Kuala lumpur: Strategic partnerships between government agencies, utilities, developers, and financial institutions are crucial to unlocking new opportunities and catalyzing the energy transition at scale, underscoring the importance of collective action in advancing the nation's sustainability agenda.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof praised the successful convening of the second edition of Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26) by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), highlighting its evolution into a credible platform that unites leading minds globally to exchange ideas and progress in the energy sector. The conference reflects Malaysia's strong commitment to accelerating the energy transition, marking a decisive shift from ambition to execution as the country advances its efforts towards a sustainable energy future.
Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, emphasized that Malaysia's development milestones, from rural electrification and industrialization to digital transformation, were possible due to investments in infrastructure, people, institutions, and shared purpose. He stressed that the energy transition must adopt the same approach, as it concerns the well-being and prosperity of the people.
He further stated that for Malaysia and ASEAN, the energy transition is an environmental imperative, an economic necessity, and a strategic priority. The decisions made today will influence the competitiveness of industries and the well-being of the populace for generations.
Malaysia, through TNB, plans to invest RM43 billion or US$10.8 billion from 2025 to 2027 to enhance the grid system, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) elements to boost renewable energy initiatives and advance the national energy transition aspirations.
Across Southeast Asia, electricity demand is expected to grow by approximately four to five percent annually over the next decade, driven by industrialization and urbanization, as well as new demand sources like digital infrastructure, electric vehicles, cooling demand, and AI data centers. In this context, the ASEAN Power Grid initiative exemplifies how ASEAN member states can collaborate to promote cross-border electricity trade, enhance regional energy security, and support a resilient energy future for the region.
Fadillah also pointed out that in Malaysia, the government continues to provide clear communication to investors for long-term visibility through instruments such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).