A new analysis from Aliran examines three recent corporate moves by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and asks whether they support or delay Malaysia's net zero goals. TNB has secured a 1.4GW combined cycle gas turbine plant in Paka, extended the life of three ageing gas plants totalling 1.3GW, and issued a RM1.5bn sustainability sukuk. The article questions whether these decisions represent a genuine bridge to renewables or risk locking in gas dependence for decades. The piece highlights TNB's stated targets: net zero by 2050, a 35% cut in carbon intensity by 2035, and halving coal capacity. But it argues the new gas investments have 25-30 year lifespans that stretch well past 2035. The author warns of carbon lock-in, where large upfront investments make early retirement unlikely. The article is worth reading for anyone tracking how real world utility decisions align with national climate pledges in Southeast Asia.
