RENEWABLE ENERGY: THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SMALL HYDRO POWER IN MALAYSIA

Hazimi Bin Ismail1, Ahmad Faroqi Bin Mohayiddin2,Muhammad Zul Hazwan bin Md Fauzi3

12007293606,Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,UiTM syahbandar86@yahoo.com

22007293586, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, UiTM ah_qie@yahoo.com

32007293644, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, UiTM.zealous_zul88@yahoo.com

Large or small hydropower, still by far the most important of the renewable energy for electrical power production worldwide, providing 19% of planet’s electricity. However, hydropower on a small scale remains the most cost effective energy technologies to be considered for rural electrification in less develops country. The advantages of small hydro technology are the system can last for 50 years or more with less maintenance and also environmental friendly. Malaysian government has launched the Small Renewable Energy Programme (SREP) in 2001, in order to motivate the Independent Power Producer (IPP) in implementing the renewable energy projects in Malaysia. In 2009, there are 5 mini hydropower projects from 17 SREP participants, and one of them is Renewable Power Sdn Bhd. This mini hydro is operating at Gading Reserve forest, Hulu Selangor with licensed capacity of 2.2 MW. The capital cost of this project is estimated to be paid off after 10 years operation, but the operation and maintenance cost are at minimum compared to others renewable energy power generation. The barriers of this mini hydro are authority issues, short-term profit minded and expensive transmission to the main grid. Apart from these challenges, obviously mini hydropower is one the most potential alternatives energy in Malaysia, suitable to the objective of Fifth Fuel Policy in implementing renewable energy as one of the energy resources in Malaysia.

Keywords: small hydro, mini hydro, SREP, renewable, hydro Malaysia, renewable Malaysia, sustainable.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The concerns on environment and the high price of fossil fuel urge people to implement the alternative energy as the substituted energy resources. The fossil fuels are the main primary energy in the world, and yet to dominant the energy demands until a certain time when there is no more accessible fossil fuel on the earth. On that time, the world will meet the energy chaos if the alternatives are not prepared. Nowadays, no other sources that can beat fossil fuel as the 80% contributor to the Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES), and the demand of fossil fuels is expected to reach 80% at 2035 in power electricity generation1.

Third Conference of The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was held in 1997, Kyoto which is widely known as Kyoto Protocol. This protocol was setup with the objective to reduce 5% of CO2 total emissions in developed and industrialized country for the period 2008-2012 compared to the 1990 level1. This protocol is not compulsory to the developing country, but in order to show Malaysia’s commitment to the world environment, Malaysia ratified this protocol in September 20022. Malaysia is very committed to this protocol as the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak gave the statement to have 40% CO2 reduction in 2020 compared to 2005’s level during his speech in United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009, Copenhagen3.In order to fulfil this ambition, Malaysia has to find the solution of power generation without or less CO2 emission, which is hydro power is one of the best answers for this problem.

1

There are many alternative energy resources that are available in the world, but these energy resources are still young in technology and have some limitation depend on the geographical factor and location. On 11th May 2001, Malaysia has launched a program called Small Renewable Energy Program (SREP), in order to attract the Independent Power Producer (IPP) to develop and build the power plant based on the renewable energy resources. Under this program, small power generation plants that are utilizing renewable energy will sell their electricity to the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) through the national grid transmission system. The utilization of all types of renewable energy resources including biomass, biogas, municipal wastes, solar, mini-hydro and wind are allowed to participate in SREP. Until 2009, there are17 small power plants participate in the SREP, and only 7 of them are already generated the electricity 4. Statistically, from 17 participants of SREP, there are 5 power plants those are using hydropower as the energy resource4.These hydro power plants are categorized under small hydro category, which is limit to 10MW output capacity. Globally, small hydro all over the world contribute over 40GW of world capacity, which is 1.48 times more than total capacity of electricity generation in Malaysia4.With abundance of highland areas, the small hydro is theoretically has high potential to be implemented widely in Malaysia. The CO2 emission and high price of fossil fuel problem at least can be reduced if someday the mini hydro projects diverge to large number of participations.

