A Challenge for Sustainable Electrification, Respecting the Local Tradition in Ciptagelar Village, West Java, Indonesia: Complementary Approach with a Private Company

Abstract

Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable modern energy is a key challenge in reducing poverty in developing countries. Off-grid rural electrification based on decentralized renewable energy has been recognized as an effective way to increase access to energy in remote areas. However, there is some doubt about its long-term sustainability. Previous studies have indicated that once renewable energy generation facilities are installed, the responsibility for operation and maintenance is often handed over to the local community, and, eventually, the project fails because of a lack of maintenance budget. This paper discusses issues related to the sustainability of MHP-based rural electrification as a case study in a remote village in West Java, Indonesia, that is deeply steeped local traditions. A complementary approach between the community and a private company was introduced to improve the economic sustainability of MHPPs while simultaneously conserving local traditions and livelihoods.