Malaysia

Risk mitigation elements in the design of power purchase agreements

Related policy guide sections

• Power purchase agreements
• Direct power purchase agreements
• Off-taker risk mitigation

Malaysia supports renewable energy deployment through long‑term power purchase agreement (PPA) mechanisms that provide investment certainty. Renewable energy PPAs are typically 21‑year take‑and‑pay contracts, differing from fossil‑fuel PPAs, which can extend up to 25 years and include both energy and capacity payments. The Feed‑in Tariff (FiT) scheme, which supported small‑to‑mid‑scale solar deployment from 2011 until 2017, is no longer in place, having been phased out on the assumption that solar reached grid parity and its role was taken over by competitive Large Scale Solar (LSS) auctions and the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme, which offers 10‑year one‑to‑one compensation.

More recent developments include corporate PPAs piloted from 2023, virtual PPAs under the Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP), and hybrid PPAs and leasing models, which introduce greater flexibility for renewable energy investment. The CGPP quota ceiling has since been raised to 800 MW and was fully subscribed in its first year. The mechanism has now been replaced by the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS), which removes capacity‑based limits and improves prospects for corporate offtakers. However, under CRESS, the applicable System Access
Charge (SAC, or wheeling charge) remains relatively high, with current rates of about MYR 0.40/kWh for non‑firm energy and MYR 0.20/kWh for firm energy, subject to revision in each regulatory period (the next revision is expected around 2028).

From a project‑design perspective, PPAs secured with 21‑year terms (25 years for LSS4 due to price surges in 2019–2020) provide strong bankability and a standardised framework for technical and operational requirements. However, the rigid structure can limit operational flexibility and make it less attractive to sell surplus output, since many PPAs cap energy
delivery below the plant’s full capacity. For example, a facility with 55 MWac capacity may be limited to 50 MWac under the PPA, with the remaining 5 MWac exportable to the grid at a fixed, low tariff of only around MYR 0.08/kWh.

In addition, alignment with the Grid Code requires LSS projects to meet relatively stringent fault‑ride‑through (FRT) and power‑quality (PQ) requirements. These must be met by the developer or project owner, which typically translates into additional capital expenditure—such as installing capacitor banks or oversizing inverters—without a corresponding revenue uplift beyond compliance. As a result, grid‑code‑driven capex can adversely affect project economics despite improved long‑term revenue security from the PPAs.

Low Barriers

The primary off takers for renewable energy projects in Malaysia are three regional utilities with varying credit strengths. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), serving Peninsular Malaysia, holds strong investment-grade ratings (A- by S&P, A3 by Moody's, A- by Fitch) and is audited by KPMG to ensure compliance with financial reporting standards. As a publicly listed company with ~35% government ownership via Khazanah Nasional Berhad, TNB is highly creditworthy. Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), 83% owned by TNB and 17% by the Sabah State Government, benefits from both TNBʼs and state support but is less financially robust than TNB. Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), wholly owned by the Sarawak State Government, enjoys strong backing that enhances its credit profile.

In newer procurement models such as CGPP and its successor CRESS, counterparty risk is reduced because corporate offtakers contract directly with renewable generators and PV investors retain greater control over assets, limiting exposure to default. Peer‑to‑peer (P2P) energy trading is not yet implemented in Malaysia, but CGPP and CRESS can be interpreted as P2P‑style mechanisms in the corporate‑buyer segment.  https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf

Low Barriers

Malaysia’s headline inflation moderated to 1.4% in 2025, down from 1.8% in 2024, and early‑2026 readings remain in the low‑single‑digit range, with projections suggesting inflation will average around 1.5–2.5% in 2026. Renewable energy PPAs under the Feed‑in Tariff (FiT) and Large Scale Solar (LSS) schemes are not indexed to inflation, offering fixed tariffs over their 21‑year terms. This provides long‑term price certainty but exposes developers to inflation risk, unlike in some countries where PPAs include inflation indexation.

In Malaysia’s emerging corporate PPA market, terms are negotiated individually, and inflation‑adjustment clauses remain uncommon. In the context of scaling up renewables ambition, the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) has become a key instrument, allowing corporations to procure renewable power directly from generators. In 2025, two auctions (LSS5 and LSS5+) were concluded, awarding around 4 GW of new capacity, reinforcing Malaysia’s push to expand its renewable‑energy pipeline.

Low Barriers

All power purchase agreements in Malaysia’s renewable energy sector are denominated in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), with no indexation to foreign currencies. Feed‑in Tariff (FiT) rates, Large Scale Solar (LSS) tariffs, and Net Energy Metering (NEM) payments are set in sen per kWh, i.e., subunits of the Ringgit, but the underlying currency exposure remains in MYR. This creates a currency‑mismatch risk for international developers and investors who may finance projects in USD or EUR while
receiving revenues in MYR, especially given the historical volatility of the exchange rate. Between 2018 and 2023 the MYR/USD rate fluctuated between about 3.9 and 4.7, implying potential revenue swings of up to roughly 20% when converted back to foreign‑currency terms, which can
materially affect project profitability.

Medium Barriers

As of today, curtailment remains a sensitive and largely avoided tool in Malaysia’s power system. The quota for each Large Scale Solar (LSS) auction is determined only after a comprehensive grid‑capability assessment, so that awarded projects are placed within existing transmission and distribution headroom. In practice, the Grid System Operator has the right to refuse output from renewable plants in exceptional grid‑disturbance events to maintain system security, but such episodes are rare; the most recent instance occurred in 2022 and lasted for approximately 30 minutes. This reflects a regime that prioritises dispatch certainty for renewables, while retaining limited curtailment authority as a last‑resort safeguard.

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Private sector ownership of solar PV generation units is allowed and encouraged. However, foreign ownership is restricted, as the Malaysian equity interest in each company or consortium participating in the Large Scale Solar (LSS) development program must be at least 51% or a higher percentage as determined by the Commission, as specified in the key principles of the LSS Plant Development Framework. This means foreign ownership is limited to a maximum of 49%. Additionally, once participating in the LSS Plant development program, any change to the shareholding structure requireswritten approval from the Commission.  https://www.st.gov.my/contents/files/download/154/Guidelines%20on%20Large%20Scale%20Solar%20PV%20Plant%20for%20Connection%20to%20Electricity%20Network.pdf

Medium Barriers

Malaysia’s Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) has projected a net capacity expansion pathway to meet national renewable energy targets, requiring 4,466 MW of additional renewable capacity by 2025 and a further 5,080 MW after 2025 to reach the 40% target by 2035. Large Scale Solar (LSS) auctions are expected to remain a key mechanism for adding utility-scale solar capacity, although the procurement schedule is not always predictable. In practice, auction timing, bid milestones, and project timelines have varied across rounds, and recent auctions have also faced cost pressures, with some adjustments still being discussed between successful bidders and the regulator.

