Small-Scale Renewable Energy Technology to Support the Sustainability of a Food Security Village in Malang City

Abstract

Nowadays, the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies is taking place worldwide. Every year, the amount of renewable energy installed increases dramatically. Many small-scale renewable energy technologies have been developed, for example at the household level, or at the environmental level as community-owned renewable energy. This research focuses on the development of renewable energy technology using the resource potential and local community wisdom of Glintung Water Street (GWS), a flood-prone area in Malang City. The objectives of the study were to analyze the potential of water resources in the study area to be developed as renewable energy, particularly under low flow conditions, and to investigate community support for the program of energy independence as a basis for developing a green economy to strengthen GWS as a food security village. This study uses 2 types of data, namely qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data is used to deepen the urgency of using renewable energy as alternative energy to replace PLN electricity. Meanwhile, the quantitative data collection consisted of 2 types of data, namely data on the measurement of the hydraulic characteristics of the flow as a source of driving force for the water wheel, and data on the community response and support using a questionnaire instrument. The results showed that the minimum flow to drive the water wheel under low flow conditions was 3 l/s. The maximum RPM recorded during waterwheel operation is 9 RPM, i.e. after it rained the night before the measurement, and the resulting voltage was 20 Volt. However, at higher flow conditions, the voltage generated by the waterwheel can reach 40 Volts. The community strongly supports the energy independence program although there are still doubts due to limited knowledge and experience in applying renewable energy technologies.