Rural Public Acceptance of Wind and Solar Energy: A Case Study from Mersing, Malaysia

Muhammad Aslam Mohd Safari,Nurulkamal Masseran,Alias Jedi,Azman Bin Abdul Rahim,Azami Zaharim,Kamaruzzaman Sopian,Sohif Mat

doi:10.3390/en13153855

Muhammad Aslam Mohd Safari, Nurulkamal Masseran + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en13153855

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Journal: Energies	Publication Date: Jul 28, 2020
Citations: 7	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: National University of Malaysia, University of Malaya

Abstract

The sustainable development of the energy sector through the implementation of renewable energy (RE) technology has been a primary concern for the government of Malaysia since the 1990s. Developing RE technology in rural areas is also one of the most important energy strategies. One of the most important requirements for the successful adoption of renewable energy technology is the public acceptance of this technology. This article examines the public acceptance of RE (wind and solar) technologies among rural residents in Mersing, Malaysia. This study is conducted in conjunction with the development of the hybrid wind–solar RE generation system for the Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (EKOMAR), which located in Mersing. To investigate the public acceptance of RE technologies, two surveys were conducted, before and after the installation of the hybrid wind–solar RE generation system. The findings revealed that RE innovations, such as wind and solar energy, were well known among 54.7% and 96.2% of the respondents, respectively, before and after the introduction of EKOMAR. The survey results showed that rural residents generally support RE technologies and EKOMAR RE projects. They were also in line that the use of RE should also be extended to other parts of Mersing, including wind and solar. These findings illustrate that EKOMAR has played a crucial role in educating local residents about RE, wind and solar energy in particular. Residents believe the government plays an important role, particularly in rural areas, in encouraging and enhancing RE technologies.

Highlights

The purpose this study is to evaluate the acceptability of the renewable energy (RE) technologies, hybrid
The first stage was performed before the installation the of hybrid wind–solar renewable energy generation system at EKOMAR and the second phase was done after the (a) deployment of the hybrid wind–solar renewable energy generation facility
56.3% of respondents were male and 43.7% were female in both surveys

Summary

Introduction

The Features of Energy Production Structure in Malaysia. In Malaysia, crude oil, coal, natural gas and hydropower are the primary energy sources available. The largest source of electricity in Malaysia since 1978 has been natural gas and crude oil, led by coal. Hydropower, the primary source of renewable energy (RE) that contributes significantly towards the supply of electricity in Malaysia. Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW electricity in Malaysia in 2014 [1] provides just 4.741 MW of electricity, given the fact that Malaysia estimates Energies 13, x FOR PEERcapacity. REVIEW at 29,000 MW [2].

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