10/07/2010

Malaysia Energy Option - Part 1

During the past 50 years, global coal usage has doubled, while oil demands has risen sevenfold and natural gas usage more than tenfold. Fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, petroleum, oil shale and tar sands won’t last forever and eventually they will be exhausted.

“Malaysia's leader warned of a global crisis over the tussle for energy resources amid declining supply, and urged major oil producers and consumer nations to jointly develop new resources. The growing demand for depleting oil and gas resources is likely to trigger more intense competition to gain access and control over these resources” (“PressTV website”, June 2006).

Malaysia is an oil exporter, but if we do not find new oil reserves, then in the near future we will become a net importer, this means we cannot continue to lean on the oil sector. Also, the price for fossil fuels has gone up drastically in the recent years. We are too dependent on fossil fuels which mostly are imported for our energy supply.

According to The Star on the date 20th September, 2008, Malaysia will turn to nuclear energy to generate electricity by 2023 as supplies of fossil fuel eventually run out. Energy, Water and Communications Minister Shaziman Mansor said,” the use of nuclear energy was also an alternative to counter high global oil prices. The increase in coal prices had been exceptional and we need to act now”.

“The government would look at alternative energy sources, including nuclear power, to help the nation reduce its reliance on oil, which has hit nearly US$140 a barrel on global markets. The government hiked fuel prices this month by 41 percent, saying the deeply unpopular move was needed as subsidies would have ballooned to US$17 billion this year” (“The China Post Website”, 2008, paragraph 2).

The Malaysia’s national energy situation is that the country is lacking of available competitive, sustainable alternative commercial energy sources for the long-term, especially beyond 2020. Thus there is a need to enhance national energy security due to depleting local resources.




33 comments:

  1. If the government do proceed with nuclear, where are they going to built it? I don't think it's going to be on Sabah/Sarawak because the power from Bakun Dam is not going to be sent to semenanjung. Any comments on that?

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  2. I think it should be somewhere near a lot of water. Probably near the ocean. But it must be far away from populated areas and close to the grid.

    I read somewhere that somebody suggested they build the plant in an island. I think that's the worst idea with the raising water level due to global warming.

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  3. But why Malaysian government haven't take the steps to seriously introduced renewable energy in this country? Solar,Wind,Biomass can be used to replace fossil fuel. Hence, no need for nuclear energy!

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  4. From researches done, it can be say that solar or any renewable energy source is not a one to one replacement of fossil fuel such as coal.

    Nuclear energy and renewable energy should be used side by side and not to replace each other. Byproduct from nuclear plant such as hydrogen can be in fuel cell etc.

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  5. hye..after i've read the article,i'm aware that the government is serious in researching and developing alternative renewable energy resource as a counter measure to the depleting issue of the current energy sources such as fossil fuels and so for..yes,we've lots of choices for renewable energy such as solar,wind,biomass and hydro..but then again geografical factors and the cost of running such stations must be taken into considerations..as far as i know,malaysia has already started the project on hydro power stations such as hydro bakun..but the problem is on how to sent the electricity to the peninsular malaysia since the grids are no longer feasible to do so..one of the solutions is to sent it by underwater cables but then again sea boundaries issues will comes up..the second alternatives is wind,also heve been conducted but it is unreliable because of malysia's geographical issues..so the only solution that i think we can come up with is to develope nuclear as our alternative energy souce..from ive learned and read,nuclear is not as harmful as we think they are if we handle it properly..for our consideration,nuclear is a green source of energy except for its byproduct that can be treated carefully..and most importantly,nuclear is a renewable energy and it can be used for a long time..i do agree for malaysia to start its own nuclear power station as there's lots of long term benefits as wse do so..
    Name:Firdaus bin Julaihi
    email:dozs73@gmail.com

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  6. Cheers for firdaus...we need to change the mentality of Malaysian regarding nuclear power :D

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  7. I have to disagree with firdaus as running solar,wind,or hydro stations are alot cheaper than running nuclear stations.Other countries choose to run on nuclear stations as they do not have a stable weather and have many different seasons.In malaysia its either rain or shine and we should take advantage of that.Nuclear power is an excellent source of energy but unsuitable in country;s which are dense.I personally feel that we should only look into nuclear power as our last resort as its a huge step and im sure you remember the accident in the small plant in ukraine has left a city 1/3 the size of malaysia abandoned till today.Also we havent tapped into our full potential with other forms of renewable energy that is most suitable with our geological factors.
    name:Harsukhvir Singh Godrei
    email:sukh_x@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. jom visit http://seramsunyi.blogspot.com

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  9. Nowday, mentality of malaysian are very bad regarding to the nuclear power right? someone has stated that fact before. Then how do the government take action to change the mentality? do they now have an organization that functioned to change the mentality of those Malaysian? if not, i think the government should start to assure the people that nuclear power not harmful at all.
    Than you,
    (sorry, my english bad! hehehe)

    Mohd. Shafiq B. Idris
    ME083587
    email: sapik_900906@yahoo.com

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  10. salam n hye.. i have to agree with sukh. Malaysia is a country that got a lot of renewable energies that can be used such as solar,hydro and it is more cheaper than nuclear energy. Why we must choose nuclear energy? why we we must burden ourself with the things that citizens in malaysia even cannot pay for it? Moreover, government should play more role n think more about safety when we are dealing nuclear. Their should tell people in malaysia why their are using with nuclear rather than other energies! don't take the increasing of fuel price as excuse for using the nuclear energy. Plez la.. ok,tq..

