Energy security is national security – one cannot exist without the other, and a lack of either can have serious ramifications. With today’s global energy landscape being reshaped by climate change and shifting geopolitics, ensuring reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy has become a frontline issue for Malaysia’s security agenda.
As the nation strides into a new era of energy volatility, the government is taking proactive steps to safeguard energy security with resilient and future-proof energy infrastructure. Central to the Malaysia’s approach is the diversification of energy sources, as well as fostering regional cooperation for shared resilience.
Traditional notions of national security were centred on borders, armed forces, and intelligence. Today, it includes something just as critical: uninterrupted energy. Reliable energy underpins hospitals, communication networks, transportation and daily life. A single disruption to critical energy systems can quickly cascade into a national crisis.
Experiencing energy insecurity could lead to social instability, political unrest, even increased vulnerability to external threats. For evidence of this, we need look no further than Europe, where households paid 36% more for electricity compared to before tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated.
And yet, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said lessons from this energy crisis had not been fully learned. Escalating trade tensions in recent months threaten to derail energy transition plans in Southeast Asia, with the US planning to impose tariffs up to 3,521% on imports of solar panels from four countries in the region, including Malaysia.
Beyond geopolitical and trade tensions, nations around the world increasingly recognise the security risks posed by the continued dependence on fossil fuels. Heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels increases exposure to global market fluctuations and geopolitical risks while exacerbating damage to the natural environment.
Even so, every crisis presents an opportunity. Effectively transitioning to clean, renewable energy (RE) sources can ultimately enhance both national and regional security in the long-term. Strengthening domestic production of RE sources while cooperating on cross-border power infrastructure is key to improving shared resilience for ASEAN.
Diversification is key for securing Malaysia’s energy future
As Malaysia moves towards net-zero emissions by 2050, its energy portfolio must extend beyond fossil fuels to incorporate a diverse mix of renewable sources, contributing to its journey towards self-sufficiency. Currently, coal and natural gas account for over 80% of Malaysia’s electricity generation , making the country vulnerable to volatility risks.
Under the Malaysia Renewable Energy Roadmap (MyRER), Malaysia aims to increase its RE target to 70% by 2050. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive national agenda named the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) outlines aggressive targets for RE integration across sectors, especially solar and green hydrogen.
Almost all energy transition pathways for Malaysia see solar power as the most promising renewable source for the coming decades. However, solar intermittency can be challenging to address, creating systemic risks with greater integration, but complementing solar with hydropower and adapting battery storage at scale can be a potential solution.
Hybrid green infrastructure projects are already being undertaken through the NETR including a 500 megawatt hybrid hydro floating solar (HHFS) plant at Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu . The HHFS plant will be the single largest national site combining solar power production, battery storage, as well as harnessing the potential of Malaysia’s extensive bodies of water.
Malaysia is also establishing as a regional hub for energy storage through SynVista Energy’s new manufacturing facility. The first of its kind in the country, the storage is expected to reach 5GWh in annual production by the end of 2025, to support Southeast Asia’s growing demand for scalable clean energy solutions. This local investment strengthens the broader ecosystem for smart grid infrastructure and regional energy resilience.
Essentially, a modernised grid remains fundamental to enabling such large-scale renewable energy integration. In line with this, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is expanding its RE investments to futureproof Malaysia’s national grid, doubling capital expenditure to RM42.9 billion in 2025 . Investing in grid upgrades will be critical for supporting dynamic two-way RE energy flow, while maintaining voltage stability and ensuring that the nation’s clean energy ambitions do not come at the cost of energy security.
Amplifying energy security through regional cooperation
While securing the domestic energy system remains important, Malaysia alongside the ASEAN region has recognised that energy security cannot be achieved in isolation. Our success is intrinsically linked to that of neighbouring countries, which are critical for diversifying and expanding clean energy supply chains.
Under Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN this year, the nation is uniquely positioned to drive the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) as a central component of the region’s energy agenda. Starting with cross-border interconnections, the APG aims to transform energy security and resilience by gradually expanding into a fully integrated regional energy system.
At the 45th Asean Summit, the APG achieved a new milestone with Malaysia (Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Petronas), Singapore (Sembcorp Industries) and Vietnam (Petrovietnam) inking a new deal, which was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister as well as the minister of PETRA, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. In its first phase, Vietnam will be connected to northern Malaysia and then the south, lastly connecting to Singapore via Malaysia’s National Grid. The MoU is an agreement.
Improved cross-border connectivity not only empowers greater RE penetration but also stabilises energy supply. Through collaboration, ASEAN nations can mitigate shared risks, significantly reduce costs, further diversify the region’s energy mix, and create a unified response to energy disruptions – all while supporting economic growth via green industries.
Through initiatives like Energy Exchange Malaysia (Enegem), Malaysia is already fostering greater regional cooperation within ASEAN to build a more resilient energy network. Enegem facilitates the cross-border trade of green electricity, enabling ASEAN countries to leverage each other’s renewable energy capabilities.
As the national utility, TNB is also actively expanding into emerging technologies like green hydrogen, carbon capture, electric vehicles charging infrastructure, and smart grid solutions, which are all vital pieces for bringing the APG to life. This will support Malaysia in taking a leadership role for accelerating the integration of energy markets to boost resilience across the region.
Powering protection in Malaysia and beyond
Malaysia’s energy security is not simply a climate imperative but a critical shield for protecting the lives and livelihoods of the rakyat. The clean energy transition is unfolding today, and national utilities and energy stakeholders are instrumental in enabling this transition, from grid upgrades to renewable investment and regional connectivity.
Diversification of Malaysia’s energy mix alongside cross-border sustainable infrastructure will contribute to a more resilient ASEAN energy landscape for all. The transition is not just about carbon, it’s about continuity, stability and sovereignty.