The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) further identifies solar parks as a core initiative for accelerating utility-scale solar deployment under the renewable energy transition lever. This approach involves coordinated land identification and development by federal and state authorities together with utilities, with the aim of supporting decarbonization efforts and improving the financial viability of large-scale solar projects. In parallel, renewable energy zones are being developed by key actors such as TNB, SJ-SEZ, and NCER to help structure GW-scale renewable energy supply for regional demand.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia uses a broad mix of procurement mechanisms to support renewable energy across market segments. The Large Scale Solar (LSS) programme, launched in 2016 by the Energy Commission, uses competitive bidding and has completed four rounds (2016–2021), awarding 1,250 MW—1,000 MW through auctions and 250 MW via direct awards—in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. The Net Energy Metering (NEM) programme, regulated by ST and implemented by SEDA, offered 10‑year contracts for PV systems under which surplus energy is exported to utilities for bill offsets. NEM evolved from the initial NEM 1.0 to a one‑to‑one offset model under NEM 2.0 (2018), and later to NEM 3.0 (2021–2023) with a 500 MW cap across sectors; as of 2025, NEM has been replaced by the Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP), which removes the previous 5 MWac capacity cap for commercial and industrial customers.
The Feed‑in Tariff (FiT), funded by a 1.6% surcharge (excluding Sarawak and low‑usage customers), allows eligible renewable projects—now limited to biomass, biogas, and small hydro—to sell electricity at premium rates. Other mechanisms include NEDA, enabling non‑PPA generators to bid into the day‑ahead market; Self Consumption (SelCo) for non‑exporting systems; the Corporate Green Power Programme (800 MW) for corporate buyers via NEDA; corporate PPAs with on‑site solar at discounted tariffs; the Green Electricity Tariff (GET) with bundled RECs; and the SARE model, which offers solar leasing with payments integrated into TNB bills. Looking ahead, Malaysia aims to intensify auction competition to drive down prices, expand prosumer models using third‑party rooftops, continue LSS under BOO concessions with 21‑year take‑and‑pay SPPAs, and maintain cost‑reflective tariffs that cover all development and operational costs.

Low Barriers

Auctions and competitive bidding were introduced in 2016 through the Large Scale Solar (LSS) programme by the Energy Commission (ST), with contracts awarded through Solar Power Purchase Agreements (SPPAs) under a BOO, take‑and‑pay, energy‑only model. The early LSS rounds were relatively small, but the programme has since expanded, and auction design continues to be viewed as a key mechanism for adding utility‑scale solar capacity after 2025.

The LSS framework is structured around a 21‑year term in which developers declare expected production and are paid at the Energy Rate up to the Maximum Annual Allowed Quantity (MAAQ); any accepted output beyond that is compensated at the Excess Energy Rate (EER). Bids are submitted through RFPs based on the expected output and yield of the proposed plant, and the Energy Rate is intended to cover EPCC, land, development, financing, O&M, and interconnection costs. While LSS has helped scale solar deployment, the auctions have become increasingly price competitive, tightening margins and making alternative platforms such as CRESS more attractive for larger-scale deployment.

Medium Barriers

The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) mechanism, established under the Renewable Energy Act, is funded by a 1.6% surcharge on electricity bills (excluding Sarawak and users below 300kWh/month). It supports Solar PV (discontinued in 2017), mini hydro, biomass, and biogas, offering 21-year contracts with technology-specific tariffs: Biomass (MYR 0.27–0.31/kWh), Biogas (MYR 0.27–0.32/kWh), Waste-to-Energy (MYR 0.27–0.31/kWh), Small Hydro (MYR 0.23–0.29/kWh), and Solar (MYR 0.50–1.77/kWh). Electricity is sold to the grid at premium rates, subject to quotas based on FiT fund availability. Solar quotas ended in 2017 and were replaced by the NEM program, while quotas for biomass, biogas, and small hydro remain active. For large-scale solar, the 21-year Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) offers fixed Energy Rates up to the Maximum Annual Accepted Quantity (MAAQ), with any excess paid at the Excess Energy Rate (EER). These rates cover all project-related costs. After 2025, plans include liberalizing NEM offtake tariffs, allowing new retail players— beyond TNB—to serve as offtakers of excess solar electricity  https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.

Low Barriers

The CGPP adopts a contract-for-difference-style mechanism, but implementation is still at an early stage, with the first projects expected to come online in 2026.

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Malaysia’s corporate renewable energy market is evolving beyond on-site PPAs and the earlier CGPP model, with CRESS becoming the more relevant flagship mechanism from 2024 onward. While on-site Corporate PPAs and CGPP helped establish the market, uptake has remained constrained by wheeling charges and other structural barriers; CRESS is intended to improve scalability, although progress has been slower than expected. Even so, the emergence of large PV+BESS proposals by TNB and UEM Lestra, reportedly linked to data-centre demand, suggests that the market is beginning to move toward larger corporate offtake arrangements.

Low Barriers

Malaysia’s self-consumption and net metering framework has moved beyond the earlier NEM structure. NEM has now been replaced by Solar ATAP, while SelCO was revised in 2024/2025; both mechanisms now remove the previous capacity limits, creating a more supportive framework for consumer-led solar adoption. A notable recent development under SelCO is the 30 MW PV / 45 MWh BESS behind-the-meter ground-mounted project being developed to meet part of KLIA’s electricity demand.

Low Barriers

There are regulatory limitations for exporting excess electricity. Under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program, customers can sell excess electricity back to the grid with a 10- year contract. The NEM scheme caps solar PV capacity at 75% of maximum demand for Medium Voltage customers or 60% of fuse ratings for Low Voltage customers.

During NEM 1.0 and 2.0, slow progress resulted from insufficient tariff payments and third-party installation restrictions. Initially, NEM had limited tariff payments, focusing on self-consumption. NEM 2.0 introduced one-to-one offset, though commercial and industrial segments still prioritize self-consumption. The Self Consumption (SelCO) program operates under zero-export rules, prohibiting grid export. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) plans to allow Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP) solar developers to sell excess power to the Single Buyer, creating new revenue sourcesand increasing investor interest  https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia has implemented specific payment provisions for excess electricity through its evolving Net Energy Metering (NEM) framework. Under NEM 1.0 (2016–2018), exported electricity was compensated at displaced cost, a rate below the retail tariff, and netted off against monthly bills. NEM 2.0 introduced a one-to-one retail tariff offset, while NEM 3.0 continued this approach and shifted greater attention to commercial and industrial users through the Net Offset Virtual Aggregation (NOVA) programme, which allows excess electricity to be credited at market price or the System Marginal Price (SMP). For Large Scale Solar (LSS) projects, excess energy may also be exported to the grid at a standard excess energy rate of MYR 0.08/kWh.

