Kampung Capacity: Assessing the Potential for Distributed Energy Resources to Satisfy Local Demand in East Malaysia

While energy infrastructure can contribute to economic development goals, they differ in potential to contribute to local livelihoods. In discussion of distributed energy scenarios and trade-offs it is important to consider the importance of rural energy access especially in a state where the total rural population is so significant. Scale and localized needs are important considerations in energy planning. Most rural villages in East Malaysia are not grid connected, and rely heavily on high-cost diesel fuel for electricity and transportation. Improved rural energy access has been a key component of energy future discussions, however little quantitative data on demand and potential exists. We conduct a case study in the Baram Basin the next basin to be flooded for a hydroelectric reservoir which explores the potential of renewable energy as a bottom-up solution to satisfy the energy needs of these impacted communities.