Malaysia is among the most highly developed states of the Southeast Asia region and a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). By 2050, primary energy supply in Malaysia is expected to increase by 60% over that of 2018, while the country’s population is projected to rise to more than 40-million people.

Malaysia is uniquely positioned to develop a sustainable energy system based on renewable energy that can support economic development, address climate change, and achieve energy security, universalisation and affordability goals.

This Malaysia energy transition outlook draws on IRENA’s Renewable Readiness Assessment, Renewable Energy Roadmap toolkit (REmap) and Power System Flexibility Assessment to chart possible energy pathways to 2050.

The outlook provides a comprehensive, renewables-focused, long-term energy pathway for the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system in Malaysia. It explores end-use sector electrification, the rapid expansion of renewable generation, energy efficiency solutions, the role of emerging technologies such as clean hydrogen and batteries, as well as the importance of expanding regional power sector integration, both within the country and with neighbouring countries. It also presents sector-specific technological pathways and investment opportunities that will help Malaysia to accelerate its energy transition.

Report by the Overseas Development Institute