Low Barriers

The Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) allows green service providers to exempt (deduct) 70% of their statutory income. This incentive had been extended to 2023 under the Budget 2020 announcement and has now been further extended to 2026 from the 2024 budget. GITA for own consumption has been merged with GITA asset and is managed by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC). New applications can be submitted to MGTC effective from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2026.
The Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE) allows 70% of Qualifying Capital Expenditure (QCE) incurred to be offset against 70% of statutory income to reduce tax liability. It has been extended to 2023 under the Budget 2020 announcement. Additionally, there is a new GITE specifically for solar leasing companies, allowing 70% of statutory income for these companies to be offset for up to 10 years of assessmenthttps://www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf https://www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf
Qualifying activities under GITA (own consumption) include renewable energy projects, energy efficiency projects, green building, green data center, and integrated wastemanagement www.mida.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Guideline-Green-Technology-Incentive-2024-MIDA.pdf

Low Barriers

Malaysia offers several financial mechanisms to lower upfront costs for renewable energy projects. The Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS), now in its fourth iteration (GTFS 4.0 launched in 2023), provides a 1.5% interest rebate and 60–80% loan guarantees, valid through the end of 2025 www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf. The scheme blends Islamic (47%) and conventional (53%) financing and has supported 11 solar farms and 3 rooftop projects. Managed by Danajamin, GTFS 3.0and 4.0 address gaps from earlier versions. Islamic finance options also include Green Sukuk (Shariah-compliant green bonds), which have funded five renewable energy projects. Additional support comes from the Credit Guarantee Corporation and Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhadʼs High Technology Fund. Under the ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2022-09/National_Energy_Policy_2022-2040.pdf, matching government grants further support early-stage alternative energy projects, including proof-of-concept, deployment, and scale-up.

Low Barriers

Malaysia's national Fund-of-Funds (NFoF) invests in other funds rather than directly in stocks or businesses. It primarily focuses on Venture Capital/Private Equity to support new businesses including startups and operates with a MYR 1 Billion fund since November 2024.
The National Energy Transition Roadmap introduces a National Energy Transition Facility (NETF) with an initial seed fund of RM2 billion. This facility will explore catalytic blended finance platforms to expedite capital mobilization for energy transition projects

Low Barriers

Malaysia also offers additional financial mechanisms to support renewable energy uptake. TNB’s Supply Agreement for Renewable Energy (SARE) combines leasing payments with electricity bills in a one-stop billing arrangement, which helps reduce counterparty risk for registered PV investors administered by SEDA. Green Tariff products are also available, but the pricing is not fixed: rates vary by year depending on REC availability, and the current premium is lower at around MYR 0.03/kWh.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia still does not have a broad economy-wide carbon tax in force, but the policy direction has clearly shifted toward carbon pricing. The Bursa Carbon exchange (BCX), launched in 2022, remains a voluntary carbon market for trading carbon credits and RECs, while the Green Electricity Tariff (GET) continues as a premium green-power option backed by RECs. At the same time, the government has now signaled that a carbon tax will be introduced in 2026, initially targeting the iron, steel, and energy sectors, suggesting a more formal mechanism will begin to complement the existing voluntary instruments.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia does not currently have a mandatory emissions trading scheme in place. The Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX) is a voluntary carbon market rather than a regulated emissions trading system. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) indicates plans to "roll out carbon pricing mechanism" that would be "phased and meticulously calibrated" to send market signals on decarbonization, but this appears to be in development rather than already implemented www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.

High Barriers

Malaysia has begun using geospatial planning to support renewable energy deployment through the Renewable Energy Zone (RE Zone) concept, which links generation, transmission, storage, demand management, and consumption within designated areas such as industrial parks, residential zones, and data centres. The NETR also supports identifying suitable sites for solar parks through collaboration among federal and state governments and utilities, with the aim of accelerating utility-scale solar and decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors.

Key examples include centrally developed LSS parks near highways and economic corridors, hybrid hydro-hydrogen-solar potential at TNB hydro dams, and residential solar initiatives such as Solar Rakyat Plus and rooftop leasing models. Overall, the approach suggests a more spatially coordinated pipeline for renewable energy, rather than isolated project-by-project development.

Low Barriers

Centralized Large Scale Solar (LSS) parks, co-developed by TNB, are planned in strategic locations near highways and economic corridors, targeting 100 MW per site across five states. Designated areas also exist for Hybrid Hydro-Hydrogen-Solar PV development at TNB hydro dams. Large-scale projects require approvals including EIA, SIA, DO, HIA, EMP, and WMP, as well as engagement with local NGOs and communities to protect livelihoods https://www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf

Low Barriers

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The Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga, ST) oversees the Large Scale Solar (LSS) development process through Request for Proposal (RFP) documents, which include the Guidelines for LSS PV Connection to Electricity Network. These outline permitting requirements and technical standards. LSS developers must obtain permits from local authorities and comply with national regulations, including submission of an approved Power System Study (PSS) by the Grid Owner or Distribution Licensee. The Commission manages the overall process, evaluates submissions, and issues licenses under Section 9 of the Electricity Supply Act 1990. Two license types exist under the Electricity Regulations 1994: Private Licenses (for self-use) and Public Licenses (for supplying others). Key entities involved include the Energy Commission (approvals and guidelines), Distribution Licensees (TNB or SESB) for connection approvals, the Grid Owner for transmission approvals, and local authorities for permitting. Licensing applications must be submitted online at oas.st.gov.my

Low Barriers

For large hydro projects, detailed documentation is required,
including EIA, SIA, Development Order (DO), Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Wildlife Management Plan (WMP), and any other approvals required by the state government. More broadly, projects above a certain scale, such as those involving more than 20 hectares of land use, are typically subject to ESIA requirements. While states with higher renewable energy activity may apply their own additional guidelines, these remain governed by the federal ESIA framework.

Medium Barriers

www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf highlights the need to improve public awareness of clean electricity generation for climate change mitigation, noting current gaps in public understanding. As part of a ‘Rakyat-centricʼ (people-centered) approach, the National Energy Transition Roadmap includes community-focused initiatives to build public support for renewable energy. Key measures include enhancing energy literacy among students, SMEs, and consumers; strengthening the Malaysia Energy Literacy Program (MELP); integrating energy awareness into school curricula; and implementing targeted communication and community support plans  https://ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf. These efforts aim to foster community resilience and shift public behavior toward more sustainable energy use.

Medium Barriers

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Key parties, e.g. ST, SEDA, TNB and the PV industry are collaborating to facilitate approval process for NEM in an effort initiated since 2019, so admin process could be reduced by approximately 30% www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf. However, renewable energy projects still need to go through the state One-Stop Centre, where relevant authorities review compliance with local technical, land, and infrastructure requirements.

