As of 2025, electricity consumption in Malaysia is predominantly reliant on fossil sources, with close to 78% of electricity coming from coal and gas. Coal alone accounts for almost 45% of the total electricity generation, while gas contributes nearly 32%. In contrast, low-carbon and clean energy sources make up around 22% of Malaysia’s electricity, with hydropower being the most significant contributor at almost 18%. Other low-carbon sources include biofuels and solar, which contribute approximately 3% and 2% respectively. While this shows some progress towards cleaner energy, the country still relies heavily on fossil fuels, posing challenges related to climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Malaysia?
Examining Malaysia's electricity growth, there's a bit of a concern, particularly in terms of total electricity consumption. In 2025, the average electricity consumption per person is about 5,245 kWh, which is slightly less than the 5,338 kWh peak recorded in 2019, showing a negative change of 93 kWh. Meanwhile, it's encouraging that low-carbon electricity generation per person has seen a slight increase, reaching 1,172 kWh per person in 2025, up 19 kWh from the record set in 2024. Although these gains are positive, the overall demand for clean energy growth appears to be growing only modestly, hinting that a more aggressive transition to low-carbon energy sources could be needed to meet future electrification demands.
Suggestions
To hasten its transition to low-carbon electricity, Malaysia can draw lessons from regions excelling in solar and nuclear energy generation. Nevada and California have effectively harnessed solar power, contributing over 30% and 30% respectively of their electricity from solar. These models illustrate the potential of solar energy in consistently sunny regions, much like Malaysia. On nuclear energy, Malaysia can study France and Slovakia, which generate more than 65% of their electricity using nuclear power. Nuclear energy offers a dependable and potent option for reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By investing in solar and nuclear technologies, Malaysia can rapidly improve its low-carbon electricity share, benefitting from reduced emissions and greater energy security.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Malaysia, the nation has experienced several developments. During the 1990s and early 2000s, changes in hydropower generation were relatively minor, with modest increases and decreases year-to-year. Since 2009, biofuels entered the picture, contributing to low-carbon electricity. In the last decade, hydroelectric power saw significant shifts, particularly from 2011 onwards when it began substantial increases, notably in 2016 and 2017, with increases greater than 6 TWh in consecutive years. However, there have been occasional declines as seen in 2023. Despite these fluctuations, the consistent upward trend in hydroelectric production, supplemented by biofuel contributions beginning in 2009, reflects a positive trajectory toward cleaner energy, though further growth, especially in solar and nuclear, remains necessary for sustainable energy development in Malaysia.
