Microhydro project for underserved communities
The Centre for Renewable Energy (CREN), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has been established in 2009 to be the leader in renewable energy by engaging in various activities such as teaching and learning, research as well as consultancy work. CREN has successfully implemented three (3) micro-hydro projects in Sarawak namely in Sri Aman, Bario, and Padawan for the underserved communities.
CREN has developed a sustainability framework for micro-hydro project implementation in rural areas. The framework involves contributions from all stakeholders such as the funder, community, and the project implementor. The framework aims to empower rural communities via the use of renewable energy technology. Kampung Assum, Padawan is one of the three sites with a micro-hydro project built by CREN. The Bidayuh community at Kampung Assum earns their living from agricultural activities and producing crops and fruits such as paddy, tapioca, and banana which are for their consumption or sold outside.
In 2017, CREN has successfully completed the construction of a micro-hydro project at Kampung Assum. The project consists of a 10 kW micro-hydro main system with a 5 kW back up system and a multipurpose hall designed for socio-economic activities. The community has been introduced to the concept of innovation in which their agricultural produces could be processed, packaged, and later sent to market.
Through this sustainability framework, energy generated from the micro-hydro system is used for socio-economic activities that would generate income, especially for young people and women. The backbone will be young people and women with the support of UNIMAS while the community cooperative looks after the community business. Villagers could sell their agricultural produces such as banana and tapioca to the community cooperative to be processed. Besides, micro-hydro and solar PV training could be done at Kampung Assum by engaging the local champions. To ensure success, a business model is being formulated to assist the community at Kampung Assum in marketing their products and services.
The continuous commitment has led to several national and international recognition such as a Winner for the ASEAN Energy Awards 2019 in the category: Off-Grid - Power Category.
