Micro hydro potential in Sarawak: the case of Bakelalan

In recent years, an assessment of the hydro potential in Sarawak was carried out, as the State Government aims to turn Sarawak into powerhouse for the integrated ASEAN power grid. However, many rural areas are still not connected to the grid. To achieve the State Government’s target of 95 per cent electricity supply for all citizens in Sarawak by 2012, various small renewable energy sources are now being considered for remote rural areas. Micro hydropower was found to be most suitable for Bakelalan. This paper reports on the successful implementation of micro hydropower in Bakelalan at minimal cost.