Solar and Beyond: SEAPPI joins discussion on Malaysia’s future energy mix

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 30 September 2026

SEAPPI’s new white paper, Solar and Beyond: Diversifying Malaysia’s Clean Energy Pathway, formed the basis for a discussion at the Energy Tech Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on 30 September.

The session, “Solar and Beyond: Diversification and complementary options for fulfilling Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap,” brought together Dr. Aznan Ariffin, Chief Strategy Officer at TNB Research, Michael Martin, Head of Energy & Environment at Princeton Digital Group, and Ed Ratcliffe, to discuss how Malaysia can complement its growing solar capacity as electricity demand rises and coal capacity retires.

The discussion examined the potential role of next-generation geothermal, long-duration energy storage, nuclear and small modular reactors, as well as the policy and infrastructure requirements for bringing emerging technologies into the energy system.

Ed Ratcliffe highlighted the growing need for firm power as Malaysia adds relatively constant demand from sectors such as data centers while Peninsular Malaysia prepares to retire 7.2 GW of coal capacity by 2031. The panel also discussed how electricity market frameworks can better recognize the different contributions of storage and firm generation.

The white paper was produced by SEAPPI with support from PDG and examines how diversification can complement solar growth while supporting Malaysia’s energy security, reliability, and long-term transition objectives.

Read the full report: Solar and Beyond: Diversifying Malaysia’s Clean Energy Pathway