Psychosocial Implications of Large-Scale Implementations of Solar Power in Malaysia

Ai Ni Teoh,Yun Ii Go,Tze Chuen Yap

doi:10.3390/technologies8020026

Ai Ni Teoh, Yun Ii Go + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies8020026

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Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the psychosocial impacts of large-scale solar (LSS) power projects. There were 225 participants (n = 109 women, n = 3 did not indicate gender) participated in our study by completing a series of questionnaires. We found that participants who lived farther from the LSS power project location and those who viewed the project as being impactful were optimistic about the benefits LSS power projects could bring. Our participants also demonstrated support for renewable energy development in Malaysia. These findings may provide important implications for the implementation and execution of LSS power projects and policies.

Highlights

As a developing country which is having an economic take-off, Malaysia has developed a high demand for electricity
Using questionnaires and open-ended questions, we examined the following research questions: How will residential distance to the Banting project location affect the public’s energy behavior and awareness of energy-related issues? How will the public think of the benefits and hazards associated with the large-scale solar (LSS) power project in Banting, Selangor? What are the public’s attitudes toward use of land and relocation due to LSS power projects?
The LSS power project in Banting marked an important step in the development of solar power in Malaysia

Summary

Introduction

As a developing country which is having an economic take-off, Malaysia has developed a high demand for electricity. To meet the demand while reducing greenhouse gases emission, the Malaysian government has approved projects of large-scale solar (LSS) power [1] to develop solar power in the country. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), as the only electric utility company in Peninsular Malaysia currently, generates energy via energy mix by burning biofuels and using other resources [2]. Considering the high reliance on fossil fuel which contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases and the rich solar radiation Malaysia receives daily [3], the government has been taking initiatives to diversify the utility of solar power in the country

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Discussion

Conclusion