Electricity in Malaysia in 2023
Global Ranking:
#75
19.2% #132 Low-carbon electricity
5346.42
kWh #58 Generation / person
In 2023, the electricity consumption in Malaysia is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, accounting for more than 80% of the total generation. Nearly half of the electricity comes from coal, while gas contributes close to another third. In contrast, low-carbon or clean energy sources constitute roughly 19% of the electricity sector. Hydropower dominates this segment with close to 17%, while solar energy makes up only a small fraction, at about 2%. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels presents challenges, including climate change impacts and air pollution, underscoring the need for a shift towards cleaner electricity sources.
Suggestions
Malaysia can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from other countries' successful experiences. Countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine have significantly leaned on nuclear power, with shares of 67%, 60%, and 55% respectively. For Malaysia, investing in nuclear energy would be a viable strategy to substantially reduce its dependence on fossil fuels while offering a stable and large-scale clean energy source. Additionally, Malaysia could draw inspiration from countries such as Denmark and Uruguay, where wind power fulfills significant proportions of their electricity needs—59% and 36%, respectively. Implementing a diversified strategy that combines both nuclear and solar development, following the examples from solar-rich countries like Chile and Australia with around 20% solar energy contribution, would also be beneficial for Malaysia's green energy transition.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Malaysia, hydropower has seen various shifts over the years. In the mid-1980s, there was a modest increase with an additional 1.7 TWh in 1984 and 0.8 TWh in 1987. However, the 1990s saw fluctuations, with some years experiencing declines, such as a notable reduction of 1.3 TWh in 1990. The early 21st century marked a turning point with variable yet overall upward trends. Significant growth occurred in the mid-2010s, with a substantial rise of 6.1 TWh in 2016, followed by 6.8 TWh in 2017. In recent years, solar energy has started to make a mark, with a small but notable increase in 2019. Overall, while there have been ups and downs, the trajectory towards increasing low-carbon electricity generation is promising.
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.