Renewable energy policies and initiatives for a sustainable energy future in Malaysia

Effective policies and incentive on renewable energy (RE) is critical to promote low carbon economy and society in the future. RE was first introduced in the country's energy mix through the Fifth-Fuel Policy which was formulated under the Eighth Malaysia Plan (2001-2005) to reduce dependency on fossil fuel and to address the rising global concern on climate change. This paper addresses the RE progress and achievement over the past 10 years, and discusses the key policies for RE programmes, funding, schemes, and incentives that has been introduced by the government of Malaysia to develop and promote the utilisation of RE. The recent RE mechanisms under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (2011-2015) will also be highlighted. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.