Community-Based Renewable Energy Expanded in Ranau Through Solar and Hybrid Mini-Grid Projects

RANAU: Three community-based renewable energy milestones were marked in Ranau with the groundbreaking ceremonies for two new solar electrification projects in Kampung Paus and Kampung Kodop Baru, followed by the official launch of the Pokolon Paus Solar–Hydro Hybrid Mini-Grid System.

The launching ceremony was officiated by Kementerian Pembangunan Luar Bandar Sabah Permanent Secretary, Datuk Hajah Myrna Jimenez. Also present were Ranau District Officer, representatives from ECOS, Sekretariat Sabah Maju Jaya, together with community leaders, project partners and residents. The programme was held under the Sabah Renewable Energy Rural Electrification Roadmap, or Sabah RE2, together with local communities, spearheaded by TONIBUNG, PACOS Trust, Green Empowerment and other project partners.

The day continued with the official launch of the Pokolon Paus Solar–Hydro Hybrid Mini-Grid System, a community-based renewable energy system designed to provide reliable 24-hour electricity supply to Kampung Pokolon Paus. The system combines a 50kWp solar photovoltaic system with a 3.5kW pico hydro system and a 124kWh high-voltage Battery Energy Storage System. It is designed to supply electricity to 42 houses and other communal facilities in the village.

The hybrid system uses solar energy during dry and sunny periods, while the pico hydro component contributes power from the village water source, especially during rainy periods when solar generation may be reduced. The battery storage system helps store and manage energy generated by both sources to support a more stable and continuous electricity supply.

This combination of solar PV, pico hydro and battery storage makes the system more resilient to changing weather patterns and climate change impacts. Unlike stand-alone solar systems, which can be more vulnerable during prolonged rainy periods, the Pokolon Paus hybrid system is designed to ensure sufficient power during both dry and rainy seasons.

The project also builds on an earlier pico hydro system developed through local community effort, which was no longer sufficient to meet the village’s current electricity needs. The system was funded by three organisations: Seacology, CMAD and EKOenergy Eco Label. Their support enabled the development of a resilient community-based renewable energy system for the village. The project was implemented by TONIBUNG, PACOS Trust and Green Empowerment under the Sabah RE2 platform, with strong support and participation from the local community.

Sabah RE2 expressed its appreciation to the Chairman and members of the Pokolon Paus Renewable Energy Committee, WKAN Piturus Kunsal and Kampung Paus Village Chief Dualis Guni for their cooperation, leadership and support throughout the project. It said the role of local leadership and the community was important in ensuring that the system is not only built, but also properly managed and maintained for long-term benefit.

In Kampung Paus, the groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of a 100kWp solar photovoltaic electrification project which will electrify 2 village, Kampung Paus and Kampung Garakan , more than 80 houses. In Kampung Kodop Baru, the ceremony marked the beginning of a 30kWp solar photovoltaic electrification project which an open concept community hall will for the community that also stored the battery and the roof will be mounted with solar panel. Both projects are part of ongoing efforts to expand clean, reliable and locally appropriate electricity access for rural communities in Sabah, especially in areas where conventional grid extension remains difficult, costly or unsuitable.

“The Pokolon Paus project shows that rural electrification can be more sustainable when communities are directly involved in planning, building and managing their own energy systems. This hybrid system also demonstrates how renewable energy can support 24-hour electricity access while responding to the realities of climate change,” said a Sabah RE2 representative.

Community participation was central to the project, including coordination, local support, gotong-royong and long-term management through the village Renewable Energy Committee.The project is expected to support household needs, communal facilities, education, communication and future socio-economic activities in Kampung Pokolon Paus.

Sabah RE2 said the successful launch of the Pokolon Paus system, together with the start of the Kampung Paus and Kampung Kodop Baru solar projects, marks an important step in expanding community-based renewable energy access in rural Sabah.

It added that solar mini-grids, pico and micro hydro systems, and hybrid renewable energy systems provide practical alternatives for villages where conventional grid extension may be difficult, costly or unsuitable.