Renewable energy in Brunei

Last updated
BSP Flagship Solar PV in 2023. Kuala Belait 22 July 2023 04.jpg
BSP Flagship Solar PV in 2023.

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]

Contents

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 net-zero commitments. The development of the nation's clean energy market and the satisfaction of corporate demand for renewable energy are anticipated to be aided by the implementation of the I-REC(E) certificate. [2]

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 GDP. While oil output is at its highest, the country could begin devoting a portion of this to encourage RE and attract investment. This will enable Brunei to make a smooth transition to RE and lessen its reliance on the oil and gas industry. Brunei should be aware that the cost of renewable energy technology has been steadily falling over the past ten years, and the nation might profit from it if the appropriate renewable energy framework is put in place today. As an effort to further realise this, the Brunei Government has made a good start by restructuring the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI) since July 2018. Previously serving as the Energy and Industry Department at the Prime Minister’s Office (EIDPMO), the new ministry is mandated to foresee the country’s energy, industry and manpower as its core roles. [3]

Sources

Solar power

Tenaga Suria Brunei in 2024 Seria 27 January 2024 03.jpg
Tenaga Suria Brunei in 2024

Brunei opened its first solar power plant, the 1.2 MW Tenaga Suria Brunei photovoltaic power plant, on 26 May 2011 by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The plant powers up around 200 houses in the nation. [4] [5] The facility spent two years in the assessment and analysis phase with the aim of determining the performance traits of six different types of PV panels and, consequently, determining the optimal PV panel under Brunei climatic circumstances. Following the assessment phase, the Department of Electrical Services assumed control of the facility in 2013, and is now responsible for daily plant maintenance and operation. The plant is now operated by the Department of Electrical Services, Ministry of Energy, and contributes around 0.14 percent of the overall power producing capacity of the nation. [6]

On 1 January 2020, the BSP Energy Transition team was created to lead the BSJV's assistance of Brunei's decarbonization process. The team serves as a conduit to the Brunei Climate Change secretariat and strives to be the center of excellence for low-carbon solutions. It collaborates with various teams and functions to lessen the overall carbon footprint associated with operating the oil and gas industry. In order to provide an interesting new portfolio for BSJV in the months and years to ahead with constantly changing technology. BSP wants to enhance the use of renewable energy in both its operational and passive assets. The 3.3MW BSP Flagship Solar PV plant at Jalan Tengah, Seria, is Brunei's second solar power plant. It was completed in 2021 and started to produce electricity on 30 March 2021. With almost 7,000 solar panels, it is capable of generating power equivalent to 600 houses. [7] [8]

Solar panels installed on a Brunei government building in Temburong. Government Department Building Complex.jpg
Solar panels installed on a Brunei government building in Temburong.

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 public-private partnership (PPP) model, the ministry is now planning to build a 30 megawatt solar plant in Kampong Belimbing in Mukim Kota Batu. [12] There are plans made by the government of Brunei to construct the largest power plant in Brunei at Sungai Akar with a capacity of 30MW, along with two more power plants at Tutong (Bukit Panggal) and Temburong (Kampong Belingos) by 2025. An expansion project for Tenaga Suria Brunei which aims to increase its capacity from 1.2MW into 4.2MW, is also planned. [13] [14]

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

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renewable energy</span> Energy collected from renewable resources

Renewable energy is energy from renewable resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. Renewable resources include sunlight, wind, the movement of water, and geothermal heat. Although most renewable energy sources are sustainable, some are not. For example, some biomass sources are considered unsustainable at current rates of exploitation. Renewable energy is often used for electricity generation, heating and cooling. Renewable energy projects are typically large-scale, but they are also suited to rural and remote areas and developing countries, where energy is often crucial in human development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy in Thailand</span>

Energy in Thailand refers to the production, storage, import and export, and use of energy in the Southeast Asian nation of Thailand. Thailand's energy resources are modest and being depleted. The nation imports most of its oil and significant quantities of natural gas and coal. Its energy consumption has grown at an average rate of 3.3% from 2007 to 2017. Energy from renewables has only recently begun to contribute significant energy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renewable energy in Germany</span>

Renewable energy in Germany is mainly based on wind and biomass, plus solar and hydro. Germany had the world's largest photovoltaic installed capacity until 2014, and as of 2021 it has over 58 GW. It is also the world's third country by installed total wind power capacity, 64 GW in 2021 and second for offshore wind, with over 7 GW. Germany has been called "the world's first major renewable energy economy".

