SEBAUH: The Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) was launched yesterday to speed up efforts to have full electricity coverage in the state by utilising renewable energy like solar and micro-hydro in interior areas.

This initiative of the state government, supported by Sarawak Energy, aims to provide 24-hour electricity supply through advancements in alternative energy technology to remote communities where it is very difficult and will take significant amount of time to connect to the main electricity grid.

Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom launched Sares at Sebauh Community Hall here, to set in motion the first phase of the scheme which will see the design and installation of localised off-grid solar systems to be implemented by Sarawak Energy for 50 villages, slated for completion by early next year.

These 50 villages are part of the 300 isolated villages encompassing 8,700 households located in the selected cluster of communities in remote areas like Ulu Skrang, Katibas, Nanga Merit, Bukit Mabong, Tinjar, Long Bedian, Telang Usan, Bario and Mendamit in Limbang for the scheme’s implementation over the next five years through a RM500 million fund.

Present at the ceremony were Assistant Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Murang, Ministry of Public Utilities permanent secretary Ubaidillah Abdul Latip, Sarawak Energy general manager for research and development Dr Chen Shiun, representatives from relevant agencies and community leaders.

During the ceremony, Dr Rundi witnessed the signing of letters of commitment for the implementation of Sares as part of the first phase for 13 villages in the remotest part of Sebauh which are only accessible by river.

The signing was between project implementor Sarawak Energy and the 13 village heads representing 170 households as a commitment for them to provide the necessary support and cooperation for the scheme’s implementation in their villages.

Total cost to light up these 13 villages is around RM10 million with the project expected to be completed by end of the year.

The 13 villages with a total population of 566 situated along Sungai Binyo are Rumah George Tg Mawang (15 households); Rh Binit, Sg Penyilam (seven households); Rh Nyipa, Lbk Bungai (14 households); Rh Sigi, Sg Luap (nine households); Rh Pantang, formerly Rh Gudang (five households); Rh Joseph, formerly Rh Lembang (13 households); Rh Edau (nine households); Rh Peter (30 households); Rh Ira, formerly Rh Gasing (29 households); Rh Mikai (19 households); Rh Bampi (four households); Rh Ulu (three households) and Rh Janting, Sg Smayong (13 households).

Dr Rundi said “Sarawak is on track to achieving 100 per cent electricity coverage despite the logistical challenges due to the state’s rugged terrain and sparse population.

“It is reassuring to note that domestic coverage is now at 90 per cent. With Sares we hope to light up the remotest communities in the state.”

This, will reduce the dependency on costly diesel generators which offer limited hours of supply, alleviating the burden of the villagers.

Sares is part of the state’s rural electrification masterplan which complements the present Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) and Rural Power Supply Scheme (RPSS).

The simultaneous implementation of these programmes, he added, will speed up the government’s electrification plan to close the gap between rural and urban development.

Dr Rundi described electricity as a catalyst for change that is instrumental in realising the vision of becoming a developed state.

He commended Sarawak Energy for spearheading the initiative, and working with his ministry on the shared mission to light up Sarawak with steady and reliable electricity.

Sares, an innovative government-community partnership model, will see the mobilisation of government machinery and agencies to help villagers build and subsequently own and operate more sustainable and affordable electricity generating systems with maintenance support from relevant agencies.

Initial focus will be on equipping households with solar systems given that they are easier to install.

Sares also leverages on Sarawak Energy’s proven track record in lighting up five villages in rural Batang Ai through solar as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.

Undertaken by Sarawak Energy’s Research and Development Department in cooperation with the villagers, the solar home system was first implemented at Rh Kino and Rh Manggat in Menyang and later extended to three more villages in Nanga Jengin and Ulu Delok. Further installations are planned for 16 households at Rh Brown, Nanga Stapang in the Engkari area by September.

Besides this, studies are also being carried out for sites with micro-hydro potential which will engage expertise from the Public Works Department.

Sares systems cater to typical rural household electricity needs with lighting, fans, a television, freezer and cooker and are simple in design without compromising on safety.