Renewable Energy In Malaysia Research Articles

Drivers and inhibitors adopting renewable energy: an empirical study in Malaysia

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the drivers and inhibitors of the adoption of renewable energy by residential users. Based on the theoretical framework of consumer decision-making behaviour, an empirical study of the adoption of renewable energy in Malaysia was conducted.Design/methodology/approachA total of 501 residential users from the Klang Valley participated in this study. The data were analysed using partial least square (PLS) with Smart PLS 3.0 software.FindingsThe results indicated that the perceived utility of new technology, perceived utility of renewable energy and the perceived benefit of new technology were seen as the drivers of the adoption of renewable energy. At the same time, two inhibitor constructs, namely, perceived risk and perceived no need, were not seen to create a negative connection relating to the adoption of renewable energy. By contrast, as hypothesized, the perceived expense was the only factor that negatively correlated with the intentions to adopt renewable energy. To foster the intention to adopt renewable energy by residential users, more effort should be expended on capitalizing on the constructs of perceived benefits of new technology and the perceived utility of this new technology.Originality/valueThe current study contributes to the use of renewable energy in the country and indirectly to global renewable energy strategies.

Critical Process in Paddy Residue-Based Power Generation in Malaysia: Economic and Environmental Perspective

Malaysia is one of the leading producers of paddy. It has reached 0.48 million metric tonnes of rice husk and 3.1 million metric tonnes of rice straw in a year due to the emerging technological development in agroindustry.The consumption of paddy residue (both rice husk and rice straw) in electricity generation creates a vast potential to explore. However, the generation of electricity from paddy residue faces various environmental, technological, and social challenges.This paper identifies the most critical processes in paddy residue-based power generation towards the environmental and economic impacts.The transportation process is the most critical part, where personnel cost is the most sensitive cost to this process.The rice husk electricity generation cost is RM0.6075/kWh and rice straw is RM0.2725/kWh.The overall process, beginning from the production of paddy residue until electricity generation, will be examined to find the critical process in paddy residue-based power generation. This paper can encourage the utilization of renewable energy, parallel to the government policy to move with green energy, and can serve as a guideline for policy makers in the implementation of more renewable energy in Malaysia.

Tapping the Potential of Large Scale Solar PV System in Sabah: The Feasibility Analysis

As a developing country with the rapid growth of economic and population like Malaysia, energy and electricity play a critical role towards sustaining and supporting the development of the nation. However, like many countries across the world, Malaysia is facing challenges in reducing the carbon footprint while attending the expanding growth. In the Eleventh Malaysia Plan, Malaysia has pledged to renew and increase its commitment to the environment and long-term sustainability by adopting green growth initiatives. According to the plan, one of the approaches towards pursuing green growth is by undertaking the sustainable consumption and production concept that promotes economic growth without compromising the environment. One of the strategies is to focus on promoting renewable energy sources as well as boosting up the development of the systems. The last decade has seen a growing trend towards renewable energy in Malaysia, particular in solar photovoltaic applications in recent years. This paper will investigate the potentials of installing 5 MW solar PV plants in the state of Sabah according to feed in tariff incentives and its financial and environmental assessment in order to promote large scale solar PV in Malaysia. This paper calculates the economic viability through IRR and simple payback indicators and the environmental impact through CO2 emission reduction indicator for the proposed 5 MW plant.

A Survey on Renewable Energy Development in Malaysia: Current Status, Problems and Prospects

Abstract Energy demand in Malaysia is increasing over seven per cent a year, while forty per cent of the energy is supplied from conventional fossil fuel. However, a number of social barriers have mired the social acceptance of renewable energy among the users. This study investigates the current status of renewable energy, problems and future outlook of renewable energy in Malaysia. A total of 200 respondents were surveyed from Klang Valley in Malaysia. Majority of the respondents use energy to generate electricity. Although some respondents reported using solar energy, there is lack of retail availability for solar energy. The findings show that limited information on renewable energy technologies, lack of awareness, and limited private sector engagement emerged as major barriers to sustainable renewable energy development. In addition, the respondents suggest for increasing policy support from the government to make information more accessible to mass users, provide economic incentives to investors and users, and promote small-community based renewable energy projects. The study suggests that the government begin small scale projects to build awareness on renewable energy, while academically, higher learning institutions include renewable energy syllabus in their academic curriculum. The study concluded that to have sustainable renewable energy development, government’s initiative, private sector engagement and users awareness must be given priority.