Medium Barriers

The New Enhanced Dispatch Arrangement (NEDA), established in 2015, governs generation scheduling by the Single Buyer in Malaysia but has been closed to new solar price‑taker applications since Q4 2020 due to capacity limits. Under the Renewable Energy Act 2011, renewables are granted priority dispatch, requiring distribution licensees to purchase all available electricity from feed‑in approval holders unless exempted by the Authority. In practice, all renewable generation that is dispatched under the Grid System Operator’s planning is treated as must‑take energy, providing project owners with a high degree of dispatch certainty.

The MESI 2.0 reform initiative aims to open the electricity market, enhance competition, and place renewable energy at its core by focusing on consumer empowerment, flexibility, and cost efficiency, although implementation remains uneven. To support higher Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) integration, the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER) highlights a suite of measures, including VRE forecasting, renewable energy coordination centres, updated connection guidelines, shorter dispatch intervals, and enhanced grid flexibility via fast‑response gas plants.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia has set several government‑level goals to support renewable energy economics, including an Incentive‑Based Regulation (IBR) framework for affordable and secure tariffs, least‑cost dispatch to encourage market liberalization and lower grid costs, and an optimal generation expansion plan. For transmission‑connected Large Scale Solar (LSS) plants, specific dispatch rules apply: they are treated as “must‑run” units, not subject to merit‑order dispatch, and are allowed to self‑dispatch up to their maximum output, thereby reinforcing their role in the economic dispatch system.

The Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap and international bodies such as the World Bank treat all hydropower capacity as renewable. This is evident in cases such as Sarawak’s energy mix, where large‑scale hydropower (e.g., Bakun, Murum, Batang Ai, each above 1 GW) is central to a claimed >60% renewable share in installed capacity, highlighting the difference between statistical classification and policy definitions.

Low Barriers

For fossil fuel power plants, there are indeed guarantee arrangements in place. Independent Power Producers (IPPs) secure 21-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for gas-fired power plants and 25-year PPAs for coal-fired plants with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
 
These contracts require conventional power plants to maintain constant availability. The payment structure from the Single Buyer to generators under these PPAs includes both energy payments (for actual electricity produced) and capacity payments (for being available regardless of actual dispatch). This capacity payment component effectively functions as a guarantee mechanism that ensures revenue stability for fossil fuel plants independent of their actual electricity production.
 In contrast, renewable energy projects under Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and Large Scale Solar (LSS) mechanisms operate under a different principle - the "take-and-pay" approach for a period of 21 years, where the off-taker accepts the supplied electricity whenever it is available. www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf

High Barriers

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The master plan for Peninsular Malaysia includes the deployment of five battery energy storage units with an annual addition of 100 MW from 2030 to 2034, as part of a broader strategy to manage higher solar penetration. The capacity development plan (2020) already envisages utility‑scale energy storage post‑2025, while pilot projects are being rolled out to generate real‑time operational data and optimize storage use within existing grid‑management regimes. Under the National Capacity Target (NCT) scenario, solar could exceed 24% of peak demand by 2025, underscoring the need for flexible storage solutions to maintain system stability.

In 2025, Malaysia held its first stand‑alone BESS bidding round under the MyBESS programme (400 MW / 1,600 MWh), allowing bidders to propose either arbitrage or ancillary‑services use, with charging costs set at approximately 20 sen/kWh.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia has launched several initiatives to promote dispatchable renewable energy, particularly bioenergy, as outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap. The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) mechanism supports biomass co-firing in coal plants, with a key project being the 100 MW Tanjung Bin Power Plant, which will begin pilot co-firing of up to 15% biomass in 2024. As the worldʼs second-largest palm oil producer, Malaysia is also advancing bioenergy through research into Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (BioCNG) and bio-based solid fuels for fossil fuel substitution. The country has introduced B15 biodiesel blending mandates, with a target of B30 for land transport by 2030 when feasible. To improve supply chain efficiency, the government is facilitating biomass clustering to ensure supply security and lower aggregation costs. ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf

Medium Barriers

ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf includes plans to expand the virtual aggregation model for rooftop solar through the Nova aggregation mechanism, focusing on government and residential buildings. An 8-month pilot peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading project enabled prosumers to sell excess solar electricity directly to consumers at potentially higher rates than those under the standard net energy metering scheme. To support such models, the government is developing a framework for third-party grid access and wheeling charges, paving the way for corporate PPAs. P2P trading is also being explored as a market-based, subsidy-free solution to support renewable energy growth. Pilot projects by companies like Power Ledger, Electrify, Solar NRG, and LO3 Energy have tested P2P concepts, with future developments potentially involving fractionalized energy assets and utility-scale storage offering 'storage-as-a-service'https://www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia is implementing operational measures to increase flexibility of fossil fuel plants to increase flexibility of existing fossil fuel plants and plan for the introduction of fast- response gas plants. Under the New Capacity Target scenario (NCT), there will be no new coal plants post-2025, and some existing coal plants will be replaced with RE and gas- fired plants  https://www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf. The government is
also implementing measures to improve dispatching of generation by shortening dispatch intervals to half-hour intervals, and allowing updates of generation schedule shortly before dispatch. These operational measures suggest Malaysia is working toward greater fossil fuel plant flexibility to accommodate increased variable renewable energy (VRE) penetration www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf.

Medium Barriers

Malaysiaʼs Enhanced Time of Use (ETOU) tariff scheme encourages demand-side management by offering commercial and industrial customers (C tariff category and
above) variable rates across three energy charge time zones (Peak, Mid-Peak, Off-Peak) and two maximum demand charge zones. Peak tariffs range from USD 0.07 to 0.11 per
kWh, while off-peak rates are around USD 0.04 per kWh, incentivizing reduced consumption during peak hours. The National Energy Policy 2022-2040 includes an action plan (A12) to scale up demand-side management, featuring the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Bill for regulatory oversight, national standard Energy Performance Contracts, standardized measurement and verification guidelines, a knowledge-sharing platform, a specialized Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS), and mandatory energy audits for energy-intensive industries. Additionally, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is advancing ‘Grid of the Futureʼ smart grid initiatives with real-time grid load monitoring to enhance demand-side management www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.

Low Barriers

Incentives for smart charging can be considered a subset of demand flexibility. In Malaysia, while there is time-of-use (ToU) pricing in place, there are currently no specific incentives tailored for EV charging.

