Electricity in Malaysia in 2023
Global Ranking:
#76
19.2% #132 Low-carbon electricity
5346.42
kWh #57 Generation / person
In 2023, Malaysia's electricity consumption is markedly dominated by fossil fuels, accounting for over 80% of the total energy mix. Coal and gas are the primary contributors within this category, with coal generating approximately 43% and gas contributing nearly 37%. Meanwhile, low-carbon or clean energy sources comprise just over 19% of the electricity supply, with hydropower leading this segment at about 17%. Solar energy trails behind, making up less than 2% of the total. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels raises environmental concerns, as it significantly contributes to climate change and air pollution, highlighting the need for a transition to more sustainable energy sources.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Malaysia could learn from countries that have successfully integrated green energy into their grids. For instance, Denmark, a leader in wind energy, generates nearly 60% of its electricity from this source. This demonstrates the potential of wind power, even for a country with limited land area. Additionally, Greece's example of generating over 20% of its electricity from solar energy showcases what can be achieved with ample sunlight, a resource Malaysia also has in abundance. Furthermore, nuclear energy has played a significant role in various nations; France generates 68% of its electricity from nuclear power, setting a benchmark for nuclear advancement. Malaysia can take inspiration from these countries by diversifying its energy mix to include a larger share of wind, solar, and potentially nuclear energy, thereby reducing its dependency on fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Malaysia's journey with low-carbon electricity has been mostly centered around hydropower development, with fluctuations over the years. In the mid-1980s, there were modest increases, followed by a significant decline in the 1990s. However, from the late 1990s onward, hydropower development gained momentum with substantial growth, particularly noteworthy in 1999 and the 2010s, reaching a peak increase of around 6-7 TWh from 2016 to 2017. The last few years also saw a rise in hydropower, alongside the emergence of solar energy, which saw its debut in 2019 with a modest contribution of 0.8 TWh. These developments set a foundation for broadening the low-carbon energy mix in Malaysia, marking positive steps towards a more sustainable future.
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.