Preliminary Study of Community Readiness Towards Building-Integrated Photovoltaic in Raub, Pahang

Between 2000 and 2010, the total energy demand for Malaysia has doubled. In order to promote production of renewable energy in Malaysia, the government has introduced a Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme under the Renewable Energy Act 2011. This paper examines community readiness towards adopting Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) in Raub, Pahang, Malaysia through the FiT scheme. By using the Community Readiness Model proposed by the Tri-Ethnic Center, the analysis shows that the people in Raub are not ready to accept the FiT scheme and to adopt the BIPV system. The main reasons for this are the lack of information about the FiT scheme and high initial installation cost for the BIPV. The study concludes that more measures need to be done to increase community readiness to implement BIPV.

Renewable energy project: Project management, challenges and risk

Renewable energy is one of the most popular topics in utilization of the electric energy resources. There are various types of alternative energy, which can be used as electrical energy. However, the suitableness of the green energy in a certain country is depending on some criteria such as geographical location, the availability of energy and so on. In order to establish the renewable energy, a well-planned strategy and management must be acquired. The main objective of this paper is to analyse the causal relation of some important criteria of project planning and development of a wind energy project in Malaysia. By using a system dynamic approach, it is found that government policies, investment of renewable energy, energy demand, geographical location and fund management are the most important criteria that need to be considered among others. The diagram of causal relationship with reinforcing and balancing loop shows that the application of renewable energy in Malaysia is promising. In addition, the information of the criteria relationship is further investigated by using the stock flow diagram. From the diagram, the factors that affect project’s expenditure could be analysed. This is very important to a developing country where more budgets can be allocated for other facilities, cultures, infrastructure, science, and technology development. By utilise the renewable energy in Malaysia, the carbon dioxide emission can be reduced and contribution to a sustainable and long term alternative energy resources country.

A source of renewable energy in Malaysia, why biodiesel?

Recent surge in crude oil price, finite fossil oil resources, and environmental issues all have aroused grave concerns. The world in 2012 consumed up to 12,476.6 million tons oil equivalent and 87% of this energy came from fossil sources. Malaysia has encountered an increase in energy demand following the country׳s development and economic growth. Currently, biodiesel is one of the main options to replace petroleum-derived diesel. Thanks to its environment friendly properties and almost similar performance with fossil fuels, biodiesel sounds like a promising option. The present paper deals with available renewable energy scenarios and examines alternative energies such as biomass, solar, wind and mini-hydro energy. The purpose of using the new sources of energy is to make sure of availability of reliable and secure supply of energy for the country. The energy demand and supply are also discussed based on source and relation to the country׳s fuel diversification policy. The study evaluates Malaysia׳s status quo in energy and biodiesel market, its strengths from economic, social, and environmental viewpoints and the production of biodiesel in the country. Moreover, the country׳s potentials to become a leading producer of biodiesel are further studied. The concentration in the study is on biodiesel production in Malaysia. The main portion of raw material for producing biodiesel is palm oil as the country is among the largest producers of palm oil at international level. There are optimistic expectations that by developing biodiesel production in the Malaysia, not only will the countries׳ energy needs be met, but the country will emerge as a role model that paves the path toward more production of biodiesel all around the world.

Small-scale households renewable energy usage intention: Theoretical development and empirical settings

The slow growth of acceptance is a major barrier to small-scale renewable energy development. This study examines the determinants of acceptance of small-scale renewable energy in Malaysia. The research model for this study was developed based on the theory of planned behaviour, the technology acceptance model, the diffusion of innovation theory and the existing literature on technology adoption. This study tested five hypotheses based on a survey, of 200 Malaysian urban residents and which used structured questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis results reveal that perceived ease of use, perceived behavioural control, awareness, relative advantage and cost reduction have significant impact on small-scale renewable energy usage intention. This study not only contributes to and extends our understanding of small-scale renewable energy purchasing behaviour, it also identifies the rationales for purchasing small-scale renewable energy. From a managerial viewpoint, the findings not only provide support for investment decisions but also take into consideration the concerns and needs of businesses and Malaysian government agencies.

