Center for Renewable Energy & Appropriate Technology
The Center for Renewable Energy & Appropriate Technology is a leading institution in the field of sustainable energy and technology solutions. With a strong focus on renewable energy sources such as solar pv, and hydro power, the center strives to promote and develop environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional energy systems. Through research, innovation, and collaboration with industry partners, the center aims to advance the understanding and implementation of appropriate technology solutions that address the pressing energy challenges faced by society today. By harnessing the power of renewable resources and adopting sustainable practices, the center envisions a future where clean and affordable energy is accessible to all, while minimizing the negative impact on the environment. Through its efforts, the center plays a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
Micro Hydro Projects
Sabah
Kg. Bantul (2005)
5 KW (18 HH)
Kg. Terian (2005)
5 KW (22 HH)
Kg. Buayan (2009)
14 KW (22 HH)
Kg. Lumpagas (2009)
1.5 KW (15 HH)
Kg. Inakaak (2010)
3 KW (18 HH)
Kg. Saliman (2010)
3 KW (18 HH)
Kg. Babalitan (2012)
5 KW (27 HH)
Kg. Tiku (2014)
8 KW (18 HH)
Kg. Pongobonon (2015)
5 KW (15 HH)
Kg. Saliku (2015)
5 KW (30 HH)
Kobulu -Kg. Buayan (2019)
20 KW (45 HH)
Kg. Walou (2019)
20 KW (18 HH)
Kg. Dagat (2024)
35.5 KW (20 HH)
Kg. Timpayasah (2024)
5 KW (10 HH)
Kg. Pitas Laut (2024)
35.3 KW (17 HH)
Kg. Pokolon Paus (2026)
50 KW (38 HH)
Kg. Kalanggaan (2026)
5 KW (6 HH)
Kg. Longkogungan (2026)
5 KW (12 HH)
Sarawak
Long Lawen (2000)
15 KW (40 HH)
Kg. Bario Asal, Arul Layun (2009)
45 KW (55 HH)
Kg. Mudung Abun (2011)
20 KW (40 HH)
Long Lamai (2013)
14 KW (46 HH)
Long Semadoh Naseb (2014)
20 KW (20 HH)
Pa’Rampuh (2015)
20 KW (40 HH)
Long Kerangan (2015)
20 KW (35 HH)
Ba'abang, Baram (2018)
5 KW (42 HH)
Long Tanid, Lawas (2021)
11.6 KW (52 HH)
Puneng Trusan, Lawas (2024)
5 KW (38 HH)
Peninsular Malaysia
Tanjung Rambai (2011)
5 KW (21 HH)
Kg. Sungai Rellang (2012)
5 KW (9 HH)
INDONESIA
Tadungus, Kalimantan Utara (2023)
5.5 KW (33 HH)
Kg. = Kampung (Village), KW = Kilowatt, HH = Households
SOLAR PUMP PITAS PROJECT, SABAH, MALAYSIA
Better standard of living for the underprivilege communities and youth by creating pathways for sustainable livelihood and better health
Solar pump project benefiting more than 200 house holds with fund from Yayasan Mekar Petronas, completed in September, 2022
The villages benefitting from the programme were Kampung Boribi Kanibongan, Kampung Gunsali, Kampung Mapad Kanibongan, Kampung Ranggal and Kampung Mangkapon Darat.
Video owned by Yayasan Mekar Petronas, published on Youtube
Micro Hydro Project KOBULU
Improving Rural Communities Lives Through Renewable Energy: Kobulu Micro Hydro Project, Penampang, Sabah.
Kobulu micro hydro power (MHP) system is in Kg. Buayan, Penampang Sabah and was funded by Shell Malaysia through their Access to energy (A2E) programme. Kg. Buayan previously had a 10kw MHP system since 2008 but due to the increased consumer demand in the village due to population increase when many community members moved back to the village, the 10kw micro hydro system can no longer support the high energy demand.
The project completed in September 2019 and the community have started enjoying electricity from the micro hydro. The system has their own Committee to manage it with guidance from TONIBUNG. The committee have set the tariff at RM 1 per kwh for the electric usage based on the monthly meter reading. The tariff collection is to pay for the community operator’s allowance and spare parts or future repairs.
TONIBUNG work together with the women group in Kampung Buayan community to develop productive end use program to process their farm products. TONIBUNG collaborated with another organization such as UNDP to design and build a Hybrid Solar Food Dryer.
Community Based Micro Hydro -Solar Hybrid
The Kampung Walou Micro Hydro–Solar Hybrid Project began in 2024 through collaboration between TONIBUNG, Matahio Energy, and the village’s Technical Committee at the time, led by Ritakus Gensilin. Despite operating with a limited project budget, the partners worked closely with the community to ensure that renewable energy could be delivered safely and sustainably. Together, they constructed Dewan Matahio, erected new transmission lines and GI poles, upgraded the micro-hydro system, and installed the hybrid solar and battery infrastructure.
TONIBUNG emphasised that safety remained a priority throughout implementation. “Although the budget was minimal, we ensured that all installations followed our safety standards. Transmission lines, GI poles and electrical systems were installed properly, and the community was trained to maintain the system,” a representative said. The hybrid system integrates a 3kW upgraded micro-hydro turbine, 20kWp rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, a 40kWh battery storage system, smart inverters with digital monitoring, and Starlink satellite internet connectivity.
The system now powers approximately 20 households and a church, benefiting around 200 residents. Beyond providing lighting, the system has strengthened household food security. With stable electricity, families can now operate refrigerators and freezers to store food safely and reduce spoilage. Villagers also save significantly on diesel costs, as private generators are no longer required. The system eliminates diesel use and reduces an estimated 19.6 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.