PETRA To Continuously Develop, Improve National Electricity Grid - Fadillah

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) will continuously develop and improve the national electricity grid to accommodate the increasing demand for supply, including the electric vehicle (EV) charging system, said Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

The Deputy Prime Minister also said that the strengthening of the national grid to support electricity supply, including EV charging stations, has already been factored into Tenaga Nasional Bhd's capital expenditure through the Incentive Based Regulation (IBR) mechanism.

He said that PETRA is committed to supporting the government's current agenda and initiatives to accelerate the use of EVs in Malaysia.

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According to him, the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, and PETRA have formulated plans and initiatives for developing EV charging stations and a comprehensive EV adoption programme.

"To date, the total number of EV charging stations nationwide is 3,171," he said when winding up the debate on the 2025 Supply Bill at the policy stage for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today.

In addition, Fadillah said that the Energy Commission under PETRA is responsible for regulating the safety aspects of EV charging installations and equipment to ensure public safety.

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"The government acknowledges that efforts to achieve the energy transition aspirations for the electricity supply sector, particularly to increase the share of renewable energy capacity to 70 per cent by 2050, require collaborative efforts from various parties.

"…PETRA appreciates the suggestions for improvements related to implementing green electricity supply programmes and will review each proposal. However, their implementation will be subject to suitability, technical feasibility, and cost implications to the system," he added.

Regarding reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity supply, Fadillah said that this will remain a key focus for PETRA in leading the energy transition efforts.

"Therefore, in addition to the implementation of existing green electricity supply programmes, the government is also undertaking foresight planning for the electricity supply sector to explore sources of electricity that can meet Malaysia's energy needs."

"In this regard, to realise the nation's aspiration to achieve net-zero carbon as early as 2050, the government has committed to no longer building new coal-fired plants and is working to reduce the carbon footprint of the country's electricity supply system," he added.

-- BERNAMA