Malaysia's Journey To Net-Zero Emissions: TNB Leads The Charge

By Zairina Zainudin

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 reflects a commitment not only to global climate targets but also to sustainable development and economic resilience.

This endeavour is more than an environmental imperative as it represents a significant opportunity for Malaysia to innovate, attract green investments, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.

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Achieving this target requires comprehensive efforts across various sectors, with the transport sector -- being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions -- playing a vital role in this transition.

Embracing electric vehicles (EVs) is essential for decarbonising the transport sector, as EVs significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality.

As a leading energy company that is stepping up to the challenge via strategic collaborations and infrastructure development, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is always committed to supporting the national agenda towards clean and sustainable energy usage.

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This commitment encompasses not only the generation of renewable energy but also the promotion of cleaner transportation solutions through the development of a comprehensive EV charging ecosystem.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

TNB has long recognised the importance of sustainability and decarbonisation in its operational strategy.

It has set broader sustainability goals that include reducing carbon emissions across its operations and promoting energy efficiency whilst significantly increasing its renewable energy capacity and investing in solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects.

The development of a comprehensive EV charging ecosystem is central to TNB’s long-term strategy, as it aims to support cleaner transportation and enhance the accessibility of EVs.

The collaboration with key stakeholders, including government agencies, automotive companies, and technology providers, accelerates the adoption of EVs.

This is crucial in promoting the infrastructure needed to support the growing number of EVs on the road, reinforcing TNB's role as a leader in the energy transition (ET) space.

TNB aims to invest about RM90 billion within five years, from 2025 to 2030, on the national grid, of which RM35 billion will be spent on ET-related investments, while the remaining RM54 billion on non-ET.

It also pledged to replace 30 per cent of its vehicles with EVs by 2030, totalling more than 1,000 units as part of its overall carbon reduction strategy.

The transition is projected to result in an annual reduction of 2,200 to 4,833 tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent to approximately 88,000 to 193,320 trees as carbon offsets by 2030.

DIGITAL PLATFORMS ENHANCING ENERGY TRANSITION

Complementing its infrastructure initiatives, TNB is leveraging digital platforms to streamline the EV charging experience.

Additionally, TNB’s EV charging platform and digital marketplace facilitate easier access to green energy solutions, enabling users to engage in energy aggregation and trading.

These digital initiatives are part of its broader ET strategy, which integrates innovative technologies to foster a more sustainable energy ecosystem.

TNB, through its subsidiary TNBX, enables EV owners to ‘reload, reserve, and recharge’ at listed  EV charge points on the GO TO-U (GTU app).

Users can book a charge point up to seven days in advance to avoid queues and can locate chargers, reserve spots, and pay -- all in one seamless app experience.

By making EV charging more convenient, TNB is not only enhancing user experience but also encouraging the shift toward EVs.

BUILDING EV CHARGING ECOSYSTEM

Under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030, the government aims to achieve at least 15 per cent of electrified vehicles (xEV) out of the total industry volume (TIV) by 2030.

Malaysia is also set to have 38 per cent of xEV by 2040 under the National Energy Policy 2022 to 2040, with 10,000 charging points by 2025 (comprising 9,000 alternating current units and 1,000 direct current (DC) units).

As of Sept 30, 2024, the number of xEV in Malaysia reached 33,319 units, representing about 5.0 per cent of the TIV.

xEV includes battery EV (BEV), plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV), hybrid EV (HEV), and fuel cell EV (FCEV).

To ensure that the network is ready to support the EV charging demand, TNB plans to expand its EV charging infrastructure with 200 charging points across the country in support of the National Energy Transition Roadmap.

The utility group has also introduced the "green lane pathway", a specialised initiative aimed at streamlining the onboarding process for data centres, expediting approvals and facilitating a smooth setup of data centre operations in Malaysia.

This significantly reduces the time required for power upgrades and construction, allowing charging operators to expedite their EV charging station installations.

COLLABORATIONS DRIVING GROWTH

TNB's efforts to establish a growing EV charging network across Malaysia underscore the importance of collaboration.

The company reaches a significant milestone with the launch of two new TNB Electron EV charging stations at Petron Selising, Kelantan, and Petron Kampung Gemuroh, Terengganu recently, in partnership with Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd.

These strategically located stations are not only designed to serve urban areas but also connect rural and suburban communities, promoting equitable infrastructure development and extending the reach of EVs beyond major cities.

TNB's efforts are not limited to just these two stations. The company is actively pursuing additional collaborations with strategic partners such as PLUS Malaysia Bhd, Aeon Mall, BHPetrol, and government agencies to further expand the EV charging ecosystem.

This collaborative approach ensures that TNB can establish charging facilities in locations that are convenient and accessible for a diverse user base, including those travelling long distances.

TNB remains resolute in its mission to champion clean energy usage and believes that a greener, more sustainable future is achievable through collaborative efforts.

With ongoing advancements in EV technology and infrastructure, TNB is paving the way for the widespread adoption of EVs in Malaysia, ensuring a cleaner environment for generations to come.

-- BERNAMA