Solar Hybrid For the Rural & Remote Areas of Sabah

The Solar Hybrid project in Kg Kalabakan, Tawau, shows that the use of renewable energy in Sabah rural areas that are far removed from the electricity network is technically possible and economically feasible. In the long run the regenerative energy supply systems will drive ahead sustainable and decentralised energy supply here. ( Picture above : -The Solar Farm in Kg Kalabakan )

As in the case of Kg Kalabakan, some 4,000 residents are expected to benefit from the solar hybrid project when it is fully operational in about two months time. For the record, residents in Kalabakan, which is located about 100 kilometres from Tawau, have been using generator sets to power electricity to their homes.

Energy is vital for sustaining life on earth. Energy was, is and will remain the basic foundation which determines the stability of economic development of any nation. It is needed to increase the quality of life. Supply of energy for both biotic and a-biotic life support systems, is only possible by exploiting natural resources. However, careless exploitations of these resources ultimately affect the environment on which such systems thrives. The energy problem is, thus, synonymous to elogical and economic problems. The present efforts should, therefore, be focused to find an optimal solution for guaranteeing sustainable energy supply.

( Pictures - left with the software engineers from KL during the site visit on the 18th July 2009 at the Kg Kalabakan main solar station and left after energising the control room at Kg Murut station in Kalabakan,Tawau )

( Pictures - left is the generator room and on the right is the controller panel )

Altough Solar Hybrid systems are not a universal solution for all energy problems, there are many applications all over the world where they have been established as the least cost option for providing basic electricity supply.

Proper design of systems to match user requirements is the most important factor to consider in planning such projects. Proper selection of proven and tested components is also an important aspect.

The on going policies by the Federal Ministry of Education and Ministry of Rural and Regional Development to introduce and use solar hybrid systems to provide and generate electricity to rural and remote areas of Sabah is commendable.

( The Solar Farm at Kg Kalabakan main solar station and the solar panel installed )

We hope the policies would continue to cover all the rural and remote areas of Sabah before the end of the 10th Malaysian Plan, so that the schools and villagers at these places could enjoy the benefits of electricity as their fellow citizens do in the urban areas.