-carbon option. A recently completed pre-feasibility study yielded encouraging findings, prompting the government to explore implementation pathways that align fully with global safety, security and non-proliferation standards. The visit also reinforced Malaysia's global halal leadership. Both Uzbekistan and Russia expressed strong interest in leveraging Malaysia's well-established halal ecosystem. Additionally, the Uzbek government extended a formal invitation to Malaysia's national oil and gas company, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), to consider reinvesting in the republic's energy sector. Petronas had exited Uzbekistan in 2013, but new opportunities in exploration and upstream development have emerged as Uzbekistan seeks to revitalise its energy landscape. Tourism ties were boosted by AirAsia X's launch of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tashkent, operating three times weekly. Recognising the potential to further enhance travel and trade, Fadillah encouraged AirAsia X to expand its route to include Samarkand, a historic Silk Road city and Unesco World Heritage Site, offering added value for both leisure and cultural tourism. Uzbekistan is also keen to collaborate with Malaysia on carbon trading, and has expressed interest in tapping Malaysia's extensive experience in developing the sukuk market — an area in which Malaysia is widely recognised as a global leader in Islamic finance. – Bernama airasia x fadillah yusof malaysia nuclear Russia Uzbekistan
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
DPM Fadillah concludes Central Asian visits, nuclear energy revival on the horizon
MOSCOW: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has concluded his eight-day working visit to Uzbekistan and Russia, marking a pivotal step in Malaysia's renewed efforts to strengthen strategic international partnerships. The visit focused on the potential revival of Malaysia's nuclear energy programme, alongside collaboration in the halal economy, tourism, energy investments and Islamic finance. A key milestone was the signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between MyPower Corporation, a special-purpose agency under the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, and the Russian state atomic energy agency Rosatom. The agreement paves the way for potential cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology, as Malaysia re-evaluates its long-term energy strategy. As Malaysia advances its National Energy Transition Roadmap, nuclear energy is being seriously considered as a reliable, clean baseload option to diversify the energy mix and achieve long-term climate and energy security goals. Malaysia previously had a robust nuclear development agenda, including plans to commission two nuclear power plants by 2021. However, these plans were shelved, and the Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation was disbanded in 2018. Today, amid increasing pressure to decarbonise and diversify its energy sources, nuclear energy is once again under consideration as a viable low-carbon option. A recently completed pre-feasibility study yielded encouraging findings, prompting the government to explore implementation pathways that align fully with global safety, security and non-proliferation standards. The visit also reinforced Malaysia's global halal leadership. Both Uzbekistan and Russia expressed strong interest in leveraging Malaysia's well-established halal ecosystem. Additionally, the Uzbek government extended a formal invitation to Malaysia's national oil and gas company, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), to consider reinvesting in the republic's energy sector. Petronas had exited Uzbekistan in 2013, but new opportunities in exploration and upstream development have emerged as Uzbekistan seeks to revitalise its energy landscape. Tourism ties were boosted by AirAsia X's launch of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tashkent, operating three times weekly. Recognising the potential to further enhance travel and trade, Fadillah encouraged AirAsia X to expand its route to include Samarkand, a historic Silk Road city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering added value for both leisure and cultural tourism. Uzbekistan is also keen to collaborate with Malaysia on carbon trading, and has expressed interest in tapping Malaysia's extensive experience in developing the sukuk market — an area in which Malaysia is widely recognised as a global leader in Islamic finance. – Bernama
