04 NEWS
04 NEWS
COP29 | Monday , November 11 . 2024
Phasing Out Coal
Malaysia ’ s Commitment to No New Coal and Potential Early Phase-Out
MALAYSIA is actively considering the Request for Information ( RFI ) mechanisms for coal carbon reduction and possible early coal phase-out , showcasing a forward-looking approach to climate mitigation action and environmental sustainability .
Minister of Natural Resources , Environment , and Climate Change , Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad , who participated in the launch of France ’ s Coal Transition Accelerator Event during the UNFCCC 28th Conference of Parties ( COP28 ) in Dubai yesterday , underscored the substantial challenges faced by Malaysia and other developing nations .
These challenges , he said , span energy , economic , social , and environmental domains , particularly for countries relying on young coal plants .
Despite this , the Minister emphasised Malaysia ’ s unwavering policy against construction and development of new coal plants while calling for the need to establish a dependable , cost-effective , and sustainable energy system in the face of these obstacles .
Among the options the country has explored to reduce carbon emissions from existing coal facilities include co-firing , mothballing , or early retirement , on top of making a significant reduction in fossil fuel subsidies for electricity .
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
At the event , Minister Nik also expressed Malaysia ’ s interest in understanding the Just Energy Transition Partnership ( JETP ) deal which the Vietnamese Government has subscribed to , in unlocking financing and support for sustainable energy transition , and in which Malaysia can possibly emulate .
While Malaysia acknowledges the potential for its country to have increased coal elimination ambition , Minister Nik stressed the importance of technical , capacity and capability support from developed countries and the international community .
During France ’ s Coal Transition Accelerator Event held yesterday , notable global figures were in attendance , including French President Emmanuel Macron , US Special Climate Envoy John Kerry , Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính , UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions Michael Bloomberg , and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen .
Malaysia was one of the ten key stakeholders present , highlighting the country ’ s commitment in climate mitigation action especially on the commitment for no new coal and possible early elimination of coal power plants , as a precursor in addressing related environmental challenges . Cop 29