Electricity in Malaysia in 2023
Global Ranking:
#75
19.2% #132 Low-carbon electricity
5346.42
kWh #58 Generation / person
As of 2023, fossil fuels dominate electricity generation in Malaysia, comprising about 81% of the total electricity produced. Within this share, coal makes up a significant portion at about 43%, followed by natural gas at nearly 37%. Low-carbon, or clean energy, sources contribute to roughly 19% of Malaysia's electricity. Among these cleaner sources, hydropower is the most prevalent, accounting for almost 17% of electricity generation, while solar energy contributes to nearly 2%. This reliance on fossil fuels has significant implications for climate change and air pollution, highlighting the need for Malaysia to bolster its low-carbon electricity generation.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Malaysia can look to successful international examples. For instance, France and Slovakia achieve high percentages of low-carbon electricity through nuclear power, at 67% and 60%, respectively. Drawing inspiration from these countries, Malaysia could invest in nuclear energy to achieve substantial clean electricity production. Similarly, Denmark and Uruguay rely heavily on wind power, with wind contributing 61% and 36% of their electricity, respectively. By developing both nuclear and wind energy infrastructure, Malaysia can diversify its energy mix while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, the rapid growth of solar energy in countries like Chile and Australia, generating around 21% and 19%, respectively, can serve as a model for Malaysia to expand its solar power capacity further.
History
Malaysia’s history of low-carbon electricity shows a trend predominantly characterized by fluctuations in hydroelectric generation. In the early stages, such as 1984 and 1994, there were increments of 1.7 TWh. The late 1990s experienced some setbacks with decreases in hydroelectric generation; for example, 1996 and 1997 saw drops of 1 TWh and 1.3 TWh, respectively. Moving into the new millennium, hydro saw both gains and losses, but there was a notable surge in 2016 and 2017 with additions of 6.1 TWh and 6.8 TWh, respectively. The more recent years, such as 2021 and 2022, continued this positive trend with increases in hydro generation by 2.9 TWh and 1.6 TWh, while solar energy has also started to contribute, despite still being relatively modest. This historical context underscores the potential for more consistent and substantial investment in diverse low-carbon sources to ensure a robust and sustainable electricity supply.
Electricity Imports and Exports
Balance of Trade
Data Sources
For the year 1985 the data sources are
Energy Institute
and
IEA (imports/exports).
For the year 1986 the data source is
Energy Institute.
For the years 1987 to 1989 the data sources are
Energy Institute
and
IEA (imports/exports).
For the years 1990 to 1992 the data sources are
Energy Institute
and
IEA (imports/exports).
For the years 1993 to 1994 the data source is
IEA.
For the years 1995 to 1996 the data sources are
Energy Institute
and
IEA (imports/exports).
For the year 1997 the data source is
IEA.
For the year 1998 the data sources are
Energy Institute
and
IEA (imports/exports).
For the years 1999 to 2001 the data source is
Energy Institute.
For the years 2002 to 2010 the data sources are
Energy Institute
and
IEA (imports/exports).
For the years 2011 to 2013 the data source is
IEA.
For the years 2014 to 2016 the data source is
Ember.
For the year 2017 the data sources are
Energy Institute
and
IEA (imports/exports).
For the years 2018 to 2019 the data sources are
Energy Institute
and
IEA (imports/exports).
For the years 2020 to 2023 the data source is
Ember.