KUALA LUMPUR: Siemens Energy recently hosted its exclusive Asia Pacific Energy Talks: Malaysia edition in collaboration with the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGC). Held on 29 October 2024 at EQ Kuala Lumpur, this prestigious event convened key energy players in the country from across sectors —spanning industry, academia, and government—to explore what Malaysia truly needs from expert perspectives under the theme “From talks to actions.” Participants engaged in meaningful discussions on how to effectively advance Malaysia’s energy future, emphasizing the necessary policies and strategies to drive a successful energy transition in the country.
The journey ahead is filled with opportunities as Malaysia moves toward its Net Zero Emission 2050 target. “Malaysia’s path to net-zero requires not only innovation but also deep collaboration across sectors. At Siemens Energy, we will continue our journey of bringing together diverse stakeholders—from policymakers to industry leaders—to develop resilient, sustainable, and adaptable solutions. We are dedicated to supporting Malaysia in achieving its 2050 Net Zero target and establishing the nation as a key player in the region’s energy transition,” said Thorbjörn Fors, Group Senior Vice President of Siemens Energy and Managing Director for Asia Pacific.
The event began with a fireside chat led by Azli Mohamed, Managing Director for Malaysia at Siemens Energy, joined by representatives from the Energy Commission and the Energy Division of the Ministry of Economy. Together, they discussed strategies for achieving net zero by 2050, emphasizing a balanced approach that coordinates different areas of the energy sector. The conversation set the stage for the next two panel discussions.
The first session focused on long-term strategies to future-proof Malaysia’s energy sector, emphasizing resilience, decarbonization, and infrastructure needs. Featuring panelists from Bain & Company, MyPOWER Corporation, PETRONAS, and Siemens Energy, the discussion highlighted the government’s strong commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050. Panelists underscored the importance of coordinated efforts across ASEAN to enable efficient energy transmission, fostering a resilient and interconnected regional energy grid. Key strategic recommendations included investing in research and development for next-generation energy technologies—such as hydrogen fuel, battery storage, and carbon capture; building partnerships for technology transfer and capacity building; and working with policymakers to reduce regulatory uncertainties in energy investments.
NUR Power and Siemens Energy shared the stage for the Industry Spotlight session showcasing their collaboration on Project Aurora at Kulim Hi-Tech Park. This project is set to drive a cleaner, more sustainable future with the deployment of a 130MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine. Through this partnership, the companies aim to reach significant sustainability targets, including coal-free operations, a 40% emissions reduction by 2030, and 50% renewable energy capacity by 2035. This collaboration exemplifies a steadfast commitment to innovation, accelerating the journey toward net-zero emissions and a 70% renewable capacity by 2050.
In the second panel session, they explored energy diversification and its vital role in building resilience for a low-carbon future. Expert panelists from Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC), SEDC ENERGY, and Siemens Energy reemphasized the importance of fuel flexibility and renewable energy integration in Malaysia’s energy transition. While natural gas remains essential for energy security, its associated carbon emissions must be mitigated. The advantages of hybrid energy systems were highlighted, an integrated energy solutions that combine multiple energy sources to optimize energy generation for efficiency and resilience. The panelists advocated for strong collaborative efforts and innovative policies to advance a sustainable energy future, including the potential incorporation of nuclear energy.
Throughout the event, it was emphasized that reaching net zero can’t be done alone. A clear look at the nation’s progress is important. By learning from past experiences and looking beyond its borders, Malaysia can find tailored solutions that address its unique energy needs while providing economic value. Transitioning to a low-carbon future requires both reliable energy infrastructure and supportive policy frameworks. The event concluded with an acknowledgment of the complexities involved, a renewed spirit of collaboration, and a reaffirmation of Siemens Energy’s ongoing support for Malaysia throughout its energy transition journey.