For solar power, South Asia has the ideal combination of both high solar insolation and a high density of potential customers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renewable energy in Africa</span> Renewable energy in Africa

The developing nations of Africa are popular locations for the application of renewable energy technology. Currently, many nations already have small-scale solar, wind, and geothermal devices in operation providing energy to urban and rural populations. These types of energy production are especially useful in remote locations because of the excessive cost of transporting electricity from large-scale power plants. The applications of renewable energy technology has the potential to alleviate many of the problems that face Africans every day, especially if done in a sustainable manner that prioritizes human rights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renewable energy in Finland</span> Overview of renewable energy in Finland

Renewable energy in Finland grew to 38.7% of total final energy consumption by year end 2014, achieving joint second position with Latvia in terms of renewable energy consumption by share amongst the EU-28 countries, behind its neighbour Sweden in first position on a 52.6% share. The 2014 share in Finland breaks down as renewable energy providing 52% of the heating and cooling sector, 31.4% of the electricity sector and 21.6% of the transport sector. By 2014, Finland had already exceeded its 2020 target for renewable energy use under the EU renewable energy directive as shown in the table of country targets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electricity sector in Ghana</span> Government of Ghana sponsored electricity supply

Ghana generates electric power from hydropower, fossil-fuel, and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy. Electricity generation is one of the key factors in order to achieve the development of the Ghanaian national economy, with aggressive and rapid industrialization; Ghana's national electric energy consumption was 265 kilowatt hours per each one in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renewable energy in Canada</span> Use of renewable resources in Canada

As of 2019, renewable energy technologies provide about 17.3% of Canada's total primary energy supply. For electricity renewables provide 67%, with 15% from nuclear and 18% from hydrocarbons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy policy of Malaysia</span>

The energy policy of Malaysia is determined by the Malaysian Government, which address issues of energy production, distribution, and consumption. The Department of Electricity and Gas Supply acts as the regulator while other players in the energy sector include energy supply and service companies, research and development institutions and consumers. Government-linked companies Petronas and Tenaga Nasional Berhad are major players in Malaysia's energy sector.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy in Austria</span> Overview of the production, consumption, import and export of energy and electricity in Austria

Energy in Austria describes energy and electricity production, consumption and import in Austria. Austria is very reliant on hydro as an energy source, supported by imported oil and natural gas supplies. It is planned by 2030 to become 100% electricity supplied by renewable sources, primarily hydro, wind and solar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy in Malta</span> Energy production, consumption and import in Malta

Energy in Malta describes energy production, consumption and import in Malta. Malta has no domestic resource of fossil fuels and no gas distribution network, and relies overwhelmingly on imports of fossil fuels and electricity to cover its energy needs. Since 2015, the Malta–Sicily interconnector allows Malta to be connected to the European power grid and import a significant share of its electricity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy in Greece</span> Overview of the production, consumption, import and export of energy and electricity in Greece

Energy in Greece is dominated by fossil gas and oil. Electricity generation is dominated by the one third state owned Public Power Corporation. In 2009 DEI supplied for 85.6% of all electric energy demand in Greece, while the number fell to 77.3% in 2010. Almost half (48%) of DEI's power output in 2010 was generated using lignite. 12% of Greece's electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants and another 20% from natural gas. Between 2009 and 2010, independent companies' energy production increased by 56%, from 2,709 Gigawatt hour in 2009 to 4,232 GWh in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy in Brunei</span>

Energy in Brunei is related to all of the type of energy and its related infrastructure used in Brunei. Natural gas and diesel are used significantly in Brunei to generate domestic electricity, as well as gasoline and diesel to power its roads. Domestic supplies were undoubtedly still safe, but they were still susceptible to disturbances that would result in power outages and a lack of gasoline. To reduce the country's susceptibility and the economic hazards brought on by interrupted power and fuel shortages, it is crucial to strengthen the dependability of these sources.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renewable energy in Turkey</span>