1.1 Hydro Potential in Malaysia

According to Philip Hurst 1990, Malaysia covers a land area of 330 000 sq. km which 58% is lowland areas and 42% is highland areas5. In Peninsula Malaysia, we have Titiwangsa, Tahan, Bintang, Kledang, and Pantai Timur. In Sarawak, the highlands are Tama Abu, Iran and Kapuas Hulu Ranges while in Sabah, they are Crocker, Maitland and Brassey. Other than highlands, Malaysia also has average rainfall of 2540 mm in Peninsula, 2630 mm in Sabah and 3850 mm in Sarawak which contribute to abundance streams and rivers flowing from the highland areas 6.

From Nathan Raman and Ibrahim Hussein Journal (2010) map studies, they found out that the suitable catchment for hydro potential is based on 3 factors. They are energy demand, accessibility and river profile 7. Other than that, based on hydrology study, average annual rainfall in Malaysia especially in highland sites, the average annual rainfall rate are in range from 1500mm up to 3600mm, from 1997 to 20078. Based on the results obtained, location in Malaysia met the requirement for hydro generation7

1.2 Types of Small Hydropower

What is small hydro power? Basically, it comes from the basic of hydro gravitational potential energy to drive the generator in order to generate the electricity. However, small hydro power commonly categorized under 10MW or 25 MW in certain countries. There are 3 types of small hydro power; mini, micro and pica. The categorization of small hydro power depends on its electrical output. The small hydro can generate up to 10MW or 25MW in certain places, mini up to 1MW, micro can be up to 100kW and the pica hydro can generate electricity up to 5kW or 20kW9.

Table 1. General Classification of Hydro Power

Power Output ClassMore 10MW LargeLess 10MW SmallLess 1 MW MiniLess 100kW Micro

2

Less 20kW Pico

Under Small Renewable Energy Programme (SREP), small hydropower is defined to be less than 10MW.Commonly small hydro is kind of two types as described in Table 210:

Table 2. Schemes of Small Hydro

Types of Small Hydro Type 1 Type 2Flow Rate Large Discharge (m3/s) Low Discharge (m3/s)Total Head Low Head (m) High Head (m)

Size of Plants Large Plant Small Plant

Geographical potentialSmall rivers, irrigation outlets,

canal fallsSteep area, hills, mountain

waterfalls.

1.3 Implementation of Small Hydro in Malaysia

1.3.1 Small hydroA small hydro or called mini-hydro in[5] was implemented in Sungai Kerling, Hulu Selangor. The plant uses two Pelton wheel turbines to run two generators. The power purchase agreement was signed on 27 March, 2007 between Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Renewable Power Sdn Bhd. (RPSB).Based on[5], there are 4 other mini hydro plants in Malaysia. The list and output capacity of all mini hydro projects are listed in Table 2.

Table 3. List of Mini Hydro Projects in Malaysia

No. Name of Company LocationLicensed Capacity

(MW)

1Syarikat Esajadi Power Sdn.Bhd.

Sungai Pangpuyan, Kota Marudu,Sabah. 4.5

2Syarikat Esajadi Power Sdn.Bhd.

Sungai Kaingaran, Tambunan,Sabah. 2.5

3Syarikat Esajadi Power Sdn.Bhd.

Sungai Kadamaian, Kota Belud,Sabah. 2.0

4I.S Energy Sdn. Bhd.

Sungai RekDaerah Kuala KraiNegeri Kelantan

2.8

5Renewable Power Sdn. Bhd.

Kompartment 52 & 53Hutan Simpan Gading, MukimKeling, Daerah Hulu Selangor, Negeri Selangor

2.2

Source: Electricity Supply Industry in Malaysia : Performance and Statistical Information 2009

1.3.2 Micro hydro

3

Micro hydro power output is less than 100 kW. There is one micro hydropower which is located in Sungai Piah,Negeri Sembilan. The plant is equipped with two turbines that can produce up to100 kW electricity power.

