Renewables to reach 5.5% in Malaysia’s power mix in 2015 - report

Malaysia's Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry expects the combined capacity of all renewable energy facilities in the country to hit 985 MW by end-2015, slicing a 5.5% share of the electricity market, The Star reported on Thursday.

In particular, the projection is comprised 38% of biomass plants, 17% of large-scale dams and 24% of mini hydropower plants (HPP), minister Maximus Ongkili was quoted as saying during a renewable energy seminar on September 9. Biogas and solar power are estimated to account for 12% and 9% of the entire capacity, respectively. Certain wind opportunities will also be explored.

The increase in Malaysia’s clean energy ratio will come as a result of growing demand for renewable energy technologies, products and services. The Southeast Asian country will aim to follow the example of global leaders in green energy such as Sweden, which have reduced their waste, greenhouse gases on account of renewables.

As part of the 11th Malaysia Plan, the country will aim to operate 2,080 MW of renewable plants by 2020, equal to 7.8% of the total installed capacity in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. This compares to just 1.8% in the Ninth Malaysia Plan from 2006 to 2010, according to the report.

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