Electricity Generation Options for a Future Low Carbon Energy Mix for Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia’s electricity generation mix is mainly based on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas and coal with a smaller share of large hydroelectric and non-hydroelectric renewable energy resources. The present work aims to analyse and assess the ongoing search for alternatives to fossil fuel for electricity generation that the country has been pursuing both environmental preservation and national energy security considerations, thereby suggesting the way forward including potential options to be deliberated. This paper surveys alternative, both practical and theoretical that can be considered technically and economically attractive for Malaysia over the period to 2050. The overall national energy supply and demand situation are first analysed to develop projections that account for the role of renewable energy, particularly that of solar photovoltaic (PV). Next, the paper discusses the progress achieved, and the current status of the national solar PV industry presents the advantages or benefits offered and outlines the remaining challenges. In the same manner, electricity generation from the biogas produced from methane recovery in treating palm oil mill effluent (POME) is assessed. In the final analysis, the paper considers other potential low carbon power generation options to make up the Malaysian energy mix, which include small hydroelectricity, municipal solid waste decomposition in suitably-engineered landfills, nuclear energy using thorium-based technology, and renewable marine energy particularly ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), in tandem with savings expected from energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) initiatives.