In 2023, Malaysia's electricity consumption remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with over 80% of its electricity generated from such sources. Coal and gas dominate the fossil fuel category, contributing 43% and 37% respectively. In contrast, low-carbon energy makes up a modest portion of the electricity mix, collectively accounting for just over 19%. Within this clean energy segment, hydropower is the leading source at almost 17%, and solar power contributes close to 2%. The reliance on fossil fuels points to significant challenges related to climate change and air pollution, which necessitates a shift towards more sustainable electricity generation.
Malaysia can boost its low-carbon electricity generation by drawing lessons from countries that have achieved significant success in this area. France is a standout example, generating a remarkable 67% of its electricity from nuclear energy. Similarly, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Switzerland have also prioritized nuclear power, contributing 60%, 55%, and 44% respectively. On the other hand, Malaysia can look to Denmark and Uruguay for their impressive wind energy achievements, generating 61% and 36% of their electricity, respectively. By investing in nuclear and expanding its wind and solar capacities, Malaysia can emulate these successful models and significantly reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Malaysia's journey towards low-carbon electricity has seen various shifts over the decades. In the mid-1980s, there were modest increases in hydropower generation; 1984 saw an increase of 1.7 TWh, followed by a smaller gain in 1987. However, the early to mid-1990s experienced fluctuations, including declines in 1990 and the latter half of the decade. Significant progress began in the late 1990s, with a notable increase in 1999. The 2000s were characterized by intermittent growth, particularly in 2008, and a stable phase in the early 2010s with steady yearly increments from 2011 to 2014. A substantial leap occurred in 2016 and 2017, with hydropower increasing significantly by 6.1 TWh and 6.8 TWh, respectively. The recent decade witnessed growth in solar power, starting in 2019, complemented by continued expansion in hydropower. This history demonstrates Malaysia's growing commitment to expanding its low-carbon energy sources, essential for a sustainable future.