Public Acceptance of Marine Renewable Energy in Malaysia

Research and development (R&D) on marine renewable energy (MRE) in Malaysia is still in its initial stage. It is crucial to know the level of acceptance of MRE among Malaysians in order to push the technology forward. A survey was conducted to investigate public acceptance of MRE in SS2, Petaling Jaya. In addition, a face-to-face interview was conducted to understand the concerns of an investor about investing in renewable energy (RE) projects. The results of analysis showed that 82.8% of the respondents support MRE implementation in Malaysia. However, 56.8% of the respondents are reluctant to pay for green electricity. The reason is directly linked to the NIMBYist (NIMBY= Not in My Backyard) attitudes of Malaysian citizens. They are unwilling to support green energy by involving themselves, participating or paying money. Furthermore, the interviewee, on behalf of investors, expressed some opinions on concerns about investment in RE projects. Several ministries and departments are suggested as being important in MRE development.

Renewable Energy in Malaysia: Strategies and Development

The field of renewable energy (RE) has been widely growing topic of fascination by researchers, industrialist and the public alike. This study tried to highlight the development of renewable energy usage in Malaysia as well as the world. In this paper, initiatives taken by the private and government schemes to nurture the development of sustainable energy in Malaysia are addressed. Malaysia is well rich within its huge potential of the use of sustainable natural resources due to an extremely moderate climate around the year. Only a minor adaptation and mitigation strategies need to be taken to push a popular and effective use of safe and renewable energy. It is necessary to develop proper plan by the local government as well as the central government of Malaysia for the sustainable development of renewable energy in Malaysia. The issues highlighted in this study is expected to garner a better understanding of how the topic of renewable energy can be better reflected as a growing and strengthening filed of research.

They’ll be dammed: the sustainability implications of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) in Malaysia

This article examines the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy in Malaysia, or SCORE, a US $105 billion infrastructure development plan in Sarawak on the island of Borneo, from a sustainability standpoint. SCORE aims to build 20,000 megawatts of hydroelectric dams along a 320 km corridor comprising more than 70,000 km2 by 2030. The article begins by explaining social science methods utilized for its research interviews and site visits. It then argues that sustainability consists of seven principles articulated in international law: prudence, equity, responsibility, precaution, justice, governance, and compatibility. Next, the paper introduces readers to SCORE before assessing it according to these seven sustainability criteria. The paper finds that SCORE erodes environmental prudence by emitting millions of tons of carbon dioxide and feeding industries that will pollute the land and water. It worsens intergenerational equity by exacerbating poverty and consolidating wealth for corporations and politicians. It degrades responsibility by intensifying tropical deforestation and flaunts precaution by downplaying and ignoring risks to water quality and availability. It is unjust, imposing dams on communities and forcibly relocating thousands of indigenous people, mitigates good governance by condoning bribes and kickbacks along with the violent suppression of dissent, and is incompatible with Malaysia’s own energy policy targets and international standards.

INTENTION TO USE RENEWABLE ENERGY: MEDIATING ROLE OF ATTITUDE

Acceptance of renewable energy is influenced by att itude of the users towards new technology. Lack of research on renewable energy in emerging countries and drive for switching to alternative energy urge for studies on attitude of the users’ towards renewable energy adoption. This study investigates perceptio n towards renewable energy use in Malaysia. A survey over 200 respondents from Klang-valley area was analysed using exploratory factor analysis and mult iple regression analysis. Five factors emerged from factor analysis are relative advantage, perceived b ehavioural control, ease of use, awareness and bene fitcost trade-off. Multiple regression analysis was co nducted to examine the explanatory power of these f ive factors while predicting intention to use renewable energy. The analysis showed that relative advantag e and perceived behavioural controls positively mediate a ttitude towards renewable energy and attitude posit ively mediates intention to use. However, ease of use, be nefit-cost trade-off and awareness positively but d irectly influence intention to use renewable energy. Study contributes to the literatures on social barriers o f renewable energy in emerging nations and theory of planned behaviour. It contributes to existing polic y initiative taken by government to enhance the use o f renewable energy in Malaysia.