1.3.3 Pico hydroPico hydro power is capable to produce up to 5 kW6. This type of small hydro is not implemented in Malaysia, but it is ongoing in research stage. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) initiated pico-hydro project in 2006. The system consists of flow turbine, gear system, and alternator with charge controller and a set of battery as storage 7. Other than that, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) had undertaken a research project of Small Scale Hydro Power (Pico-Hydro) for eBario 7

2.0 CONTENT

2.1 Site visit to Renewable Power Sdn Bhd (RPSB) in Gading Reserved Forest

Renewable Power Sdn. Bhd. (RPSB) is the first Green Technology develop by the Group of Majulia Sdn Bhd (MAJULIA) which had register as a Class “A” contractor. The determination of this group preserving the environment with regards to carbon emissions had ventured into Green Technology via generation of renewable energy. On 1st October 2009, 2.2 MW Mini Hydro Power station in Sg.Kerling, Selangor officially operated and the power is injected into Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) grid11.

Fig.1: Site location

A hydrological study had been carried on the side to identify the nature of the river and the topography. Based on the study, for the Sg. Kerling Mini Hydro Project is capable to applied run-off river system. As the system has low impact on environment so the requirement to environment Impact Assessment (EIA) can be avoid.

2.2 Mechanism of Small HydropowerThe general arrangement of the system starts with an intake and a diversion weir on the Sg. Kerling located approximately at 290.5 m above the sea level. The water then diverted by a 3,822 m penstock to a surface powerhouse containing two Pelton turbines, before it diverts back into Sg. Kerling. The capacity of the project has been approved and accepted by MEWC and TNB as 2.0 MW.

Others main features of the system are Headwork which is a diversion weir with a 10.95 m long uncontrolled spillway, two of 1000 mm x 1000 mm flush gate, an intake chamber, 18.5 m long descending basin and flushing facilities.

4

Fig.2 : Common layout of small hydro

Fig.3: Intake and weir

The penstock is built of 3822 m long with 1.0 m internal diameter mild steel pipes with varies thickness from 5.8 mm to 10 mm [12].

Fig.4: Inlet pipe

5

Fig.5: Outlet into power house

The power house is installed of 2 x 1250 kW generators and an 11 kV double circuit, 400 pole of 10 km long transmission line from the powerhouse to substation at Taman Lembah Damai with additional switching facilities.

Fig.6: Power house consists with 2 turbines, 2 generators and control room.

Fig.7: 400 pole connecting PowerStation to the substation.

6

Fig. 8: Lembah Damai substation.

2.3 Efficiency of RPSB’s small hydropowerThe power output of the hydro power plant can be determined by using the general formula of

P = ηρgQH

where P is the mechanical power produced at the turbine shaft (Watts), η is the hydraulic efficiency of the turbine, ρ is the density of water (kg/m3), g is the acceleration due to gravity (m/s2), Q is the volume flow rate passing through the turbine (m3/s) and H is net pressure head of water across the turbine (m).

The best turbines available can operate in range of 80% to over 90% of efficiency9.The Pelton turbines used in RPSB’s plant is claimed to operate at 89% efficiency11. The efficiency of generators in the plant is 96%11.

The proposed minimum flow rate is 0.18 m3/s but it has been fixed to operate at 1.25 m3/s11. Usually for the small hydro to operate in highland area, the discharge needed is lower compared to discharge needed in low altitude area and vice versa for pressure head. For this Sg. Kerling power plant, the gross head is 225.0 m but the rated head value is 214.43 m11. The head loss occur along the penstock is estimated at 10.5m11. The power loss also occurs along the transmission line from the plant to the substation which is rated at 4% loss11.

Table 4. Input Data and Conditions

No. Description Unit Value1 Rated Discharge m3/s 1.252 Minimum Discharge m3/s 0.183 Maximum Discharge m3/s 1.254 Head Gross m 225.005 Rated (net) Head m 214.436 Maximum Hydraulic Loss % (m) 4.7 (15.5)7 Compensation Flow Downstream m3/s 0.1008 Reduction of energy due to outage % 29 Generator efficiency % 9610 Plant operation use % 111 Transformer loss % 112 Transmission line loss % 4

Source: Report of Sg. Keling Mini Hydro Power Plant Development Under SREP Program

