July-August . 2024 | @ green

BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO

IN A candid conversation , Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia ( SEDA ) Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) Dato ’ Hamzah Hussin illuminated the organisation ’ s strategic vision for transforming Malaysia into a leader in renewable energy . SEDA , the Sustainable Energy Development Authority , is not just about policies and regulations - it ’ s about creating a sustainable future for all Malaysians .

ENGAGING COMMUNITIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW

SEDA Malaysia ’ s commitment to raising awareness about renewable energy and sustainable practices is evident through its dynamic engagement with the public and stakeholders .

“ We educate stakeholders and the general public about renewable energy , energy conservation , and sustainable lifestyles through media campaigns , workshops , seminars , and outreach initiatives ,

“ Reaching out to communities and providing them with the tools to adopt sustainable energy practices is vital for making a lasting impact . This grassroots approach ensures that the benefits of renewable energy are understood and embraced at all levels of society , fostering a collective movement towards a greener future ,” said Hamzah .

Moreover , Hamzah has a general message for investors , innovators , and stakeholders looking to contribute to Malaysia ’ s renewable energy sector : “ Malaysia has a clear policy and a very comprehensive roadmap to become a net zero country as early as 2050 by accelerating our target to achieve 70 per cent of RE capacity by 2050 .”

However , achieving this ambitious target requires substantial investment — around RM630 billion . Fortunately , the opportunities are vast .

From energy storage and wind power to green hydrogen and geothermal resources , there is ample room for introducing and investing in cutting-edge technologies .

Hamzah ensured that Malaysia ’ s potential in solar , hydro , and bioenergy is particularly promising , making it a fertile ground for sustainable energy ventures .

ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

SEDA ’ s plans and priorities are firmly focused on advancing sustainable energy development . “ We plan to improvise our Feed-in Tariff mechanism to make it more attractive and supportive .

“ The organisation is also conducting studies on the potential of small hydro and bioenergy , aiming to accelerate RE capacity from these resources ,” explained Hamzah .

Future initiatives include exploring new potential resources like geothermal and wind energy and enhancing the regulatory framework through the revision of the National Renewable Energy

Policy and Action Plan ( NREPAP ) into NREPAP 2.0 .

These efforts are geared towards fostering innovation , expanding renewable energy capacity , and promoting green financing mechanisms , all of which aim to propel Malaysia towards a low-carbon and resilient energy future .

CATALYSING CHANGE

Looking ahead , Hamzah envisions a decade of accelerated RE adoption and energy efficiency .

He shared : “ Our priorities and aspirations will revolve around accelerating the RE share and meeting EE targets to support the energy transition , spearheading comprehensive solutions to expand SE adoption , and catalysing innovation to enhance SE growth .”

Priorities include increasing renewable energy adoption through targeted efforts and investment incentives , energy efficiency to minimise consumption and greenhouse gas emissions , and sustainable energy investment policy and regulation .

SEDA Malaysia also encourages innovation , collaboration , community empowerment , and inclusivity , especially for marginalised groups and underdeveloped areas .

Through comprehensive plans , robust policies , and community engagement , SEDA is not just envisioning but actively shaping Malaysia ’ s path towards sustainability and resilience .