Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities

In a significant step toward its energy transition plans, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill was passed by Dewan Rakyat in October 2023. The Bill is expected to come into force when passed by Dewan Negara. The Bill aims to regulate the consumption and conversation on energy, going further than the country’s earlier attempts to tackle electricity demand in the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. In this article Amin Abdul Majid and Khoo Yu Lin, from the Infrastructure, Energy & Utilities practice group, go through the key measures under the Bill and provide comparison with current energy laws and regulations.

The impacts of climate change on global economies and businesses are no longer subtle, driving countries worldwide to transition towards renewable energy. With the Asia Pacific region's unique transition footprint, where the decline in the levelized cost of energy is unfolding at a time of emerging technologies, the region is rapidly transforming the renewable energy landscape. Solar as a renewable resource, in particular, is at the forefront, with many countries embracing solar solutions to meet their growing demands for renewable energy.

 In this article, Caera Lee Huan Yin, a Partner in the Infrastructure, Energy & Utilities practice group, provides an overview of the renewable energy landscape in the region and delves into the country-specific continual evolution and adoption of solar energy in Malaysia and its valuable contribution towards the nation’s energy transition pathway. Moving forward, the author expects to see a rising focus on integrated energy transition plans in the region’s renewable stories, ranging from the integration of innovative generation and storage solutions to opportunities for repowering the existing fleet of plants with new renewable solutions.

Climate change, net-zero and carbon neutral commitments are now fuelling the growth of electric vehicle (EV) sales. Other factors such as high oil prices come into play too and they contribute to the global shift to emission-free motoring. Across ASEAN, many countries are aiming for a more significant impact for the EV industry by introducing policies encouraging the use of EVs. These lead to the implementation of EV roadmaps, the introduction of tax exemptions and incentives and collaborations with the private sector.

This publication sets out how ASEAN is driving towards green mobility with a focus on the growth of the EV industry. Increased government support will lead to more investors in the region, which in turn will encourage more regional growth and choices in the EV market. The future of EV is promising, offering much choice for existing assets and incumbent players alike, and provide new opportunities and promising returns.

This publication was issued prior to Zaid Ibrahim & Co (in association with KPMG Law) integration into the KPMG Law Network.

In this publication, we share our insights on the recent developments in ASEAN on the promotion of renewable energy generation and tackling climate issues. From the increasing importance of solar and other renewable energy sources, energy efficiency efforts, development of regulatory and fiscal policies and frameworks in stimulating renewable energy generation, to the growing case for green finance and investment opportunities, we hope this publication gives you a useful and holistic overview of how ASEAN can and is rising to the challenge.

This publication was issued prior to Zaid Ibrahim & Co (in association with KPMG Law) integration into the KPMG Law Network.