Renewables supply a quarter of energy in Turkey, including heat and electricity. Some houses have rooftop solar water heating, and hot water from underground warms many spas and greenhouses. In parts of the west hot rocks are shallow enough to generate electricity as well as heat. Wind turbines, also mainly near western cities and industry, generate a tenth of Turkey’s electricity. Hydropower, mostly from dams in the east, is the only modern renewable energy which is fully exploited. Hydropower averages about a fifth of the country's electricity, but much less in drought years. Apart from wind and hydro, other renewables; such as geothermal, solar and biogas; together generated almost a tenth of Turkey’s electricity in 2022. Türkiye has ranked 5th in Europe and 12th in the world in terms of installed capacity in renewable energy. The share of renewables in Türkiye’s installed power reached to 54% at the end of 2022.

In 2013, renewable energy provided 26.44% of the total electricity in the Philippines and 19,903 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electrical energy out of a total demand of 75,266 gigawatt-hours. The Philippines is a net importer of fossil fuels. For the sake of energy security, there is momentum to develop renewable energy sources. The types available include hydropower, geothermal power, wind power, solar power and biomass power. The government of the Philippines has legislated a number of policies in order to increase the use of renewable energy by the country.

Denmark is a leading country in renewable energy production and usage. Renewable energy sources collectively produced 75% of Denmark's electricity generation in 2022, and are expected to provide 100% of national electric power production from 2030. Including energy use in the heating/cooling and transport sectors, Denmark is expected to reach 100% renewable energy in 2050, up from the 34% recorded in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renewable energy in South Africa</span>

Renewable energy in South Africa is energy generated in South Africa from renewable resources, those that naturally replenish themselves—such as sunlight, wind, tides, waves, rain, biomass, and geothermal heat. Renewable energy focuses on four core areas: electricity generation, air and water heating/cooling, transportation, and rural energy services. The energy sector in South Africa is an important component of global energy regimes due to the country's innovation and advances in renewable energy. South Africa's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is ranked as moderate and its per capita emission rate is higher than the global average. Energy demand within the country is expected to rise steadily and double by 2025.

California produces more renewable energy than any other state in the United States except Texas. In 2018, California ranked first in the nation as a producer of electricity from solar, geothermal, and biomass resources and fourth in the nation in conventional hydroelectric power generation. As of 2017, over half of the electricity (52.7%) produced was from renewable sources.

References

  1. ↑ 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.
  2. ↑ "Brunei approved for I-REC(E) issuance". I-REC Standard. 2022-06-27. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  3. 1 2 3 "Brunei Has Potential To Go Big With Renewable Energy". ASEAN Centre for Energy. 2019-07-30. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  4. ↑ "Brunei Installs First Photovoltaic Power Station". Transmission & Distribution World. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 2014-08-23.
  5. ↑ Liza Mohamad. "Sultan opens Brunei's first solar power plant". sultanate.com. Retrieved 2014-08-23.
  6. ↑ "Environmental Education Tour Project to Tenaga Seria Brunei – Project by Mitsubishi Corporation, Brunei Liaison Office" . Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  7. ↑ Chikkodi, Ashwini (2021-05-05). "Brunei Is Getting Ready For A Solar Powered Future". SolarQuarter. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
  8. ↑ "BSP Website". www.bsp.com.bn. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  9. 1 2 Scoop, The (2021-07-13). "Temburong District Office becomes first solar-powered government building in Brunei". The Scoop. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  10. ↑ "Brunei's shift towards renewables". The ASEAN Post. 2016-12-29. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  11. ↑ "Engineering grad highlights biomass potential as source of alternative fuel | The BT Archive". btarchive.org. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  12. ↑ "Towards a sustainable energy future » Borneo Bulletin Online". Towards a sustainable energy future. 2022-03-26. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  13. ↑ Scoop, The (2021-02-04). "Brunei to build 30 MW solar power plant in Kg Sg Akar". The Scoop. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
  14. ↑ 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.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)


This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.