Power-hungry data centres told to go greener as Malaysia sets 30pc renewable energy rule, says Fadillah

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the Energy Commission is preparing guidelines on renewable energy use and self-generation facilities for data centres. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 11:34 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The Energy Commission (ST) is developing a comprehensive framework and guidelines on self-generation facilities and the use of renewable energy for the data centre sector, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

He said the initiative is in line with the government’s decision to require the sector to use at least 30 per cent renewable energy.

He said the data centre industry was also encouraged to develop self-generation facilities through solar initiatives for its own consumption, to prevent an increase in electricity supply costs for other consumers.

“This approach aims to increase the use of self-generated energy by the data centre sector while reducing its full dependence on electricity supplied by the national grid.

“In addition, data centres need to be equipped with backup generators that can be utilised for demand control, particularly to reduce additional pressure on the grid system during critical periods and when operating reserves are low,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. — Bernama