ISA Eyes Further Expansion Into ASEAN, Malaysia A Key Prospect

By Sh Nur Shahrizad Sy Mohamed Sharer

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- Significant advancements are unfolding in Malaysia’s solar energy sector as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a major force in global solar energy adoption, sets its sights on expanding its influence in the ASEAN region, with Malaysia identified as a key potential member.

ISA chief of operation Joshua Wycliffe revealed that discussions with Malaysia are progressing, facilitated through close cooperation with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which has been in touch with Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry.

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“There have been some clarifications raised, and we have been able to provide clarifications. Those clarifications indicate that they (Malaysia) are quite keen to join ISA.

“We are hopeful in the next few months, Malaysia will come on board,” he said during a recent briefing for 23 journalists from the Indo-Pacific region at the ISA Secretariat in New Delhi. The briefing was part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUADS) familiarisation visit to India, hosted by MEA.

ISA, formed during COP21 in Paris in 2015, is a collaborative initiative between India and France, focused on tackling climate change through solar energy solutions. About 100 countries are signatories, with about 90 being ratified to become full members.

The ISA has already made significant strides in the ASEAN region, with Singapore joining the alliance a year ago, and Cambodia also a member.

Malaysia in recent years has made significant progress in solar energy, recognising its importance for sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) sets ambitious goals, aiming to increase solar energy from four per cent to 58 per cent by 2050.

The government also plans to raise renewable energy capacity to 70 per cent by 2050, supporting the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the same year.

Wycliffe also highlighted the importance of legislative reform and regulatory updates to energy-related laws to be in line with modern needs to ensure investment inflows into the sector.

He said such laws in many countries including India were enacted decades ago, with some as far back as the 1960s, making them outdated in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

“It was suited alright for that time in history. But today, with all those things that we have evolved with, it is important that we have the legislation that will attract investment,” he said, emphasising the crucial role of media in advocating and driving the adoption of renewable energy worldwide.

“Media can play a very critical role in terms of advocacy. Demonstration projects remain demonstration projects without awareness and advocacy. People like you will talk about it, but constantly showcasing it through your media channels will be very, very important,” he said.

-- BERNAMA