Renewable energy in Brunei
Only 0.05% of Brunei's power was generated using renewable energy, with the remaining 99.95% coming from fossil fuels. The nation established a 10% renewable energy target in the electricity generating mix by 2035 in 2014. When it comes to renewable energy, Brunei has yet to significantly advance and establish itself as a desirable location for investment. From 2020 to 2035, the percentage of renewables must rise by 0.66% year in order to reach the aim. To further the growth of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, which is more plentiful than wind energy, the nation still has to implement a regulatory framework.[1]
Even though they only make up 0.55% of installed capacity at the moment, Brunei wants to increase the share of renewable energy in its generating mix to 30% by 2035. Other ambitious goals include developing and enacting a carbon pricing or tax mechanism by 2025 and assisting multinational oil and gas clients in meeting their
Background
Brunei and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), two oil-rich nations, use oil and gas as a key source of energy and heavily rely on it for their economies. Their energy roadmaps, however, have also been affected by the global energy shift toward more sustainable energy generation. According to its Wawasan 2035, Brunei wants to deploy up to 10% more renewable energy by the year 2035, while the UAE wants to reach 50% of its energy mix from renewable sources by the year 2050. According to the Brunei Energy White Paper, the country pledges to renewable energy are mostly motivated by its worries about energy security. In order to realize its vision by 2035, the Bruneian government establishes three strategic goals.[3]
The primary goal is to enhance oil's upstream and downstream systems. The second goal is to promote the growth of sustainable energy, and the third goal is to maximize economic growth in the energy sector. The Brunei government has pledged to enhance renewable energy, particularly solar PV, in order to assure the growth of sustainable energy. Brunei also intended to build the Temburong Smart City, which would mostly rely on solar energy and be dubbed the "Green Jewel of Brunei." However, Brunei has only put in 1.2 MW of solar as of now as a demonstration project. It's reasonable to assume that the implementation of renewable energy is still in its infancy. There are, however, particular actions Brunei might take to quicken this process and increase its involvement in sustainable energy in the ASEAN area.[3]
Currently, oil income still account for 73% of Brunei's
Sources
Solar power
Brunei opened its first
On 1 January 2020, the
The Temburong District Office is now Brunei's first solar-powered government structure thanks to the installation of 255 solar panels on its rooftop. The solar power system can produce 100 kWp of clean energy and is anticipated to reduce annual electricity costs by up to $11,000, according to a statement released on 10 July 2021 by the Ministry of Energy. The initiative, which will cost $97,474, is a part of the government's effort to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The solar panels at the Temburong District Office, can absorb 1,330 trees' worth of carbon dioxide each year, or roughly 66 tonnes less than they would otherwise emit.[9]
Cost is the primary obstacle to the growth of renewable energy generation in the sultanate. Due to the country's extensive hydrocarbon deposits, which are used to fuel its thermal power plants to produce energy, Brunei has some of the lowest electricity costs in the area. Due to the fact that grid parity has not yet been attained, this does not encourage individuals to install their own solar panels. When the cost of generating electricity from renewable sources is equal to or less expensive than buying it from the national grid, it is considered to have attained grid parity.[10]
Biomass power
A research study on how waste products may be utilised for the benefit of the nation was presented in 2014. Based on the research's presentation, it was observed that biomass may be a perfect substitute for the Sultanate's usage of oil and gas because the nation has a lot of underutilized biomass that could be used as a feedstock for pyrolysis. Rice husk, sawdust, maize fiber, coconut fiber, and corn shell and fiber were some of the biomass solid wastes used for the project. According to the research, all five of the biomass feed materials were discovered to have the following qualities: high GCV, low ash content, low moisture content, and high volatile yield. The amount of heat generated by the burning of the biomass is measured in gross calorific value (GCV). A preferable choice is biomass with a greater GCV.[11]
Private sector involvement
Several projects and actions have been put into place in the country in accordance with objectives and goals in energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy. The Ministry of Energy has pledged to raise the capacity of renewable energy to at least 300 megawatts. Using a
In April 2021, Kampong Perdayan erected 75 solar street lights along Jalan Labu. Since 2018, solar panels have also been placed on longhouses in Tutong and Belait's interior. During the launch event, the Department of Electrical Services also celebrated 100 years of power provision. To provide the area with more dependable energy, a 6 KV network is being developed from the Mentiri main electric system to the new Perdayan Station in Temburong. Once the project is finished in 2023, the Belingos Power Station will no longer require diesel generators.[9]
See also
References
- ^ Accept, A. C. E. (2020-05-26). "RE Investment Series - Brunei Darussalam - ACCEPT Insight". ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project (ACCEPT). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ^ "Brunei approved for I-REC(E) issuance". I-REC Standard. 2022-06-27. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ^ a b c "Brunei Has Potential To Go Big With Renewable Energy". ASEAN Centre for Energy. 2019-07-30. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ^ "Brunei Installs First Photovoltaic Power Station". Transmission & Distribution World. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 2014-08-23.
- ^ Liza Mohamad. "Sultan opens Brunei's first solar power plant". sultanate.com. Retrieved 2014-08-23.
- ^ "Environmental Education Tour Project to Tenaga Seria Brunei – Project by Mitsubishi Corporation, Brunei Liaison Office". Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ^ Chikkodi, Ashwini (2021-05-05). "Brunei Is Getting Ready For A Solar Powered Future". SolarQuarter. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
- ^ "BSP Website". www.bsp.com.bn. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ^ a b Scoop, The (2021-07-13). "Temburong District Office becomes first solar-powered government building in Brunei". The Scoop. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ^ "Brunei's shift towards renewables". The ASEAN Post. 2016-12-29. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ^ "Engineering grad highlights biomass potential as source of alternative fuel | The BT Archive". btarchive.org. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ^ "Towards a sustainable energy future » Borneo Bulletin Online". Towards a sustainable energy future. 2022-03-26. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
- ^ Scoop, The (2021-02-04). "Brunei to build 30 MW solar power plant in Kg Sg Akar". The Scoop. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
- ^ Han, Rasidah Hj Abu Bakar, Shareen (2021-03-22). "All four districts to operate solar power plants within 5 years". The Scoop. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
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