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Malaysia offers time‑differentiated pricing through the Enhanced Time of Use (ETOU) tariff scheme, which divides the day into three periods—Peak, Mid‑Peak, and Off‑Peak—on weekdays, while weekends and public holidays are charged at a single Off‑Peak rate. The scheme is currently optional and primarily targeted at commercial and industrial consumers, with tariff levels roughly in the range of USD 0.07–0.11/kWh during peak hours and around USD 0.04/kWh off‑peak. Under the Incentive Based Regulation (IBR) Regulatory Period 4, announced in July 2025, the time‑of‑use framework is being broadened to cover all consumer types in Peninsular Malaysia, with domestic users given the option to participate, thereby deepening demand‑side flexibility beyond the existing commercial and industrial base.

Medium Barriers

www.st.gov.my/contents/files/download/169/REPORT_ON_PENINSULAR_MALAYSIA_GENERATION_DEVELOPMENT_PLAN_2019_(2020_%E2%80%93_2030).pdf www.st.gov.my/contents/files/download/169/REPORT_ON_PENINSULAR_MALAYSIA_GENERATION_DEVELOPMENT_PLAN_2019_(2020_%E2%80%93_2030).pdf outlines key transmission expansions under the 1.5-S RE90 scenario, targeting 2030 and 2040 milestones. By 2030, transmission-level domestic expansions are planned, including 1.2 GW connections to Singapore and Sarawak-Peninsular Malaysia. By 2040, further integration within Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah is planned, alongside an 8 GW Peninsular-Sarawak line, a 3 GW Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan interconnection, and nearly 600 MW linkage with Thailand. The National Energy Policy 2022-2040ʼs Action Plan B7 supports these by enhancing regional grid connectivity to improve system stability, share backup capacity, and leverage ASEAN power grids for reserve optimization and electricity trade. The National Energy Transition Roadmap projects substantial investments in transmission, distribution, battery storage, and grid reliability through 2050 to support growing renewable energy integration www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.

Medium Barriers

Malaysiaʼs grid expansion plans align closely with its renewable energy goals. In Peninsular Malaysia, TNB targets 20% renewable capacity by 2025 and aims for net zero by 2050, including a 35% reduction in carbon intensity and halving coal capacity by 2035. The latest generation plan (2021-2039) seeks a 31% renewable share by 2025, adding 1,178 MW—mostly solar PV. Sabahʼs grid, reliant on aging natural gas plants, plans expansion and interconnections to improve supply and boost renewables, targeting 20% renewable energy by 2025. The National Energy Policy 2022-2040ʼs Action Plan B7 emphasizes enhancing regional grid interconnectivity, strategically supporting renewable integration by leveraging Sabah-Sarawak links to unlock Sarawakʼs hydropower and ASEAN grid ties to improve system stability and reserve margins, crucial for higher renewable penetration www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.

Medium Barriers

While Malaysia has established some groundwork for distribution system planning that considers renewables, the details about comprehensive distribution upgrade planning specifically for distributed generation are limited in the provided information. The Distribution Code established in 2010 provides technical regulations for systematic distribution operations, but there's no explicit mention of updates to accommodate the energy transition. TNB aims for a more flexible enhanced grid that should allow for renewable integration and EV charging, with plans for smart meters and voltage flow optimization. Studies show technical feasibility for integrating solar energy up to 27% of peak demand by 2025, and plans include battery energy storage system installations (100 MW units annually from 2030-2034) to address stability concerns as solar penetration reaches 30% by 2035. However, unlike the Philippines example, the information doesn't address potential institutional capacity issues among smaller utilities, concerns about the "grid death spiral" or specific incentive mechanisms to encourage distributed energy resource adoption. The materials focus more on transmission-level planning than on detailed distribution network upgrade strategies specifically designed for increasing shares of distributed generation www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf

Medium Barriers

Currently, the government allows for cross-border sales through a pilot project to wheel 100 MW of power, with a planned 50 MW connection between Sabah and Sarawak due to be commissioned in 2022 www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.
ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf includes initiative RE6 to establish a renewable energy exchange hub for cross-border RE trading by creating a market aggregator, developing necessary regulations, upgrading interconnections with neighboring countries, and setting up bilateral or multi-lateral power trading arrangements.
Action Plan B7 from the ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2022-09/National_Energy_Policy_2022-2040.pdf focuses on enhancing regional and international grid connectivity, particularly leveraging ASEAN interconnectivity to improve energy security and share indigenous reserve margins.
Malaysia is a participating member of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative and plans to 'future-proof' its electricity supply industry with flexible solutions for developing RE trading infrastructure. These regional integration efforts are recognized as important enablers for accommodating higher shares of variable renewable energy resources.

Low Barriers

Malaysia is currently developing and working toward implementing third-party access (TPA) to the electricity grid, though it is not yet a guaranteed right. The 10-year MESI 2.0 master plan approved in 2019 includes objectives to establish a TPA framework and set network charges to enable third parties to use the grid infrastructure. This effort is reinforced by ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf, particularly initiative RE5, which focuses on transparent wheeling fee mechanisms to support renewable energy and allows solar developers under the Corporate Green Power Programme to sell excess power to the Single Buyer, thus unlocking new revenue streams. The Energy Commission (ST) is actively defining TPA rules and wheeling charges, in a process similar to Thailandʼs ongoing consultations and regulatory developments. Meanwhile, the New Enhanced Dispatch Arrangement (NEDA) permits merchant generators to supply power without PPAs, marking a partial move toward open access. However, full and non-discriminatory TPA implementation remains a long-term goal planned through 2035, with progress ongoing but regulatory frameworks still awaited by stakeholders.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia is focusing on developing frameworks for direct power purchase through virtual mechanisms rather than establishing formal rules for private, direct grid lines. Interest in peer-to-peer electricity trading has emerged among rooftop solar PV and small hydropower projects, with pilot programs led by SEDA. The Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP), launched in November 2022 with a 600 MW quota, uses virtual Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), indicating a preference for utilizing shared grid infrastructure instead of private lines www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf. While corporate PPAs offer a pathway for selling power directly to end users, overcoming power wheeling charges remains a key challenge. The MESI 2.0 master planʼs goal to set up third-party access frameworks and network charges further supports access via common infrastructure rather than private grid lines. Unlike Thailandʼs allowance of direct private grid lines in the Eastern Economic Corridor or the Philippinesʼ developer-owned transmission lines, Malaysia currently lacks explicit provisions for private, direct grid connections www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.