    HAZIM BIN SHARUDIN
    sena_90@yahoo.com.my

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  11. salam....
    pliz every body stop just thinking around the box... nuclear energy is the most powerful ever energy have been created by human....
    just only 1 kg of helium can create 10000+++ volt electricity for every year for about 3 generations can use it....

    renewable energies is safe but alot of money will be need to build the powerplant for just only a few milivolt can be produced......


    MOHD FAIZ BIN MOHAMED RUSDI
    park_axe@yahoo.com
    me083874

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  12. Hi bloggers,

    I think governments should be more serious in addressing this issue. more nuclear experts in the field need to be born so we are really ready to launch the first nuclear project in the country. it is important for us to exchange our ideas and views here, but more important is for us to implement what was said. therefore all we need to do is bring up all these good ideas to the responsible party to achieve the dream of having the first nuclear power station in the country.

    nik zakaria bin nik mustoffa
    me083873
    nik_nod32@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Salam

    firstly, why we need to convert to nuclear when the fossil fuel is already finish? it's kinda too late. it should start to operate BEFORE fossil fuel depleted.

    secondly, about renewable sources, its very costly especially there's alot of IPP in Malaysia and they should be considered too. What are they gonna do if we only use renewable sources? We cant simply shut them down.

    AIDIL AZLAN BIN MOHD FITRI
    ME083526
    aidil.azlan@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I agree with government to look at alternative energy such as nuclear energy.It is because fossil fuels,coal,petroleum and others will not last forever and one day will be exhausted.And I think nowadays nuclear energy are the most perfect solution for this problem.The benefits of this energy are reduction in pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, mercury, and other heavy metals is a big help to our climate. As a climate change friendly option, nuclear power is carbon-free it does not release pollutants into the atmosphere unlike other energy sources and it also low long term cost.I hope government will consider this energy to our future.
    Thank you

    Ahmad Aizat b Arifin
    artseni14@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Besides using nuclear generators, we should consider that there are still many alternatives out there that can generate energy without the use of fossil fuels. Before we rush into the conclusion and say that Malaysia HAS to implement nuclear power generators, there are many aspects that we should first look into.

    For example:
    1. The cost required to build and maintain the generators.
    2. The methods of handling and disposing the radioactive waste materials.
    3. The manpower needed- we need to have qualified professionals to handle the generators to prevent any unwanted circumstances such as radiation leakage.
    4. Is nuclear power generator the best choice of energy source among other alternatives such as biomass, wind, solar etc?

    NG KAH HOO
    nakahee_90@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I totally agreed with our government new plan to turn to nuclear energy to generate electricity by 2023 due to depletion of fossil fuel. However I wanna ask, are we really ready for using nuclear energy to generate electricity? Do we have enough nuclear expert to run this project? Are we really advance enough in the field of nuclear science? How the government can ensure this type of energy is safe enough? Of course we don't wanna Chernobyl disaster will be repeated in our country.

    ENGKU AHMAD AZIZAN HAFIDZI
    eazizan90@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Another thing that adds to the equation is the cost. Cheap electricity = nuclear power plant. If the public rejects the idea using nuclear as a source of power, we the end users will bear the burden of higher electricity bills.

    The government can only subsidize up to a certain point or during election time only (lol). Higher price for fuel = higher tariff.

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  18. It is true that nuclear energy is an effective way to solve the energy source crisis in our nation. In fact, just like MOHD FAIZ said, 1 kg of helium can create 10000+++ volt electricity for every year. However, it can also generate enough power to create a bomb or an explosive devices. Unlike fuel oil which is limited, the nuclear energy is unlimited. So, what I want to say is that why don't we think about the crimes it can cause.

    Fuel oils are limited. Therefore people will think twice before consumes it to create a harmful weapon such as a bomb. Some of them may think to rather sell it at high price. That will bring them more benefit.

    Nuclear energy as we all know are infinite in amount. Wastage can happen as they know that it will not end. As such, for the criminals, not just they can gain benefit from it through selling it, they can also commit crimes with it. They will not be worried to consumes it as nuclear can be generated even more. They will have no worries when intending to create such weapon like a nuclear bomb. Even if the weapon requires more nuclear, they not need to worry as they can get more of it as long as it keeps on generated.

    So, what I think is that, the use of nuclear energy to replace our current fuel source is a bad idea, as it can generate more crimes than ever. Not to mention that Malaysia contains many criminals as we know it.

    That is all.

    WAN MOHAMED AFIF BIN WAN MANSOR
    afif_blackcat@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yes,every country can make benefits on this nuclear energy,as it acts as an alternative to counter high global oil prices.So do Malaysia.

