At the National Energy Awards( NEA) 2025 on Sep 25, the nation ' s top energy achievers were recognised not just for innovation, but for their measurable impact: cutting emissions, slashing costs, and generating real returns for people and the planet.

The esteemed ceremony was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Dato ' Sri Fadillah Yusof, who highlighted Malaysia ' s green energy goals and ASEAN leadership role.

Representatives from the government, industry, and civil society attended the event.

RECOGNITION AND PROGRESS

Fadillah extended his gratitude to attendees who have advanced the agenda of renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency practices.

He highlighted the NEA ' s journey since its inception: " Since being introduced in 2018, NEA has grown into a prestigious platform. Last year alone, 134 entries were received with contributions toward reducing nearly 240,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually – equivalent to planting six million trees. Clearly, NEA is not just recognition, but also a catalyst for change."

NATIONAL ENERGY TRANSITION

Fadillah outlined the government ' s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, emphasising that policies are already in place to support the transition.

" As a developing country aspiring towards carbon-neutral status by 2050, Malaysia has laid out various concrete measures to accelerate the energy transition. As the Malay saying goes, ' hold the burning coal until it becomes ash ' – such is the government ' s determination to ensure these policies bear fruit.

" To encourage rooftop solar development, the Government has also introduced the Solar Accelerated Transition Program or Solar ATAP to enable society to support the energy transition agenda by harnessing rooftop space for green energy generation."

Fadillah shared six core initiatives:

• Progressive electricity tariff – The government has introduced a new progressive electricity tariff set to take effect in July 2025. The new structure encourages thrifty consumers and

� A new electricity tariff structure was introduced in July 2025 to encourage efficiency and lower carbon use

prompts industries to use energy more efficiently. This measure is expected to result in a substantial reduction in energy consumption, thereby helping to lower the carbon footprint associated with electricity use.

• Enhancing renewable energy programmes – The government has reinforced the implementation of various renewable energy development initiatives, including the Feed-in Tariff, Large-Scale Solar, and Rooftop Solar, to increase the renewable energy share in the national electricity supply. Among these initiatives, the government has approved the development of 10 floating solar projects, including two that will be among the largest floating solar plants in the region.

• Smart grid modernisation – Emphasis has been given to strengthening the smart grid network system to enhance the resilience of the national electricity supply. This includes grid modernisation initiatives such as the introduction of

� 10 floating solar projects approved, with two set to be among the largest in the region

a 400MWh energy storage system, with an investment of RM2.5 billion currently being implemented, to increase grid reliability and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national system.

• Broader corporate access to green electricity – The government has diversified and expanded access to green electricity for companies to meet Environmental, Social & Governance( ESG) commitments. This is achieved through innovative programmes including the Green Electricity Tariff, Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme( CRESS), Community Renewable Energy Aggregation Mechanism( CREAM), and the Malaysia Green Attributes Trading System( mGATS). To further encourage participation, related costs for these programmes have been reduced by up to 80 per cent.

• Cross-border electricity trade – The government has launched a pilot project for cross-border green electricity trading between

� Cross-border green electricity trade launched with Singapore through Energy Exchange Malaysia.

Malaysia and Singapore. The sale of green electricity was conducted through bidding on the Energy Exchange Malaysia( ENEGEM) platform in July 2024, with the second phase of this bidding scheduled for October 2025.

• Regulatory reforms – The government has introduced reforms to ensure that regulatory provisions support new technologies, enhance industry efficiency, and promote more investment opportunities. Amendments to the Electricity Supply Act 1990( Act 447) have been approved in Parliament to include cross-border electricity trading, market operators,andgreenattributes.

" These initiatives prove that Malaysia not only aspires, but is capable of carrying out an orderly, high-impact energy transformation centred on the well-being of the people," he concluded.

LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY

The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted Malaysia ' s international stature. He stated that in 2025,