Current energy usage and sustainable energy in Malaysia: A review

Malaysia has a good mix of energy resources like oil, natural gas, coal and renewable energies such as biomass, solar and hydro. In spite of this plenty of resources, the country is dependent on fossil fuel for industrial and transportation sector. In 2009, 94.5% of electricity is generated by using fossil fuel such as natural gas, coal, diesel oil and fuel oil. Until now, Malaysia stills a net energy exporter. Concerns about energy security, the fluctuation of crude oil price and climate change are driving significant changes in how energy and electricity specifically, is generated, transmitted and consumed in Malaysia. In this regard, renewable energy resources are becoming attractive for sustainable energy development in Malaysia. There is because renewable sources of energy are abundant in Malaysia, the significant ones being biomass and solar. This article presents a review of present energy situation and energy policies for the energy sector in Malaysia. Investigation of various renewable energy and examine the energy and environmental issues associated with this energy. The review of current usage of renewable energy sources and also its potential implementation are evaluated to provide solution for the national. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.