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Malaysia imports coal-fired fuel at record level

Malaysia plans to boost gas-fired capacity by 50% and more than double renewable capacity by 2030 to cut coal use and meet growing power demand from data centres, which are expected to rise to 52% of peninsular demand, from 2% now.

Hanoi (VNA) – Malaysia is boosting coal-fired power output and importing the fuel at record levels, a Reuters analysis of data showed.

The Southeast Asian nation is the fifth-largest exporter of liquefied natural gas but has said it could start importing the fuel due to rising demand and dwindling gas reserves. It has progressively ramped up coal-fired power output to address surging demand driven by data centres.

According to Malaysia's Grid System Operator (GSO), coal-fired power output in Peninsular Malaysia, which accounts for about 80% of power demand, rose nearly 9% in May and June. That was three times faster than the power demand growth of 3%.

Output from coal-fired power plants rose 16.8% in the first half of July, the data showed, while power demand increased 5.2%.

Malaysia plans to boost gas-fired capacity by 50% and more than double renewable capacity by 2030 to cut coal use and meet growing power demand from data centres, which are expected to rise to 52% of peninsular demand, from 2% now./.

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#Malaysia coal-fired fuel imports #Malaysia coal-fired power output #Malaysia surging power demand driven by data centres Malaysia
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