@ green | July-August . 2024

Discover the pivotal role of SEDA Malaysia in shaping Malaysia ’ s sustainable energy future

BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO

Imagine a Malaysia where lush greenery meets cuttingedge technology . This vision is not just a dream but a tangible future , thanks to the concerted efforts of the Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia ( SEDA Malaysia ) and the strategic foresight embodied in the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap ( MYRER ).

@ Green interviewed SEDA Malaysia Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) Dato ’ Hamzah Hussin about the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap ( MYRER ), ongoing projects , and what makes SEDA shine and succeed .

MALAYSIA RENEWABLE ENERGY ROADMAP

The MYRER provides a comprehensive plan for Malaysia ’ s renewable energy goals and strategies for achieving them by 2035 .

MYRER intends to expedite the shift towards a sustainable energy environment by establishing ambitious targets for the adoption of renewable energy . This initiative seeks to harness the capabilities of many industries and promote innovation .

“ MYRER basically emphasises the importance of diversifying the energy mix with renewable sources such as solar , hydro , and bioenergy , and even exploring new technologies like wind and geothermal .

“ This strategy diversification makes us less reliant on fossil fuels , which helps slow down climate change and make sure that future generations will have enough energy security ,” Hamzah said .

BACKGROUND AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

SEDA Malaysia , established in 2011 , has been pivotal in promoting renewable energy technologies across the nation .

The introduction of the Feed-in Tariff ( FiT ) in 2011 has been a cornerstone of this effort .

FiT is a mechanism that allows electricity produced from indigenous renewable resources to be sold to Distribution licensees at a fixed premium price for a specific duration .

“ We began with solar energy and have since expanded to include small hydro , biogas , and biomass .

“ SEDA Malaysia also conducts studies to identify new renewable resources and technologies that can be developed through FiT or other mechanisms ;

“ Our mission is to innovate and support the continuous development of sustainable energy resources ,” explained Hamzah .

Additionally , the NET Energy Metering ( NEM ) mechanism encourages solar energy through rooftop installations , further integrating renewable energy into the national grid .

By continuously innovating and supporting the development of sustainable energy resources , SEDA aims to create an environment where renewable energy can thrive .

Moreo v e r , Malaysia ’ s renewable energy capacity has been substantially Dato ’ Hamzah Hussin increased as a result of the FiT mechanism ’ s effective promotion of investment in renewable energy projects .

Hamzah explained : “ SEDA ’ s initiatives align with national targets set by MyRER and the National Energy Transition Roadmap ( NETR ), aiming to achieve 31 per cent renewable energy connected capacity by 2025 , 40 per cent by 2035 , and 70 per cent by 2050 .

“ Beyond increasing renewable energy capacity , SEDA promotes energy efficiency through various incentives and initiatives , such as the SAVE programme and the Energy Audit Conditional Grant ( EACG ).

“ These initiatives help reduce overall energy consumption , leading to consumer cost savings and aligning with sustainable resource management principles . These targets are crucial for supporting Malaysia ’ s energy security and sustainability goals .”

( Under the Sustainability Achieved Via Energy Efficiency ( SAVE ) 4.0 programme , home households that buy Energy Commission ( ST ) 4-star or 5-star energy-efficient refrigerators and air conditioners would be eligible for a maximum RM400 e-Rebate .)

( The 12th Malaysia Plan ( RMk-12 ) Energy Audit Conditional Grant ( EACG 2.0 ) promotes energy efficiency from 2021 to 2025 . During that period , commercial and industrial sectors received grants to engage with ST-registered energy service companies ( ESCOs ) to conduct energy audits in their buildings . These grants support the scheme .)

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND OFF-GRID SOLUTIONS

The organisation supports offgrid renewable energy solutions , including solar PV systems and mini-hydro projects , to supply

dependable and sustainable electricity to underprivileged populations , thereby promoting economic development and increasing quality of life .

“ We do recognise the importance of extending electricity access to rural and remote areas . We wish to improve their quality of life , too ,” Hamzah said .

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AND OUTLOOK

Looking back , it comes no doubt that SEDA has achieved several milestones in promoting sustainable energy development .

Additionally , there has been an increase in public awareness of energy-related issues , which has motivated businesses , communities , and government agencies to implement sustainable energy practices .

SEDA ’ s initiatives have improved the penetration of renewable energy , decreased greenhouse gas emissions , and fortified Malaysia ’ s energy security .

Speaking of the future , Hamzah remains optimistic .

“ SEDA believes that Malaysia remains committed to driving the energy transition .

“ These projects have diversified the nation ’ s energy mix and reduced its carbon footprint .

“ The continuous efforts to innovate , promote , and implement renewable energy and energyefficient technologies ensure that Malaysia is well-positioned to meet its energy goals and contribute to global sustainability efforts .

“ Our work continues , and each achievement brings us closer to a resilient energy future ,” he concluded . – @ green