High Barriers

Malaysiaʼs Energy Commission (ST) is actively developing a framework to define third- party access (TPA) rules and wheeling charges for grid use, which are crucial for enabling off-site, or ‘front-of-meter,ʼ Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). While on-site corporate PPAs are currently feasible under existing regulations, off-site PPAs depend on this forthcoming framework to establish transmission protocols and costs. The design of wheeling charges will significantly impact the economic viability of transporting renewable energy through the public grid. This effort aligns with the National Energy Transition Roadmapʼs initiative RE5, which aims to create a transparent TPA mechanism
and allow Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP) solar developers to sell excess power to the Single Buyer. As the wheeling charge structure is still under development, its finalization will be key in determining the competitiveness and attractiveness of renewable energy projects using the national grid for power delivery.  https://www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf

High Barriers

Malaysiaʼs Grid Code and Distribution Code, published by the Energy Commission (ST) in December 2010, set the technical and regulatory standards for coordinating electricity supply activities among suppliers, grid operators, distributors, and consumers www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.

High Barriers

Malaysia appears to have plans for supporting distributed generation through rooftop solar initiatives. The National Energy Transition Roadmap's initiative RE3 focuses on expanding virtual aggregation models for rooftop solar, including programs for government, residential, corporate, and industrial buildings

High Barriers

In Malaysia, renewable energy producers are responsible for building the connection line to the next existing grid connection point and may also be responsible for grid upgrades, indicating a deep connection charging approach is applied.For biomass developers, projects located more than 7 kilometers from the grid require the developer to set up the connection themselves. This additional cost burden makes many projects economically unfeasible. For example, to connect to the grid in the Sabah region, renewable energy producers need to build transmission lines to the nearest sub-station or existing transmission grid. The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) is not sufficient to cover these grid costs. For Large Scale Solar (LSS) projects, all costs associated with the connection of LSS Plants and power system studies (PSS) must be borne by the LSS Developer. This includes:
Land acquisition and obtaining necessary permits from relevant local authorities.
Design, procurement, construction, commissioning, testing and completion of:
• the Facility
• the SPP Interconnection Facility (IF)
• the SPP Interconnector
 
Additionally, the interconnection feeder must use circuit breakers provided by the LSS Developer. All costs, including any modifications or extensions to existing substations needed to accommodate the connection of LSS Plants to the grid, are also the responsibility of the LSS Developer. www.st.gov.my/contents/files/download/154/Guidelines%20on%20Large%20Scale%20Solar%20PV%20Plant%20for%20Connection%20to%20Electricity%20Network.pdf.

High Barriers

Malaysiaʼs Grid Code incorporates detailed technical standards for variable renewable energy (VRE), including requirements for frequency response, reactive power capability, voltage variation limits, fault ride-through, and ramp rate controls. Specific provisions also address distribution-connected solar PV systems, mandating low voltage and frequency disturbance ride-through, power ramp control, and reactive power management, with clear links to Smart Inverter Functions as defined in the Distribution Code. Looking ahead, Malaysia plans to further develop its grid and distribution codes for VRE by adopting global best practices, alongside establishing third-party access frameworks and network connection rules. Concurrently, smart grid technologies are being advanced to enable real-time grid monitoring, enhanced demand and generation forecasting, and improved operational flexibility, all of which will facilitate higher integration of variable renewable energy sources. www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf.

Low Barriers

Malaysiaʼs smart grid development is a key pillar in its energy transition, with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) leading efforts through the “Grid of the Futureˮ initiative aimed at creating a more flexible, efficient, and resilient grid in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf. This modernization includes deploying smart meters, optimizing voltage flows, and enabling better integration of
renewables and electric vehicle charging. Capital investments linked to energy transition rose from 12.3% (2018–2021) to a projected 19.3% by 2024 www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf. These smart grid technologies enhance real-time monitoring and control of grid and distributed assets, providing detailed insights into local grid conditions, supporting improved planning, piloting grid upgrades, and facilitating variable renewable energy (VRE)
deployment. They also enable effective management of network constraints and optimize demand-side resources like demand response, distributed generation, and storage to boost overall grid flexibility.

Medium Barriers

Malaysiaʼs National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) oversees control of the Peninsular Malaysia power system, while Regional Control Centres (RCC) monitor the distribution networks. Large Scale Solar (LSS) Plants must be equipped with Power Plant Controllers (PPCs), which allow external control of plant output by managing reactive power through inverter coordination, transformer tap changers, and compensation devices to maintain voltage stability. PPCs also enable active and reactive power management. Additionally, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are mandatory for LSS plants of 1 MW and above, providing real-time monitoring of key parameters such as frequency, voltage, current, power flows, circuit breaker status, and relay signals. These capabilities allow LSS plants to operate more like conventional generators, actively supporting grid reliability and stability and adding significant value to utilities and the System Operator www.st.gov.my/contents/files/download/154/Guidelines%20on%20Large%20Scale%20Solar%20PV%20Plant%20for%20Connection%20to%20Electricity%20Network.pdf.

Low Barriers

Renewable energy producers in Malaysia, particularly Large Scale Solar (LSS) Plants, are mandated to provide real-time operational data to the grid operator. All LSS Plants with a capacity of 1 MW and above must have a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system that monitors key parameters such as frequency, voltage, current, real and reactive power flows, and circuit breaker status for the Distribution System operator. Transmission-connected LSS Plants are also required to have telemetry facilities communicating with the National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) SCADA via the IEC60870- 5-104 protocol, providing continuous plant and site weather data with backup power to ensure uninterrupted operation during grid outages. Additionally, developers must install at least one pyranometer and one full weather station per 10 MW of plant capacity, transmitting real-time data to the NLDC via telemetry and internet web services, supported by independent backup power. Secure communication links must allow the NLDC continuous online access to these measurement signals. Smart Inverter Functions further enable remote monitoring and control through SCADA for LSS Plants 1 MW and above, enhancing grid integration and operational flexibility www.st.gov.my/contents/files/download/154/Guidelines%20on%20Large%20Scale%20Solar%20PV%20Plant%20for%20Connection%20to%20Electricity%20Network.pdf .

Low Barriers

Not Assessed

–

The deployment of smart grid is an on-going effort by TNB through their investment in the Grid of the Future. Malaysia's ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf, as part of the implementation of LCNA 2040 under the Twelfth Plan (2021-2025), specifically includes a strategic initiative to 'Increase usage of smart meter and smart grid as well as upgrade grid.

Medium Barriers

The Responsible Transition Pathway 2050 outlines a shift from fossil fuels—currently 96% of the energy mix in 2023—to a more sustainable system where renewables like solar, hydro, and bioenergy will constitute 23% of total primary energy by 2050, with natural gas serving as a transitional fuel. Malaysiaʼs updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commits to a 45% reduction in carbon intensity per GDP by 2030 relative to 2005 levels, with the electricity sector aiming for a 60% reduction in GHG emissions intensity by 2035. Key national players have announced net zero targets: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) targets net zero by 2050 with plans to halve coal capacity by 2035, PETRONAS aims for net zero by 2050, and major investment firms like PNB and Khazanah Nasional have also committed to similar goals. Regional targets include Peninsular Malaysia aiming for a 45% reduction in power sector carbon intensity by 2030, Sabah targeting a 41-46% reduction, and Sarawak showing significant progress with hydroelectric projects, expecting further reductions as renewable deployment expands. www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf &  https://www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf.