7

Table 5. Output Data

No. Description Unit Value1 Turbine Rated Capacity kW 11642 Generator Rated Capacity kW 11173 Maximum Available Capacity @ Interconnection Facility kW 21024 Deliver Capacity @ Interconnection Facility kW 20005 Annual Energy Available MWh 153276 Annual Energy Delivered (capped at 2000 kW) MWh 148337 Energy Reduction Due to Outage MWh 2978 Net Annual Energy Delivered MWh 145369 Net Plant Capacity Factor % 82.97

Source: Report of Sg. Keling Mini Hydro Power Plant Development Under SREP Program

From the data above, the net power output of the plant can be determined by using this calculation:

P = ηρgQH

Net plant efficient factor η = 0.8297, assumption of water density,ρ = 1000kg/m3, g= 9.81 m/s2, Q = 1.25m3/s and H= 214.43m

P = 0.8297 x 1000 kg/m3 x 9.81 m/s2 x 1.25 m3/s x 214.43m

= 2182 kW

= 2.182MW

Even the output capacity can reach to 2.18MW, but the contract delivery of electricity is only capped at 2MW.

2.4 Impact and effect of RPSB’s small hydropowerThe impact and effect of small hydro is at minimum compared to the large hydro. According the RPSB’s Project Manager, Mr Izzdy Ismail, there is no such proper research has been done in the weir area in term of climate change, however the fish and other water inhabitants are still in the there, and even more compare to the time before the weir completes. In fact,the penstock piping and access road all are built on former road of logging activities, and it logically sound the negative effects of small hydro is very low compared to the large hydro which needs dam to be built.

2.5 EconomicsThe detail and specific cost of the Sg Kerling plant is confidential but roughly the cost for a 1MW small hydro is RM 7.5 million, and the approximate capital cost for this Sg. Kerling small hydro is RM 15 millions. The maintenance cost is low and no major breakdown occurs along 1.5 years operation. The operating cost is most consumed in paying the salary and logistic as the fuel of power plant is free, thus it is recession proof.

The high head hydro generally provides the most cost-effective projects, but the long transmission distances to the substation or to the main grid can be pricey9. In this project,there is 4% energy loss along the 10km transmission line, and the losses can be higher if the length is more.

Table 6. Cost and Contract

Approximate Capital Cost RM 15,000,000Contract duration 21 yearsTariff RM0.167/kWh

8

Other fees Lembaga Air Selangor - RM100,000/yearJabatan Hutan Selangor – RM22,000/year

Source: Interview with RPSB’s project manager, Mr. Izddy Ismail

From the information above, the gross income before expenses and tax can be determined as:

Annual Gross Income = Annual Energy Delivered to TNB x Tariff

= 14833000 kWh x RM0.167/kWh

= RM 2,477,111

The net income actually is not being revealed, but the manager said the profitability is there, but it is not good enough for a radical and impatient investor. The total capital cost will be paid off after 10 to 11 years[14]. Even the contract duration with the TNB is set to 21 years, but the contract can be extended if everything is going in plan because the hydro power plant is the longest life time compared to other power plants. In fact, some hydro plants can last to 50 years or more without major refurbishment, and still to be competitive due to low of maintenance and operation cost9.In order to get ‘comfortable profit’, Izddy mentioned that the small hydro should be at least 4MW generation[14].

2.6 Limitation and future challengeMini Hydro power stations are available in Malaysia, there are still in production and have operated for years. The technology is available around the world and the installation may take only a few years. Mini hydro power station is low cost maintenance and easy to operate. The real limitation for implementing hydroelectric power plant is the capital cost, which is relatively higher than conventional power plant. This project has faced long lead times and various obstacles from pre-development stage up, especially securing the relevant license / premises and to get permission from authorities. Among the future challenges are to make continual load demand monitoring, appointing consultants for detailed design and preparing specifications, the futility of small hydro development in areas close to grid. Other than that, hydropower plant needs a fast stream river as a medium to move the wheel turbine. The real challenge for the system only occur when the rainfall capacity volume reduce in curtain month trough a year, the efficiency may drop to 20 -30 %. The awareness of people towards greener approach to power generation are still low so, many entrepreneur see this potential business very low because it less profitable and need a long time to turn into profit. Mini hydro power only contributed very low percentage compare to conventional coal power station. So it seems less significant to the eyes of society. Renewable technology needs to be “branding” to get intention from the society, for now at least the initiation is there and in the future there is a hope that we can switch the fossil fuel with the renewable and sustainable energy.

