Malaysia may extend the life of existing coal-fired plants if needed to protect energy security, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said, as the country faces fuel disruptions and rising demand, Bloomberg reported.
Bloomberg said Malaysia's final coal-fired station is scheduled to retire in 2044. Bloomberg also reported that Malaysia seeks to lower its reliance on oil and gas and have clean energy provide 70% of electricity by 2050.
Bloomberg reported that Malaysia’s data-center ambitions are one factor behind rising electricity demand. The outlet said the war in the Middle East has interrupted regional supplies of liquefied natural gas and crude, leading Malaysia to reconsider its energy strategy.
Fadillah made the remarks in an Oct. 26 interview during Singapore International Energy Week. “At the end of the day, we have to make sure that we have power,” he told Bloomberg.
Fadillah said Malaysia would consider co-firing existing plants with other fuels if their operating lives are extended. He also said Malaysia has diversified its oil and gas supplies since the war began, including by sourcing crude from Africa.
