(a)
(b)
(c)
figure (a)(b)(c):some of the hydropower plant in Malaysia
In this part will discuss about the scenario and development of hydropower energy in Malaysia. The issue of the discussion is based on article that have been wrote by Ir. Zainal Abidin bin Othman, Managing Director, SMEC (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Status of Hydropower Potential
Malaysia has a total land mass of
332,000km2 and its mean elevation is about300m. The average rainfall is
slightly more than 2,600mm per year. The total gross hydro potential is
414,000GWh/year, of which about 85,000GWh/year is available in Peninsular Malaysia.
Hence, whilst Peninsular Malaysia has 39% of the land area, its share of
hydropower resources is only slightly more than 20%.Geographically, the
peninsula is relatively narrow, and its main range of low mountains, the
Titiwangsa Range,runs along the interior to form the main watershed. Thus, the
river basins formed are moderately small. The largest river basin is Sg. Pahang
with a drainage area of 28,500 km2. In addition, topographic features and
rainfall are comparatively less favourable than Sabah and Sarawak. These are
the main factors which contributes towards the limited hydropower resources in
the peninsula. Of the 85,000 GWh/year gross potential, the utilised resources
amount to 4,900 GWh/year (6%) whilst another5,000 GWh/year (6%) has been
identified .The Sg. Perak river basin is the most developed in terms of
hydropower development utilisation (2,500GWh/year), and it is reaching the
limit of hydropower potential development. For Peninsular Malaysia, it has been
estimated that the economic limit of hydropower utilisation is unlikely to exceed
10,000 GWh/year.
Future development
As for future hydro development
in Peninsular Malaysia, several projects have been identified and studied at feasibility
and pre-feasibility levels. These potential projects have to compete with alternative
energy sources such as coal and gas in terms of economic viability. From the
economic point of view, it is clear that hydropower requires substantial initial
investment costs which can be a deterrent to potential developers. It has been
proven in some countries of the inability of the private sector to undertake
such investments. However, this should be balanced against the long life and
low operating costs of hydro plants, and the fact that there is no consumption
of fuel for energy generation. Globally, in comparison with other plants, and considering
the quality of the energy produced, the balance shows a clear advantage for
hydropower .At the 17th Congress of the World Energy Council in 1998, it was
concluded that clear priority should be given to the development and use of
appropriate renewable energies with the aim of limiting emissions resulting
from the use of fossil fuels. This declaration supports the recommendations of
the International Hydropower Association as listed below:
- The remaining hydro potential should be developed to the maximum possible extent, provided it is implemented in a technically, economically and socially acceptable way;
- Hydropower development should go hand-in-hand (rather than in competition) with further development of other renewable sources of energy;
- The cost of the kWh produced by a hydro plant is competitive. The initial investment is substantial but the life of the plant is long (about 100years). This is part of the sustainable character of hydropower. The operating cost is low. Financial solutions will have to be found to facilitate the initial investment in hydropower in developing countries without requiring the owners to give guarantees that they cannot afford;
- The state cannot totally entrust hydropower development to the private organisation (as is the case for thermal plant). It should be involved in the planning and development process;
- It has been demonstrated in many countries that hydroelectric potential is a form of potential wealth and sustainable development. Its implementation, with a strong backing of the state, contributes to the well-being of society. (sources:http://dspace.unimap.edu.my/dspace/bitstream/123456789/13823/1/The%20Future%20of%20Hydropower%20in%20Malaysia.pdf)
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