By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Nov 1: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) aims to achieve 45 per cent renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2030 under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase III (2026–2030).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof said the target reflects Asean’s collective aspiration to build a clean, resilient, and regionally integrated energy system.
“ASEAN member states have unanimously agreed on the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase III (2026–2030), which targets 30 per cent renewable energy (RE) in total primary energy supply and 45 per cent RE generation capacity by 2030,” he said during the PETRA Media Night 2025 Sarawak held at Pullman Hotel here last night (Oct 31).
He said the agreement was made during the 43rd Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM-43) hosted by Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 14 to 17.
He further noted that while Sarawak manages its own energy sector, its policies remain aligned with international standards.
At the domestic level, he said PETRA is driving energy transition initiatives such as the RM6 billion Large Scale Solar (LSS PETRA 5+) project with nearly 2,000MW capacity.
He further added PETRA has also introduced the MyBeST programme, which opens bidding for a 400MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
In addition, the new Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP) programme will replace the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme to encourage wider solar adoption in both industrial and residential sectors.
“Expanding solar energy means allowing solar panels to be installed on rooftops, which can then sell the generated power to the grid,” he added.
Fadillah added that amendments to the Electricity Supply Act 1990 (Act 447) will also pave the way for cross-border trade of renewable energy, further boosting Malaysia’s competitiveness in the regional green energy market. — DayakDaily
