KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The just-concluded three-day Enlit Asia 2024 has called on ASEAN to unite, embrace digitalisation and drive innovation to accelerate the region’s energy transition agenda.
The conference, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) with the theme “Enabling a Multidimensional Energy Transition in ASEAN”, became a stimulating ground for discourse, steering conversations towards actionable strategies through panel discussions, presentations, workshops and interactive exhibitions.
In a joint statement today, Enlit Asia, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) said the region’s resounding commitment to shift away from coal reverberated throughout the conference and exhibition halls, as industry players across the power and energy supply chain demonstrated innovative climate action strategies and solutions to enable a more comprehensive renewable integration.
“Crucial conversations such as the digitalisation of grids, data-driven energy management systems, and sustainable solutions like hydrogen, energy storage, green mobility, and nuclear energy further revealed the critical role of green financing and policy harmonisation for ASEAN,” they said.
The event was supported by PETRA and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), alongside official utility partner TNB as well as supporting agencies Energy Commission and the Sustainable Energy Development Authority.
During his ministerial address during the conference, PETRA Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir emphasised the nation’s progress in its energy transition efforts.
“As of June 2024, we achieved 5.82 per cent of electricity savings equivalent to 8,769 gigawatt hours amounting to RM2.21 billion.
“As we target to reduce electricity demand growth by eight per cent with a total reduction of 38 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions, this is progress,” he said.
PETRA commended the organiser’s steadfast commitment to coordinating Enlit Asia 2024 in Malaysia.
“I am confident that the discussions, partnerships, and insights shared at Enlit Asia 2024 will further strengthen the future of energy in the ASEAN region, as well as inspire continued progress and collaboration.
“We hope to see Enlit Asia return soon, continuing its role as a catalyst for innovation and unity in our journey towards a more sustainable energy landscape,” Akmal Nasrullah continued, emphasising the platform’s contribution in igniting conversations towards shaping the industry’s growth.
TNB also reaffirmed its commitment and support towards achieving the country’s net zero emissions goal by 2050 as well as furthering the region’s broader aspirations.
The event saw ASEAN power leaders echoed similar promises in advancing the region’s energy transition.
Delegates from Indonesia’s PT PLN (Persero), Singapore’s SP group, Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation (EVNHCMC), the Philippines’s MERALCO and Thailand’s EGAT engaged in strategy discussions and showcased their net-zero dedications at Enlit Asia 2024, the statement said.
To celebrate leadership and innovation across the energy sector, MOSTI secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim presented the Enlit Asia’s Power and Energy Awards, recognising exemplary organisations and individuals for their outstanding contributions to the energy sector.
TNB received accolades in the “Transmission and Distribution Networks” and “Energy Storage” categories for its Advancing Metering Infrastructure and Community Energy Storage Systems (CESS) projects, respectively.
Malakoff Corporation Bhd was also honoured as “Independent Power Producer of the Year” for its Biomass Co-Firing project.
As for other ASEAN counterparts, the statement noted that MERALCO was awarded “Power Utility of the Year”, Persero received the “ASEAN Electrification Project of the Year” award for its Desa Energi Berdikari Project, and EVNHCMC was recognised for its Smart Grid technology.
Enlit Asia director of energy profile Simon Hoare reflected on the success of the event and the future it intended for ASEAN’s energy landscape.
“What sets Enlit Asia apart is our ability to bring together key players across the entire power and energy supply chain, fostering a truly integrated approach to Malaysia’s and the region’s evolving energy sector.
“We have witnessed innumerable impactful conversations and crucial collaborations transpiring across the three-day summit,” he noted.
Enlit Asia attracted over 12,000 attendees from more than 50 countries, including about 3,000 utilities and independent power producers.
The event also featured an extensive participation of 400 speakers and 350 exhibitors, showcasing the region’s dedication to tackling climate change through partnerships, innovations, and discussions across sectors.
With the conclusion of the event in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok now prepares to host the 2025 edition of Enlit Asia.
“The torch was passed, and with it, the commitment to illuminate the future of energy transition across the ASEAN region remains strong,” the statement said.
-- BERNAMA
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