Steps to a greener future

PUTRAJAYA: The ban on renewable energy export has been lifted as the government steps up its efforts to make the country more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, says Rafizi Ramli (pic).

The Economy Minister said lifting the ban would benefit local renewable energy companies through cross-border exports.

He said the government had agreed to allocate RM50mil by the end of the year for installing solar panels in various government buildings and facilities.

“This will also be the government’s long-term investment to reduce electricity bills in government premises,” he told a joint press conference with Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad yesterday.

Rafizi said the government agreed to increase renewable energy capacity by up to 70% by 2050 through the Renewable Energy Strategic Development proposal presented to the Cabinet on May 3.

“The expanding capacity would allow surplus renewable energy capacity to be exchanged across borders with neighbouring countries through a government-determined mechanism,” he said.

Rafizi said both his ministry and NRECC would announce initiatives and incentives soon to speed up the implementation of the green energy targets.

Separately, Nik Nazmi said increasing renewable capacity in the electric supply system would require a total investment of RM637bil by 2050.

“This will include investments in renewable generation sources, infrastructure strengthening and operating costs for new grid system networks,” he said.

Nik Nazmi also said renewable energy would generate 70% of the nation’s electricity supply by 2050.

The ban on renewable energy export was implemented in October 2021 by the previous administration under former premier Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.