THE Peninsular Malaysia Generation Development Plan 2020 (2021 – 2039), published by the Energy Commission (EC), proves that the Government would continue to “squeeze” the already struggling masses by continuing to protect the independent power producers (IPPs).
“The report reveals what we already knew all along. The Government plans to continue with the IPP model until 2039,” Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) central committee member Sharan Raj told FocusM.
Based on the report, between 2021 and 2039, Putrajaya will be decommissioning nearly 17,000 megawatts (MW) of ageing fossil fuel based IPPs across the nation.
But instead of boosting investments on renewable energy (RE) to replace fossil fuel-based energy production, the Government would replace those IPPs decommissioned with more than 17,000 MW of new fossil fuel-based plants.
On April 5, Energy and Natural Resources (Ketsa) Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah urged industry players not to press the Government to set a high a target for renewable energy (RE), as consumers may be burdened with higher tariff.
He added that the Government had set a RE target of 31% of the generation capacity for 2025, hence, the electricity sector is expected to reduce the intensity of carbon emissions by 45% for the period.
“In addition, efforts to sustain the country’s electricity supply should also be implemented through consistent and transparent distribution policies and quota approvals to give investors confidence to continue investing in the country’s RE development industry,” The Edge reported Shamsul saying.
Back then, Sharan mentioned that Malaysia is one of the earliest nations in the world to propose the setting up of Smart Electricity Grid (SEG) about 10 years ago.
“In fact, you will be surprised to know that some of the technology to build SEG were created by Malaysians, way before the US and Europe.
“But when it came to rollout, it was totally depressing. One of the problems was the need to get approval from Ketsa.
“With SEG, Malaysia could decommission at least 10,000MW of fossil fuel IPPs to reduce the fixed standby fees to the IPP crony capitalists, which translates into lower electricity tariff,” he added.
Hurting the ringgit, threatening power sovereignty
On the report, Sharan said that Malaysia needs to achieve 100% RE penetration by 2035 in the power generation sector to address climate change, which is threatening the very survival of the human race.
He added that last year alone, Malaysia coughed up RM9 bil to import dirty coal to generate 66% of Peninsula Malaysia’s power.
“Such a price tag is hurting our already weakening ringgit, on top of threatening our energy sovereignty,” the PSM leader stressed.
In terms of savings, Sharan stated that RE’s price tag has decreased sharpy all over the globe, while the cost of running fossil fuel power plant is getting higher exponentially.
“And failure to decarbonise power grid within the next 15 years will force Malaysians to fork out more money to pay for electricity tariff,” Sharan cautioned.
Offering solution, Sharan urged Putrajaya to impose a permanent moratorium on the construction of new fossil fuel IPPs, to steer Malaysia towards 100% RE target by 2035.
“We also call upon the Government to complete the SEG system before 2025, which will minimise the intermittency of RE supply and reduce electricity tariffs for the people.
“On that note, please cancel the approval for the Pulau Indah Power Plant (PIPP) in Selangor while it is still at planning stage,” he remarked. – April 27, 2021.