3.0 Discussion

The SREP has been launched in 2001, and until now there are 17 participants from variant of renewable energy approach participate in this program. Five of them use small or mini hydro power in utilizing the renewable energy into electricity. However, based on statistic published by Suruhanjaya Tenaga in 2009, only the Renewable Power Sdn Bhd in Sg Kerling, Hutan Simpan Gading is operating and delivering the electricity to the TNB, and 4 the others are still under construction. A visit has been organized to there in order to gain more information from them. The Sg Kerling power plant use 2 Pelton Turbines, 2 governors, and 2 generators with the total capacity of 2.2MW. The net efficiency of the plant is 83% and is very high compared to other type of renewable energy power plants. The effects to environment are very low, in fact RPSB helps to cure that area which was used for logging activities. The ratio of cost to output for small hydro is quite high compared to

9

conventional fossil fuel power plant, and that is why it is not attractive in the investors’ eyes. As the concern toward less emission power generation, this system seems can give very big contribution towards that.

4.0 Conclusion

The visit to RPSB’s mini hydro power in Sg. Kerling give a brief explanation and information to the authors how the hydropower operates. The concept of operation in mini hydro power is quietly the same as large hydro power, but the small or mini hydro power is more environmental friendly. This mini hydro power is developed under SREP program and it is the earliest project that accomplishes to deliver the electricity to TNB national grid. The mini hydro is obviously high potential renewable energy in Malaysia, and there is a hope that in the future more investors and entrepreneurs develop this kind of project in Malaysia. In conclusion, Malaysia is already has the initiative project and program such as SREP, however the contribution of SREP is very tiny if to be compared with conventional fossil fuel power plant.

5.0 Recommendation

Review again the tariff for the IPPs, and promote more attractive tariff for the IPPs who utilize the renewable and sustainable energy.

Give less interest of loan finance to site-owners and developers of SREP program. TNB, government and NGO should give adequate information to all people in Malaysia

especially for the entrepreneurs and investors in order for them to gain trust in SREP program.

Use of small hydro as the main source of energy supply or as alternative off grid connection especially for the people in rural area.

6.0 References

[1] World Energy Outlook 2010. Paris: International Energy Agency, 2010.

[2] Kyoto Protocol. [Online]. HYPERLINK "http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php" http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php

[3] Official Portal of Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia. [Online]. HYPERLINK "http://www.miti.gov.my/cms/contentPrint.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_1a7bcd9d-7f000010-5e095e09-e17e96f0&paging=0"

[4] The Star Online :UK lauds Malaysia's pledge to cut carbon emissions. [Online]. HYPERLINK "http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/18/nation/20091218134734&sec=nation"

[5] Electricity Supply and Market Regulation Department Energy Commission, "Electricity Supply Industry in Malaysia : Performance and Statistical Information," Suruhanjaya Tenaga, 2009.

[6] Philip Hurst, Rainforest Politics, Ecological Destruction in South-East Asia. London, 1990.

[7] "Assesment of Biological Diversity in Malaysia," Ministry of Science,Technology and the Environment,.

10

[8] Ibrahim Hussein Nathan Raman, "Reconnaissance Study to Identify Micro Hydro Potential Sites in Malaysia," 2010.

[9] Juhari Ab. Razak Kamaruzzaman Sopian, "Pico Hydro : Clean Power From Small Stream".

[10] Oliver Paish, "Small hydro power: technology and current status," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, pp. 537-556, February 2002 2002.

[11] Tasneem Abbasi and S.A. Abbasi, "Small hydro and the environmental implications of its extensive utilization," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, no. 15, pp. 2134-2142, 2011.

[12] Izzdy Ismail, "Sg. Keling Mini Hydro Power Plant Development Under SREP Program," Renewable Power SDN BHD, Shah Alam,.

[13] Time For Change. [Online]. HYPERLINK "http://timeforchange.org/cause-and-effect-for-global-warming" http://timeforchange.org/cause-and-effect-for-global-warming

[14] Izzdy Ismail, Project Manager of Renewable Power Sdn. Bhd (2011) Personal communication – [Personal Communication]

11