An approach to sustain micro-hydro power plants (MHPP) operation in the rural areas: a case study in South Dulamayo village of Gorontalo Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Electrification is one of the driving factors for improving the quality of life of a country. Currently, Indonesia's electrification is borne solely by Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), which isn’t sustainable and eco-friendly due to the fact that the main energy source is fossil fuel. Gorontalo, which is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources has installed many renewable energies power plant, but some of them have stopped operating due to the inability to maintain the operation. In South Dulamayo Village, in which the energy supply has already been dominated by PLN, the renewable energy power plant is still being used. The micro-hydro power plant project (MHPP) in South Dulamayo has operated for more than 7 years old, which currently struggles to maintain its sustainability. This study focused on capturing how the micro-hydro power plant in South Dulamayo maintains its sustainability. It is possible to keep The MHPP South Dulamayo working together (hybrid) with PLN for several customers, mainly the management by the intervention of UNG researchers.