KUALA LUMPUR: Natural gas, the cleanest hydrocarbon, has an important role to play in carbon emission reduction, especially in Malaysia.

       The government has outlined several initiatives to boost the energy industry for future sustainable energy in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), which include natural gas such as the proposed comprehensive National Energy Policy that will provide long-term strategic direction to support the aspiration of carbon neutrality.

       As important as it was in the past, natural gas will continue to be significantly needed for power generation and as a partner to renewable energy in Malaysia’s sustainable future energy system.

       Natural gas is anticipated to play a long-term role in providing energy access and security to the nation, and at the same time helping the country to meet its improved greenhouse carbon emission reduction target of 45% by 2030.

       In recognition of the growing importance of natural gas in Malaysia’s clean energy transition, the Malaysian Gas Association (MGA) had once again organised the Malaysian Gas Symposium (MyGAS) 2021 from Nov 22-25.

       Throughout the four days of panel discussions, MyGAS serves as a platform of discourse for speakers from Malaysia and overseas to deliberate the important role of gas in the energy transition.

       Developing countries in the region, Malaysia included, are continuously challenged to balance the energy trilemma, where energy security and affordability remains high in their priorities.

       About 152 million people in the region lack access to electricity, while an additional 900 million lack access to clean cooking.

       A hasty move to energy transition would lead to unintended consequences in jeopardising not only our energy security but also the economic growth.

       For example, in the UK, the installed capacity for a wind turbine is 24GW. However, for a few months this year, wind drought resulted in a major drop in the generation capability of the wind turbines. Fortunately, natural gas was available to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

       In his statement at the MyGAS opening session, MGA president Abdul Aziz Othman highlighted that in accelerating the energy transition, Malaysia must balance its priorities that are important to the nation. — Bernama