Low Barriers

ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf outlines the Responsible Transition (RT) Pathway 2050, which centers on six key levers—Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Hydrogen, Bioenergy, Green Mobility, and Carbon Capture (CCUS)—supported by enablers like financing, policy, human capital, technology, and governance. For the electricity sector, sub-targets include TNBʼs commitment to reduce emission intensity by 35% and halve coal capacity by 2035, a national carbon intensity reduction target of 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels), and an increased renewable energy target rising from 40%installed capacity in 2035 to 70% by 2050. Major stakeholders such as PETRONAS and national investment firms PNB and Khazanah Nasional have also committed to net zero by 2050. Implementation strategies encompass 10 flagship catalyst projects, focused investments, international partnerships, strengthened policies, and broad stakeholder
engagement through over 100 consultations to ensure alignment with national priorities.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia has developed the Carbon Pricing instrument through the Ministry of Finance (MOF), as indicated in the "Complementary Plans" section of ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf. This represents a market-based approach to internalize the negative externalities of fossil fuels. While specific emission standards for power plants (such as a CO2 threshold) aren't explicitly mentioned in the provided information, the development of a carbon pricing mechanism indicates Malaysia is moving toward putting a price on carbon emissions. The country is also developing a Natural Gas Roadmap
(NGR) to optimize indigenous natural gas resources while supporting the energy transition, suggesting a managed approach to fossil fuel use rather than an immediate phase-out.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, a goal announced by the Prime Minister in 2021 and included in the 12th Malaysia Plan. ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf reinforces this commitment, targeting a 32% reduction in energy sector GHG emissions by 2050 compared to 2019 levels, and reducing fossil fuel reliance from 96% in 2023 to 77% by 2050 through the Responsible Transition Pathway. Renewable sources like solar, hydro, and bioenergy are expected to increase their share of total primary energy supply from 4% in 2023 to 23% by 2050.

Low Barriers

Malaysia aspires to reach Net Zero by 2050. ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf outlines the Responsible Transition (RT) Pathway 2050, which centers on six key levers—Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Hydrogen, Bioenergy, Green Mobility, and Carbon Capture (CCUS)—supported by five enablers: financing, policy regulation, human capital, technology, and governance. For the electricity sector, specific targets include Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) aiming to reduce emission intensity by 35% and halve coal generation capacity by 2035, a national goal to cut carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 (relative to 2005), and raising renewable energyʼs share from 40% installed capacity by 2035 to 70% by 2050. Major energy players like PETRONAS and national investment bodies such as Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and Khazanah Nasional have also committed to net zero by 2050. Implementation plans involve 10 flagship catalyst projects, targeted investments, international collaboration, policy strengthening, and broad stakeholder engagement with over 100 consultations to align with national strategies.

Medium Barriers

Malaysiaʼs Renewable Energy Roadmap www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf sets ambitious targets to increase the share of renewable energy in the national installed capacity mix from 23% (8.5 GW) to 31% (12.9 GW) by 2025 and 40% (18.0 GW) by 2035. These targets have been further revised upward under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), aiming for a 70% renewable energy share by 2050. Regionally, Peninsular Malaysia targets 8,531 MW (26%) by 2025 and 10,344 MW (32%) by 2035; Sabah aims for 482 MW (18%) by 2025 and 1,571 MW (48%) by 2035; while Sarawak plans for 3,903 MW (60%) by 2025 and 5,480 MW (69%) by 2035. Supporting policies promote self-consumption of solar PV through Net Energy Metering, expanded solar installations in government buildings, and allow industrial prosumers to bank energy through an electricity recharge system.

Medium Barriers

Not Assessed

–

Not Assessed

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Malaysia has set short-term targets for 2025 with a total RE capacity of 12,916 MW (31% RE share in installed capacity) and mid-term targets for 2035 reaching 17,995 MW (40% RE share). According to ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf, these targets have been further extended with a revised long-term target for installed RE capacity from 40% in 2035 to 70% in 2050. This higher target is expected to generate new economic opportunities by attracting multinational companies, especially those committed to 100% renewable energy.
Peninsular Malaysia aims to achieve 8,531 MW by 2025 (26% share) increasing to 10,944 MW by 2035 (32% share), with solar penetration reaching 24% of peak demand in 2025 and growing to 50% by 2035. Sabah targets 482 MW by 2025 (18% share) expanding to 1,571 MW by 2035 (48% share). Sarawak plans for 3,903 MW by 2025 (60% share)growing to 5,480 MW by 2035 (69% share).

Low Barriers

Malaysia has overarching targets for renewable energy in the energy sector as outlined in the www.mgtc.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Green-Technology-Master-Plan-Malaysia-2017-20301.pdf which aims for 20% renewable energy capacity in the total generation mix by 2020 (2,080 MW, excluding large hydropower), 23% by 2025, and 30% by 2030 (4,000 MW). The Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER) from 2021 extends this with a target of 40% renewable energy installed capacity or 18 GW by 2035, with 7.3 GW projected to be solar PV. While these power sector targets are clearly defined, Malaysia lacks specific renewable energy targets for other sub-sectors. The provided information states that "renewable energy targets should also be translated across other end-use consumption such as in the transport and industry sectors, which still rely heavily on fossil fuels," indicating an absence of comprehensive sub-sectoral targets.

Medium Barriers

Peninsular Malaysiaʼs latest generation development plan targets a 31% renewable energy (RE) capacity share by 2025, up from the initial 20% target (excluding large hydropower), with a further increase to 40% by 2035. ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf has raised this target significantly to 70% RE capacity by 2050, aiming to attract multinational companies committed to 100% renewable energy. TNB plans to achieve 20% RE capacity by 2025, primarily through solar expansion. Nationally, Malaysia targets 31% RE share (12,916 MW) by 2025 and 40% (17,995 MW) by 2035, with regional targets varying—Peninsular Malaysia at 26% (2025) and 32% (2035), Sabah at 18% and 48%,and Sarawak at 60% and 69%. To support these ambitions, the government is enhancing the national grid, incorporating smart grid technologies and enabling third-party access to better integrate large-scale utility projects and accommodate higher RE shares

