Kuala lumpur: The upcoming Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26) will serve as a key platform to advance artificial intelligence (AI) as a new frontier for innovation, powering the next phase of Malaysia's energy transition. To be held from June 3 to 5, 2026, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, ETCon26 is a flagship conference envisioned by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), bringing together global stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the national energy transition agenda.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the conference, themed 'Energy and AI: The Synergy for Energy Transition', is anchored on three content pillars: Energy for AI, AI for Energy, and Energy Transition (ET) for People. These pillars reflect the growing interdependence between energy systems and digital technologies. TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Ir Ts Shamsul Ahmad emphasized that the 2026 edition will focus on translating Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) into actionable outcomes, shifting from strategy formulation to execution.
Shamsul highlighted the importance of a reliable and resilient energy system to support the rapid expansion of AI-driven industries, particularly data centers, which are increasingly energy-intensive. He stated, "AI cannot move without energy. In fact, nothing in the country operates without energy." The growth of data centers in Malaysia underscores the need for a stable and competitive electricity supply, with TNB playing a key role in enabling this expansion.
AI is becoming integral to transforming how energy systems are managed, enhancing efficiency, predictability, and overall system performance. Shamsul said AI is already being deployed across TNB's operations, including predictive maintenance, load balancing, and weather forecasting. "For example, with predictive maintenance and weather forecasting, we know which assets to prioritize. These are fantastic things that can be done with AI embedded into operations," he explained.
Shamsul added that AI is critical in addressing intermittency challenges associated with renewable energy, particularly solar generation. Beyond technology, he noted that the energy transition must deliver tangible benefits to society, including job creation, skills development, and broader economic spillovers. The expansion of the renewable energy sector has created new economic opportunities, prompting TNB to support Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in areas such as solar and battery storage.
"We have worked with vendors to support TVET, creating ready employment opportunities. The whole ecosystem benefits from this new economic sector," Shamsul said. TNB is also advancing the electrification of mobility, with more than 300 electric vehicle (EV) chargers already installed nationwide under the TNB Electron charging network. This initiative aims to accelerate EV adoption while supporting domestic automotive players and reducing emissions.
These initiatives are expected to generate broad spillover effects across industries and communities, supporting Malaysia's transition to a low-carbon economy. At the regional level, Malaysia is well-positioned to emerge as a smart and sustainable energy hub within ASEAN, supported by initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid. Stronger collaboration and grid connectivity among countries will be critical to enabling cross-border electricity flows, with AI playing a key role in integration.
ETCon26 has already secured participation from global partners, including Hyosung, Trilliant, Schneider, EdgeConneX, and Siemens, reflecting the importance of a collaborative ecosystem. "Policymakers cannot act alone, and the industry needs policy clarity. ETCon26 provides a platform for all parties to come together, exchange ideas, and drive execution," Shamsul stated. The conference is expected to deliver concrete outcomes, including new projects and initiatives that will enhance productivity, strengthen economic growth, and improve national competitiveness.