Energy security and hydropower development in Malaysia: The drivers and challenges facing the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE)

This article investigates the drivers and challenges associated with the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy in Malaysia, or SCORE, on the island of Borneo. SCORE constitutes a multi-hundred billion dollar infrastructure development plan in Sarawak, one aiming to achieve US$105 billion of investment and to build 20,000 MW of hydroelectric dams along a 320 km corridor crisscrossing 70,000 square kilometers. Based largely on primary data collected through site visits, original field research in Sarawak, and more than eighty research interviews, the article identifies the genesis of SCORE, its expected benefits, and challenges with implementation encountered to date. The article begins by describing its research methods and then summarizes four sets of anticipated benefits discussed by respondents associated with SCORE: industrialization, energy security, equitable development, and spillover effects. It then dives into a longer discussion of the technical, economic, political, legal and regulatory, social, and environmental challenges facing the project. The article concludes by offering implications for those wishing to promote other large-scale, energy infrastructure projects throughout the world.

Palm Oil Milling Wastes and Sustainable Development

Problem statement: Palm oil milling generates solid wastes, effluent and gaseous emissions. The aim of this study is to assess the progress made in waste management by the Malaysian palm oil milling sector towards the path of sustainable development. Sustainable development is defined as the utilization of renewable resources in harmony with ecological systems. Inclusive in this definition is the transition from low value-added to higher value-added transformation of wastes into resources. Approach: A longitudinal study was carried out from 2003-2010 via, initially a field survey and subsequently a key informant approach with observation as a complementation for both. Results: Solid wastes, inclusive of solid wastes derived from air emissions and palm oil mil effluent, have a utility function with zero wastage. The principal source of effluent is palm oil mill effluent. Treated palm oil mill effluent is utilized for cropland application by plantation-based palm oil mills. However, independent mills discharge treated palm oil mill effluent in accordance to environmental parameters into receiving waterways. Methane is also released by palm oil mill effluent. Biogas from palm oil mill effluent and biomass energy from solid wastes are potential sources of renewable energy in Malaysia. Conclusion: In general, the wastes from palm oil milling are returned to the field for cropland application, utilized in-house or in the plantation, or sold to third parties. Thus, there is progress made towards sustainable development. The addition of new technologies and replacement of old mills will help to reduce the carbon footprint. However, at this juncture, the feed-in tariff for renewable energy is not financially attractive. If the biogas and biomass renewable energy sector were to take-off, enhancement in the value chain would occur and in tandem further progress towards sustainable development can be attained.

Assessing the scenario concerning environmental sustainability in Malaysia

There is strong scientific evidence that energy consumption and production are often related to greenhouse emissions. It has been argued that the cost of taking smart, effective cooperative action towards reducing global warming should be manageable. Following an effective approach, our work investigates the scenario of environmental sustainability in Malaysia and reassesses energy policy and alternative energy sources such as the utilization of oil palm (that is as a source of renewable energy) to reduce the economic and environmental burden. Our efforts try to lessen the gap between greenhouse gas mitigation and sustainable development, focusing on changing conventional energy instruments. This paper may be useful in the formulation of policies on renewable energy in Malaysia and possibly elsewhere. Key words: Energy, environmental impacts, renewable energy, palm oil bio-diesel, energy policy.

