A Comparative Study: Micro-Hydro Power Management Model in Rural and Isolated Area

Abstract

Micro-Hydro Power (MHP) is a solution to the need for renewable energy in the era of the industrial revolution 4.0. Its environmentally friendly effect has become a consideration for many people to consider implementing it in their respective places. One of the critical points to realize this is a sustainable MHP management model. This paper discusses the assessment of the MHP management model for electrification in rural areas in Indonesia. There are two objects in this research: Kunci Putih MHP in Jatirunggo Village, Semarang Regency, and the Mbakuhau MHP in Kamanggih Village, East Sumba Regency. This research aims to assess the management model of the Kunci Putih MHP and Mbakuhau MHP from the social-managerial, economic, and technical aspects. This study uses descriptive qualitative methods with gap analysis techniques. The results show that the two locations have different challenges based on three aspects that have been recognizing in international standards. The private sector manages Kunci Putih MHP with a National scale installation operated by the company directly. In contrast, Mbakuhau MHP manages by a credit union collaboration with National Electricity East Sumba. Kunci Putih MHP is driven by the private sector through auction and is responsible for maintenance, project engineering, repair, and equipment maintenance. Mbakuhau MHP can be successful in community-based management because IBEKA (Pro-Poor Public-Private Partnership) gave the community training during construction. The community provides technical training in leadership because Mbakuhau MHP is an electrification solution for isolated villages so that management is better carried out by the community. Therefore, the two cases cannot significantly be compared because they are different in power and scale.