In 2024, Malaysia's electricity consumption prominently features fossil fuels, accounting for more than 80% of the total. Coal and gas, both falling under the fossil fuel category, contribute about 44% and 37%, respectively. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources supply close to 19% of Malaysia's electricity. The largest contributor among them is hydropower, making up slightly more than 16%, followed by solar energy, which contributes just over 2%. This indicates that Malaysia still heavily depends on fossil fuels for its electricity, necessitating an expansion of low-carbon options to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable development.
Is Electricity Growing in Malaysia?
Electricity consumption in Malaysia is experiencing growth, highlighted by the increase from 5346 kWh/person in 2023 to 5512 kWh/person in 2024. This rise of 166 kWh/person signifies not only increased demand but also a potential shift towards more electrified lifestyles and industries. Concurrent with this overall growth, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a modest increase, moving up by 12 kWh/person compared to the previous record set in 2022. While these increments suggest positive momentum, they underline the opportunity to further accelerate the transition to low-carbon electricity sources, thereby enhancing both environmental sustainability and energy security.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Malaysia can take cues from regions that have effectively harnessed solar and nuclear power. For instance, Lebanon's impressive solar energy contribution of 31% serves as a compelling model for increasing solar capacity in sunny regions. Similarly, France showcases the potential of nuclear energy, providing a substantial 68% of its electricity through this low-carbon source. By learning from these examples, Malaysia could diversify its energy mix by investing in solar power and considering nuclear energy projects. This strategic expansion can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, align with global carbon reduction goals, and support the growing electricity needs of the nation.
History
Historically, hydropower has been Malaysia's primary low-carbon energy source, with varying yearly contributions over the decades. Significant increases occurred in the mid-2010s, with a notable surge of 6.1 TWh in 2016 and 6.8 TWh in 2017. Although there were prior fluctuations, the overall trend reflects an increase in hydroelectric capacity. More recently, in 2024, solar energy made a noticeable contribution by adding 0.9 TWh, marking a promising diversification of Malaysia's low-carbon electricity sources. This historical context underscores the imperative for Malaysia to continue expanding its clean energy capacity, ensuring a sustainable energy future for the country.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.