As Malaysia takes up the chair of ASEAN in 2025, it is leading with a compelling theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' This initiative aims to propel Southeast Asia towards sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on clean energy, climate resilience, and green innovation.
One of the key players in this mission is ABB, a Swiss-based leader in electrification and automation, which plays a pivotal role in supporting Malaysia's green initiatives. ABB's efforts are exemplified through its partnerships with local firms and government agencies, which aim to nurture local expertise and advance sustainable technologies.
At the forefront of these initiatives is Abhinav Harikumar, ABB’s Vice President for Energy Industries in Southeast Asia, who shared his perspective at a recent media Iftar event.
"Technology like carbon capture and hydrogen requires broad-level collaboration to succeed," Abhinav stated, highlighting the necessity of integrating ABB's advanced solutions with Malaysian infrastructure to achieve energy efficiency.
This partnership is critical as Malaysia seeks to transform its energy sector, which is heavily reliant on fossil fuels — approximately 90 percent of its current mix. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), introduced in 2023, aims to increase renewable energy's share to 31 percent by 2025 and to 70 percent by 2050. This ambitious plan includes enhancing energy efficiency, expanding carbon capture, and developing hydrogen technologies.
ABB is actively involved in several key projects, including carbon capture initiatives aimed at reducing emissions in the power and cement industries, and significant investments in green hydrogen production in Sarawak. This leverages Sarawak's rich hydropower resources, positioning it as a potential global leader in clean energy.
As ASEAN chair, Malaysia's leadership not only underscores its commitment to meeting climate goals but also serves as a model for the rest of the region. "Our initiatives are designed to ensure that economic growth and energy security are achieved without compromising the needs of the environment and society," Abhinav added, encapsulating the holistic approach Malaysia intends to showcase.
For more insights into ABB's contributions to Malaysia's energy strategies and their vision for the future of sustainable technology in Southeast Asia, TechHive Q&A with Abhinav Harikumar offers an in-depth exploration.
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