RENEWABLE ENERGY: THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SMALL

HYDRO POWER IN MALAYSIA

Hazimi Bin Ismail1, Ahmad Faroqi Bin Mohayiddin2,Muhammad Zul Hazwan bin Md Fauzi3
1
2007293606,Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,UiTM
syahbandar86@yahoo.com
2
2007293586, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, UiTM
ah_qie@yahoo.com
3
2007293644, 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 generation[ CITATION Wor10 \l 1033 ]1.

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 level[ CITATION Kyo11 \l 1033 ]1. 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 2002[ CITATION Off11 \l 1033 ]2.
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, Copenhagen[ CITATION The11 \l 1033 ]3.In
order to fulfil this ambition, Malaysia has to find the solution of power generation without or less CO 2
emission, which is hydro power is one of the best answers for this problem.

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 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 [ CITATION Ele09 \l 1033 ]4. Statistically, from 17
participants of SREP, there are 5 power plants those are using hydropower as the energy
resource[ CITATION Ele09 \l 1033 ]4.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
Malaysia[ CITATION Ele09 \l 1033 ]4.With abundance of highland areas, the small hydro is
theoretically has high potential to be implemented widely in Malaysia. The CO 2 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 areas[ CITATION Hur90 \l 1033 ]5. 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
[ CITATION Ass \l 1033 ]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 [ CITATION Nat10 \l 1033 ]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 2007[ CITATION Kam \l 1033 ]8. Based on the results
obtained, location in Malaysia met the requirement for hydro generation[ CITATION Nat10 \l 1033 ]7

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 20kW[ CITATION Pai02 \l 1033 ]
9.

Table 1. General Classification of Hydro Power

Power Output Class

More 10MW Large

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 Less 10MW Small
Less 1 MW Mini
Less 100kW Micro
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 2[ CITATION
Abb11 \l 1033 ]10:

Table 2. Schemes of Small Hydro

Types of Small Hydro Type 1 Type 2

Flow Rate Large Discharge (m3/s) Low Discharge (m3/s)
Total Head Low Head (m) High Head (m)
Size of Plants Large Plant Small Plant
Small rivers, irrigation outlets, Steep area, hills, mountain
Geographical potential
canal falls waterfalls.

1.3 Implementation of Small Hydro in Malaysia

1.3.1 Small hydro

A 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

Licensed Capacity
No. Name of Company Location
(MW)
Sungai Pangpuyan, Kota
Syarikat Esajadi Power Sdn.Bhd.
1 Marudu,Sabah. 4.5

Sungai Kaingaran, Tambunan,

Syarikat Esajadi Power Sdn.Bhd.
2 Sabah. 2.5

Sungai Kadamaian, Kota

Syarikat Esajadi Power Sdn.Bhd.
3 Belud,Sabah. 2.0

Sungai Rek
I.S Energy Sdn. Bhd. Daerah Kuala Krai
4 2.8
Negeri Kelantan

Kompartment 52 & 53
Hutan Simpan Gading, Mukim
Renewable Power Sdn. Bhd.
5 Keling, Daerah Hulu Selangor, 2.2
Negeri Selangor

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

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1.3.2 Micro hydro
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 hydro

Pico hydro power is capable to produce up to 5 kW[ CITATION Ass \l 1033 ]6. 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 [ CITATION Nat10 \l
1033 ]7. Other than that, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) had undertaken a research project
of Small Scale Hydro Power (Pico-Hydro) for eBario [ CITATION Nat10 \l 1033 ]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) grid[ CITATION Izz \l 1033 ]11.

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 Hydropower

The 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.

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 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.

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.

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 Fig. 8: Lembah Damai substation.

2.3 Efficiency of RPSB’s small hydropower

The 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 efficiency[ CITATION
Pai02 \l 1033 ]9.The Pelton turbines used in RPSB’s plant is claimed to operate at 89%
efficiency[ CITATION Izz \l 1033 ]11. The efficiency of generators in the plant is 96%[ CITATION
Izz \l 1033 ]11.

The proposed minimum flow rate is 0.18 m3/s but it has been fixed to operate at 1.25
m3/s[ CITATION Izz \l 1033 ]11. 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 m[ CITATION Izz \l 1033 ]11. The head loss occur along the penstock is estimated at
10.5m[ CITATION Izz \l 1033 ]11. The power loss also occurs along the transmission line from the
plant to the substation which is rated at 4% loss[ CITATION Izz \l 1033 ]11.

Table 4. Input Data and Conditions

No. Description Unit Value
1 Rated Discharge m3/s 1.25
2 Minimum Discharge m3/s 0.18
3 Maximum Discharge m3/s 1.25
4 Head Gross m 225.00
5 Rated (net) Head m 214.43
6 Maximum Hydraulic Loss % (m) 4.7 (15.5)
3
7 Compensation Flow Downstream m /s 0.100
8 Reduction of energy due to outage % 2
9 Generator efficiency % 96
10 Plant operation use % 1
11 Transformer loss % 1
12 Transmission line loss % 4
Source: Report of Sg. Keling Mini Hydro Power Plant Development Under SREP Program

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 Table 5. Output Data
No. Description Unit Value
1 Turbine Rated Capacity kW 1164
2 Generator Rated Capacity kW 1117
3 Maximum Available Capacity @ Interconnection Facility kW 2102
4 Deliver Capacity @ Interconnection Facility kW 2000
5 Annual Energy Available MWh 15327
6 Annual Energy Delivered (capped at 2000 kW) MWh 14833
7 Energy Reduction Due to Outage MWh 297
8 Net Annual Energy Delivered MWh 14536
9 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/m 3, 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 hydropower

The 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 Economics
The 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 pricey[ CITATION Pai02 \l 1033 ]9. 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 15,000,000

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 Contract duration 21 years
Tariff RM0.167/kWh
Other fees Lembaga Air Selangor - RM100,000/year
Jabatan 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 cost[ CITATION
Pai02 \l 1033 ]9.In order to get ‘comfortable profit’, Izddy mentioned that the small hydro should be
at least 4MW generation[14].

2.6 Limitation and future challenge

Mini 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

9
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
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

10
 Environment,.

[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]

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