Optimal configuration assessment of renewable energy in Malaysia

This paper proposes the use of a PV–wind–diesel generator hybrid system in order to determine the optimal configuration of renewable energy in Malaysia and to compare the production cost of solar and wind power with its annual yield relevant to different regions in Malaysia namely, Johor, Sarawak, Penang and Selangor. The configuration of optimal hybrid system is selected based on the best components and sizing with appropriate operating strategy to provide a cheap, efficient, reliable and cost-effective system. The various renewable energy sources and their applicability in terms of cost and performance are analyzed. Moreover, the annual yield and cost of energy production of solar and wind energy are evaluated. The Simulations were carried out using the HOMER program based on data obtained from the Malaysian Meteorological Centre. Results show that, for Malaysia, a PV–diesel generator hybrid system is the most suitable solution in terms of economic performance and pollution. However, the cost of production of solar and wind energy proved to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than the energy produced from diesel generators.

Optimal planning of renewable energy-integrated electricity generation schemes with CO 2 reduction target

This paper presents a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model that was developed for the optimal planning of electricity generation schemes for a nation to meet a specified CO 2 emission target. The model was developed and implemented in General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) for the fleet of electricity generation in Peninsular Malaysia. In order to reduce the CO 2 emissions by 50% from current CO 2 emission level, the optimizer selected a scheme which includes Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC), Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC), nuclear and biomass from landfill gas and palm oil residues. It was predicted that Malaysia has potential to generate up to nine percent of electricity from renewable energy (RE) based on the available sources of RE in Malaysia.

Banana biomass as potential renewable energy resource: A Malaysian case study

Abstract The world has been relying on fossil fuels as its primary source of energy. This unsustainable energy source is not going to last long and thus, gradual shift towards green renewable energy should be practiced. In Malaysia, even though fossil fuel dominates the energy production, renewable energies such as hydropower and biomass are gaining popularity due to the implementation of energy policies and greater understanding on the importance of green energy. Malaysia has been well endowed with natural resources in areas such as agriculture and forestry. Thus, with the availability of feedstock, biomass energy is practical to be conducted and oil palm topped the ranking as biomass source here because of its high production. However, new sources should be sought after as to avoid the over dependency on a single source. Hence, other agriculture biomass should be considered such as banana plant biomass. This paper will discuss on its potential as a new biomass source in Malaysia. Banana plant is chosen as the subject due to its availability, high growth rates, carbon neutrality and the fact that it bears fruit only once a lifetime. Conversion of the biomass to energy can be done via combustion, supercritical water gasification and digestion to produce thermal energy and biogas. The theoretical potential power generation calculated reached maximum of 950 MW meeting more than half of the renewable energy requirement in the Fifth Fuel Policy (Eighth Malaysia Plan 2001–2005). Thus, banana biomass is feasible as a source of renewable energy in Malaysia and also other similar tropical countries in the world.

Oil palm biomass as a sustainable energy source: A Malaysian case study

It has been widely accepted worldwide that global warming is by far the greatest threat and challenge in the new millennium. In order to stop global warming and to promote sustainable development, renewable energy is a perfect solution to achieve both targets. Presently million hectares of land in Malaysia is occupied with oil palm plantation generating huge quantities of biomass. In this context, biomass from oil palm industries appears to be a very promising alternative as a source of raw materials including renewable energy in Malaysia. Thus, this paper aims to present current scenario of biomass in Malaysia covering issues on availability and sustainability of feedstock as well as current and possible utilization of oil palm biomass. This paper will also discuss feasibility of some biomass conversion technologies and some ongoing projects in Malaysia related to utilization of oil palm biomass as a source of renewable energy. Based on the findings presented, it is definitely clear that Malaysia has position herself in the right path to utilize biomass as a source of renewable energy and this can act as an example to other countries in the world that has huge biomass feedstock.

Renewable energy in Malaysia: a policy analysis

This paper outlines the development of renewable energy in Malaysia and the institutional framework to support it. The incentives provided for renewable energy are grouped into two categories. Under the Promotion of Investment Act, the incentives granted are pioneer status, investment tax allowance and reinvestment allowance. Depending on the modality of the investment an investor can opt for any of these incentives. Incentives are also given under the approved service projects such as transportation, communications and utility projects, whereby promoters under this category can enjoy tax exemption under Section 127 and investment allowance under Schedule 7B of the Income Tax Act 1967. The barriers to the promotion of renewable energy technologies and the measures to overcome them are also discussed. The paper finally discusses the source-specific concerns and recommended measures to develop renewable energy.