Malaysia Requires 30 Percent Renewable Power for New Data Centers

The Malaysian Government approved rules requiring new data centers to source at least 30 percent of their electricity from renewable sources, according to Data Center Dynamics. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the Energy Commission is drafting the framework and guidelines for meeting the requirement.

Operators are encouraged to install renewable generation at their sites, particularly solar power. The requirement is supported by the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme, which allows third parties to supply or buy electricity through the national grid for an access charge.

Malaysia's Data Centre Task Force previously approved 5GW of additional capacity subject to the 30 percent threshold. The country currently has about 8.3GW of data center capacity in its interconnection pipeline.