    Malaysia can practice other alternative energy sources such as wind and solar energy.Eventhough energy produces just small in amount,but it is relevant to be done in this sunny windy country.

    High amount of energy can be generated from a single nuclear power plant,it is undeniable.But,one cannot deny any possibilities ,maybe disasters in future.There are proponents and opponents of nuclear energy.However,only the future will make it clear whether nuclear energy is a boon or a bane!

    NAME: JAFFREEN BIN JAAFAR
    EMEL: jeff_kyo90@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. It's good to generate electricity by nuclear energy in 2023 as mentioned. Just want to ask, if there relevant to produce nuclear energy with combination of ASEAN since the cost is higher?

    Name: Mohamad `Adif Bin Jemarin
    email: ucukadif@yahoo.com

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  21. Nuclear energy plants produce electricity through the fission of uranium, not the burning of fuels. Consequently, nuclear power plants do not pollute the air with nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, dust or greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
    More than 400 nuclear power plants are operating in 25 countries around the world today, supplying almost 17 percent of the world's electricity! and the number keeps growing! Nuclear has become like a trend for the new world order to supply electricity, and I believe we Malaysian down want to be left behind.
    This issue is not only for the energy purpose, we have to look at the bigger picture, that this would bring the world into a better place to live. less pollution = better!!

    just my 2 cent!

    Muhammad Naim Bin Zulkifli
    fort89@yahoo.com

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  22. I agreed with the decision to make nuclear power plant as another source for energy supply...

    Nuclear plants have a high capital cost but a very low operating cost. There is a lot of risk up front but once the plant is running, over the 60-80 year lifespan it more than pays for itself. In Germany, brown coal costs 2.4 euro cents per kilowatt hour, nuclear costs 2.5 cents.

    The anti-nuclear folks are trying to scare the public into thinking their electricity rates will go up if we build nuclear. That is comical as the wind and solar they champion costs between 3 and 20 times more than nuclear.

    name: Muhammad Ridhwan Bin Abd Halim
    email: ridhwanhalim@gmail.com

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  23. I just want to ask what is the chances of Malaysia for generating nuclear power plant by 2021...
    YOGASWERAROW A\L SREE RAMALU
    ME084029

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  24. hard to say since the politicians run the country. One side say this, another say that :D

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  25. the sooner they educate the public about nuclear power the faster it can be implemented.

    but the thing is i don't see any effort by the government to win people's heart on this topic. All you see is a one or two people talks about it on the news and that's about it.

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  26. how is nuclear power cleaner? studies in uk has shown that even if they double the amount of nuclear power in uk there would only be an 8% reduction on greenhouse gasses

    name: Harsukhvir Singh Godrei
    email: sukh_x@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Ok,there is a few safety measures taken in running a powerplant.
    1. Talking about radiation contamination,the whole nuclear reactor is actually placed in a ceramic containment building namely called the dome.
    2.The second method is the use of moderator and control rods. These are used to control the fission process to a safe level of reaction speed.
    3.Generators are also used back up for electricity for incase of any emergency.

    This Safety measures are one of the many safety measures taken in running a power plant.
    The question is is possible for the current malaysian to actually fullfill the requirement needed to have a safe powerplant? Its also costly and the work is tedious. If there is even a single requirement missing it can cause freak accident which will cause allot of losses. For me i personally think its fine if the malaysian government want to go ahead with nuclear. But i hope they will choose the right group of people and also provide sufficient training to those who are chosen.

    Govinderan Mageswaran
    ME083544
    ninemoons_firing@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I personaly feel that malaysia should go for it. Nuclear power plant has the potential to answer the question for our depletion of renewable energy.You guys may wonder so is other forms energy such as solar, wind & etc.

    but do you know that solar energy is one of the hardest form of energy to harvest? for example a 10 glass panel harvesting solar energy at the rate of 100% will deprive to about 60% if just 1 of the 10 panels is unable to operate at its optimum level, so does wind mills that requires a vast amount of space or area in order to produce electricity, thus indirectly harming the eco-system.

    The greatest concern for us now, is Malaysia as a second world country moving to first is able to practise a safe powerplant? I tink we are, we accuring the right sources and im sure our goverment would take all the precaution steps necessary to avoid any unforseen circumstances.

    R.Tevan Nair
    ME083630
    dr.spiceinlife@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Izt nucler energy plant is the only alternative energy by replace the fossil fuel? No other way to maintain the fossil fuel last forever.

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  30. Izt nucler energy plant is the only alternative energy by replace the fossil fuel? No other way to maintain the fossil fuel last forever.

    Sathis Kumar s/o Kanesan
    sinkansen_19@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nowadays, we are using coal, oil and others as our source of energy. And we are almost run out of it. So, nuclear energy is one of the alternative sources of energy to replace the existing energy source. Beside nuclear what is other alternative source of energy? And what will happen if we are also run out of it?

    Syarifah Nur Hamizah Bt Syed Kasim
    ME083650
    ija_rc@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
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