By: Leona Wai, Malaysia Program Coordinator, Green Empowerment
Overview of the Sabah Roadmap
The Sabah Renewable Energy Rural Electrification Roadmap (SabahRE2) is a multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to achieve universal energy access in Sabah, Malaysia, through renewable mini-grids, fostering equity, livelihoods, and overall well-being. In a region where 72% of rural Malaysians lack electricity access, SabahRE2 confronts the challenge of powering communities situated far from the state grid, prompting the exploration of renewable energy solutions. Led by Forever Sabah, TONIBUNG, PACOS Trust, Green Empowerment, and ENACT, SabahRE2 launched its mission in August 2021.
State Government Embraces the Roadmap
Two years after the initiation of SabahRE2, the project gained the full support of the State. In September 2023, the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) released the Sabah Energy Roadmap & Master Plan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), aiming for 100% clean electrification by 2040 and 100% rural electrification for Sabah by the end of 2030, with SabahRE2 integrated as a crucial component.
“We started our work in Malaysia in 2001 and this trailblazing journey with our partners couldn’t be better represented by our inclusion in a piece of legislation and a government commitment to achieve 100% energy access in Sabah. From 40 systems since 2001, to 203 systems in 10 years, this ambition shows that the government is an essential component of scale.”
– Andrea Johnson, Executive Director, Green Empowerment
The state’s comprehensive strategy outlines pathways to ensure that Sabah attains reliable, affordable, and clean energy, prioritizing the transition to renewable sources like solar and wind power. It also represents a notable advancement in integrating rural and indigenous communities into climate change solutions, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.
“As Sabah navigates the extraordinarily uncertain times ahead, it is crucial to ensure the energy sector will continue to serve the State’s economy from a position of strength.”
– ECoS CEO Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid
Pilot Project: Dagat, Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia
Situated within the boundary of Tabin Wildlife Reserve and oil palm plantations, the remote village of Dagat is home to the Tidung community, comprising 243 residents and 20 houses. Their livelihood revolves around gathering forest, river, and sea products. Relying previously on fossil-fueled generators for electricity, the community faced limitations, running the generator for only a few hours a day. However, with the introduction of solar PV systems, a transformative shift has occurred.
“When we get back from fishing, we have no choice but to store [the fish] in ice. If we run out of ice, it will negatively affect our income. We normally get a small amount of ice from nearby towns like Lahad Datu and Sandakan, which will take us 4 – 6 hours to drive in bad road conditions. If we have a solar PV system, we would benefit from its 24-hour electricity, and we can immediately store our fish products. It will also benefit the women’s group and also the children as they can study at night. We can do all kinds of work when we have electricity.”
– Jabran bin Hussin, Dagat Community Member
Capacity Building
In March 2023, site surveys and community engagement initiated the groundwork for installing solar PV systems and socio-econogy center in Dagat. With active community involvement, TONIBUNG and Forever Sabah led implementation and project management, while PACOS Trust oversaw community organizing and training. Green Empowerment provided technical expertise through Smart Grid monitoring device installation, demand tool testing, and financial modeling.
Despite their daily responsibilities, community members actively engaged in every aspect of the project, from construction to training on system maintenance and operation. Training sessions covered the installation of transmission and distribution lines, house meters, and wiring. Community members with electrical backgrounds, who worked outside the village, returned to provide additional training and assistance. Moreover, a renewable energy committee was established, with members undergoing comprehensive training in leadership, management, financial, and technical aspects. This capacity-building effort was crucial to enable the community to effectively manage and operate their solar PV system.
The official handover of the solar PV system and socio-economic center to the Dagat community in October 2023 marked a significant milestone in their journey towards sustainable development.
Empowering Economic Ventures
Initially, the project funds received from Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and LEAP Spiral could only support a 10-kW system, but thanks to the Dagat community’s resilience and dedication, they managed to fundraise an additional RM20,000, doubling the system’s capacity to 20-kW. This amazing effort has motivated and empowered nearby unelectrified communities like Pitas Laut to take on the community renewable energy project.
Today, the 20-kW solar PV system in Dagat powers 20 houses (243 Residents), a mosque, a community hall, and a cold storage facility, providing round-the-clock clean and affordable energy. The cold storage unit has transformed the fishing industry by allowing fishermen to store their catch for longer, saving them money on ice purchases. Additionally, revenue from selling ice blocks, ice cream, and cold drinks to nearby villages and tourists has increased the community’s income, especially the women’s group. With 24/7 electricity, the women’s group aspires to venture into new seafood products and attend more training on food processing and marketing to expand their business.
Community-Driven Sustainability: Illuminating Sabah’s Path to Clean Energy
The success of Dagat and inspiration to surrounding communities highlights the state of Sabah’s ambitious energy vision in the SE-RAMP 2040. In the Sabah Roadmap Project, Dagat is just one of seven pilot projects that the Sabah Roadmap team is working on in phase one of the roadmap. The 10-year Roadmap looks forward to 203 more of similar community-led renewable energy systems. With positive impacts on livelihoods, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability, it’s evident that the journey towards 100% clean electrification in Sabah begins with grassroots initiatives.
As stakeholders, Green Empowerment proudly supports Sabah’s commitment to inclusive development and looks forward to replicating Dagat’s success statewide. Through community engagement, capacity building, and collaboration, we aim to ensure every corner of Sabah enjoys reliable, affordable, and clean energy benefits.
