Photo 1. Group Photo of AEO8 Country Visit to Malaysia

Following the first 8^th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8) workshop in Bogor, Indonesia, last November, the ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE) will visit ten ASEAN Member States to share and consult on the initial modelling results throughout January until March 2024. On 22 February 2024, ACE conducted the AEO8 Country Visit to Malaysia, the fourth event following the visits to Myanmar, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam. During these visits, ACE invites energy officials and relevant stakeholders from AMS to gain additional input and check for the modelling, such as detailed data, assumptions, and initial findings. AEO8 Country Visits are supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the Energy Foundation China (EFC).

Photo 2. Opening Remarks by Madam Mareena Mahpudz, Undersecretary (Electricity Supply), Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA)

The country visit was opened with opening remarks from Madam Mareena Mahpudz, Undersecretary (Electricity Supply), Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). She emphasised the role of the country visit in enhancing dialogue between ACE and Malaysia stakeholders, as well as providing inputs regarding data and assumptions. This country visit would also offer a platform to discuss the way forward for regional targets under the ASEAN Plan for Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC).

The first presentation of the country visit is the progress update on AEO8, given by Rika Safrina, Senior Analyst of the Energy Modelling and Policy Planning (MPP) of ACE. There was discussion regarding the different scenarios and reasoning for the scenarios used. This session also aims to receive more information, data and suggestions from Malaysian government officials for better modelling and possibly newer targets.

Photo 3. Presentation of AEO8 Progress Update by Rika Safrina

These country visits also serve to receive input on the next 2045, which will cover the 2026-2030 period as the first phase. The presentation was given by Rika Safrina. Some topics in this discussion include technologies that Malaysia would like to see implemented in the next APAEC cycle or technology that may not be suitable in the case of Malaysia. This discussion determined that energy security is the main priority in Malaysia, followed by energy affordability and accessibility.

Photo 4. AEO8 Data Discussion, led by Silvira Ayu Rosalia

The start of the afternoon session consists of a data discussion given by Silvira Ayu Rosalia, Energy Statistician and Data Visualisation Officer of ACE. This session gives time for ACE and government representatives to review the data provided by the Malaysian government during the previous AEO8 Workshop in Indonesia and data compiled by ACE officers. This is to ensure that the data used for AEO8 modelling will be considered satisfactory by Malaysia. Specifically, the data gathered by ACE from non-governmental sources (i.e. ADB, WDI, World Bank) will be acceptable. The discussion with Malaysian representatives proved to be insightful in reconfirming the data as well as improving with newer data. Some discussions were also brought up regarding some policies that were not included initially.

The next session discussed the initial findings of the Baseline Scenario and AMS Target Scenario (ATS), given by Dr. Ambiyah Abdullah, MPP Senior Officer of ACE. This gives Malaysian representatives a chance to see the initial direction and methodology of the modelling for AEO8. The discussion includes the assumptions used, energy demand and supply, as well as capacity additions. In addition, the presentation compared the emission levels from each scenario and the associated investment costs.

Photo 5. Data Discussion with the Participants

The following session discussed the assumptions for the other AEO8 scenarios, specifically the Regional Approach Scenario (RAS) and Carbon Neutrality Scenario (CNS), also given by Dr. Ambiyah Abdullah. The presentation showed the results of the new net zero technologies survey during the AEO8 Workshop I in Indonesia. As AEO8 introduces the new CNS, this presentation also shows the differences and additions from the previous AEO editions. ACE also received input from Malaysia on the list of new proposed technologies that could be explored in AEO8.

Ending the country visit was  Dr. Ambiyah Abdullah. This session addressed an integral part of the energy transition and would provide ACE and Malaysia insights into the investment situation in ASEAN and globally. It is hope that the visit will benefit all participants in improving their energy modelling and policy planning capacity.