Low Barriers

Malaysia has technology-specific targets for solar PV with 4,706 MW planned by 2025, increasing to 7,280 MW by 2035. In Peninsular Malaysia, solar penetration in peak demand is targeted to reach 24% by 2025 and grow to 50% by 2035. There are no specific targets mentioned for wind deployment in the provided information. The MyRER advocates for a gradual roll-out of energy storage systems to support increasing solar integration. No specific targets for distributed generation or rooftop PV are mentioned in the provided materials. www.seda.gov.my/reportal/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MyRER_webVer-1.pdf.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia has established minimum energy performance standards and labeling for washing machines, refrigerators and air conditioners, but these relate to energy efficiency rather than renewable energy targets for the heating and cooling sectorhttps://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/4d0d7d7d-0ace-4de4-94cf-7c51a0a1517a/DecarbonisationpathwaysforSoutheastAsia.pdf https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/4d0d7d7d-0ace-4de4-94cf-7c51a0a1517a/DecarbonisationpathwaysforSoutheastAsia.pdf

High Barriers

Malaysiaʼs biodiesel blending program, initiated under the National Biofuel Policy in 2006, mandates B10 for road transport and B7 for industrial use, reaching a 7% blending rate by 2015. Plans to increase to B20 by 2020 were delayed due to COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), building on the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint, sets ambitious transport sector targets including raising public transportʼs modal share to 60% by 2040 and 2050, achieving 80% electric vehicle (EV) fleet penetration, and increasing biodiesel blend usage to B30 with 80% fleet adoption https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf. NETR also emphasizes fostering local EV manufacturing with a 90% domestic production goal. Given that light vehicles account for 85% of transport emissions (55 MtCO2eq), key strategies include improving fuel economy, expanding EV charging infrastructure, and incentivizing local EV industry growth. Malaysia targets 100% electrification or alternative fuels (CNG, LPG, biofuel) for cars by 2030, alongside goals for electric motorcycles and biomass integration in industry through the National Biomass Industry Action Plan.

Medium Barriers

Malaysia is advancing green hydrogen production through initiatives outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which targets phasing out grey hydrogen by 2050 and producing up to 2.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of green hydrogen by the same year, supported by renewable sources like hydro and solar. The roadmap includes establishing one low-carbon hydrogen hub by 2030 and two more by 2040. PETRONAS aims to produce 50,000 tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen by 2027. Sarawak, leveraging its hydropower capacity, plans to produce significant volumes of green and blue ammonia (2.1 Mt) and hydrogen (0.2 Mt) for export and domestic transport. Collaborative projects such as H2biscus and H2ornbill, involving Korean and Japanese partners, focus on hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol production, aligning with Sarawakʼs Hydrogen Economy Roadmap to develop the stateʼs economy by 2030  https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2022/Sep/IRENA_Renewable_energy_outlook_ASEAN_2022.pdf. IRENA projects Malaysiaʼs domestic hydrogen demand to rise from 25 PJ in 2030 to 215 PJ by 2050.

Low Barriers

Malaysia has conducted a Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) led by the government with IRENAʼs technical support, involving diverse stakeholders like ministries, utilities, developers, financiers, civil society, and academia www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf. The Renewable Energy Act 2011 mandates formal monitoring and reporting of the feed-in tariff systemʼs implementation and performance through annual reports submitted to the Minister, covering key indicators such as tariff rates, fund status, compliance, and operational issues. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) was developed by a multi-agency project team including the Energy Commission, SEDA, MGTC, PETRONAS, and TNB, involving extensive consultations and review of existing policies. Together, these structures ensure Malaysia has robust institutions and regular reporting mechanisms to track renewable energy progress and regulatory compliance.

Low Barriers

Malaysia's approach to local community inclusion in siting decisions is partially addressed through documentation requirements, particularly for large hydropower projects. The utilities must provide Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Social Impact Assessment (SIA), Development Order (DO), Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), Environmental Management Plan (EMP), and Wildlife Management Plan (WMP), along with other approvals required by the state government. There are mentioned "negotiation and compensation costs for relocations and resettlements of the local people" for large hydro projects, suggesting some level of community engagement, though the specific mechanisms for early-stage consultation are not detailed. The Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) process in Malaysia involved multiple stakeholders including civil society, but the information provided does not specify whether this process includes direct local community consultation for specific project siting decisions or if there are mandatory community engagement requirements for renewable energy projects www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.

Medium Barriers

Not Assessed

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Not Assessed

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Malaysia has conducted comprehensive assessments of the socio-economic benefits of renewable energy deployment as part of its national energy planning. The National Energy Policy identifies several quantifiable benefits across economic development, energy security, and environmental sustainability dimensions.
Economic benefits include an increase in GDP contribution (1.0%-1.5% added to GDP, totaling approximately RM260 billion) and significant job creation (207,000 additional jobs, primarily in green economy sectors). The policy also projects new foreign direct investment opportunities related to the low-carbon economy www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.
From an energy security perspective, the increased penetration of indigenous renewable energy sources reduces reliance on energy imports while enhancing energy source diversification, with projections to lower the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) of the primary energy mix from 0.5 in 2020 to 0.3 by 2040 (https://ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2022-09/National_Energy_Policy_2022-2040.pdf). ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf builds on these assessments, outlining 50 initiatives that are projected to uplift GDP value from RM25 billion in 2023 to RM220 billion and generate 310,000 jobs by 2050 through energy transition implementation.

Low Barriers

Not Assessed

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Malaysia's National Energy Policy includes specific initiatives focused on re-skilling and up-skilling programs under the "Human Capital and Just Transition" enabler. Initiative EN7 explicitly calls for "Develop and roll out targeted green skilling programmes" which includes implementing "reskill and upskill programmes for affected workforce" and establishing "strategic partnerships with local universities and industry partners to enhance green skills." Additionally, initiative EN8 focuses on developing community support programs for affected communities and regions.
ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-09/National%20Energy%20Transition%20Roadmap_0.pdf further expands on these initiatives with a comprehensive approach that includes 50 initiatives under six energy transition levers and five enablers. These are designed to support a whole-of-nation approach through financing mechanisms including grants, loans, rebates, and incentives, with projections to generate 310,000 jobs by 2050.

Medium Barriers

Not Assessed

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The 2035 New Capacity Target scenario for Malaysia involves no greenfield coal plant development after 2025. The resulting decrease in coal-fired generation due to the gradual retirement of existing coal plants is compensated mainly by introducing new renewable energy capacity. Reduced reliance on coal resources in the capacity mix will further contribute to carbon intensity reduction. In Peninsular Malaysia, solar penetration in peak demand is targeted to grow to 50% by 2035, well beyond the 24% threshold for system stability. Under this scenario, MyRER advocates for a gradual roll-out of energy storage systems in combination with other measures to enhance system flexibility. However, the provided information does not specifically mention regional plans targeting renewable energy deployment in areas currently dominated by coal or gas generation aspart of a coordinated phase-out strategy www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2023/Mar/IRENA_Malaysia_energy_transition_outlook_2023.pdf.

Medium Barriers