James Kon
Progress in improving energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in the country was discussed in Session 4 of the Energy Seminar titled ‘Towards Efficient and Green Energy Future’ at the Muzakarah Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas.
The seminar was organised by the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam as part of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (Brunei MYCE 2022) Energy Week.
Department of Electrical Services (DES) engineer Md Syafiq bin Badar highlighted that higher efficiency in electricity production means using less fuel and reducing emissions. He shared that the DES’ Gas Optimisation Programme sees an increase in its annual generation efficiency rate of 25.99 per cent as of last Sunday, which was higher than last year’s figure of 24.14 per cent.
“DES has increased the output of generators and improved the overall efficiency of the power plant, resulting in fuel savings which indirectly supports the export of gas and increasing the Sultanate’s revenue,” he said.
He added that the DES supports green energy, pointing to the 1.3-megawatt Tenaga Suria Brunei Solar Farm in Seria, Belait District and the installation of an eight-kilowatt-peak solar rooftop for Bumiputera Commercial Complex in Temburong District as well as a 100-kilowatt-peak solar rooftop at Temburong District Office.
He also mentioned the solar-equipped rural longhouses in Jalan Bingol Ukong, Kampong Supon, Kampong Melaboi, Kampong Kukup, Bang Taong, Kampong Sukang, Kampong Buau, Kampong Biadong, and Kampong Melilas that produce a combined 26.07 kilowatt-peak power.
Berakas Power Company Sdn Bhd (BPC) Head of Engineering Bernard Christian touched on the green energy initiatives carried out by BPC.
BPC is an independent power producer in operation since 1992 supplying approximately 40 per cent of the national electricity requirement.
He said that BPC generates 280 megawatts across its Gadong, Jerudong and Berakas power stations and 14 megawatts from the ORegen power plant which forms part of the Berakas Power System (BPS).
Bernard Christian said that BPC is committed to support the Brunei Darussalam Climate Change Policy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of efficient energy and renewable energy projects.
He revealed that BPC has invested in its first combined-cycle power plant at the Berakas Power Station utilising ORegen technology, while existing power stations are refitted with waste heat recovery units and turbo expanders to improve the gas turbine efficiencies from 31 per cent to 45 per cent.
He also said that a steady increase in demand over the years has diminished the reserve power generation capacity margins at BPS. Therefore, BPC is conducting feasibility studies for the installation of a proposed 120-megawatt combined-cycle gas turbine to optimise gas consumption and reduce the facilities’ carbon footprint.
As part of its green power projects, BPC installed a 200-kilowatt-peak power rooftop system at the BPS headquarters in 2021 and also introduced the use of electric vehicles.
Eco Bumi Arkitek (EBA) Project Manager Nur Syazana Syamimi binti Haji Zamain spoke on the installation of solar photovoltaics (PV) at The Abode Resort and Spa in Temburong District which started operating in late 2021.
She said the project shows Eco Green Development Sdn Bhd supporting the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism in promoting Temburong as a tourist destination. The project adds to the uniqueness of the resort by operating 100 per cent off-grid with solar power.
Based on the location of the resort, surrounded by dense forest, she said, “The solar farm is located around 200 metres away from the resort and covers an area of approximately 1980 square metres comprising 816 solar PV panels.”
She added that with 400 watts of power from each panel, the solar farm generates around 326 kilowatts in total. At normal full load operation, the estimated maximum demand is around 142 kilowatts.
She said the installation at The Abode Resort and Spa has contributed 0.3 per cent to the national share of renewable energy.
TotalEnergies EP (Brunei) BV Technical Manager OlivierBranellec highlighted the carbon-footprint reduction carried out by TotalEnergies using the best available technologies.
In Brunei, the company has eliminated routine flaring and improved energy efficiency while its offshore platforms are powered by solar panels.
He mentioned that initiatives also include the monitoring of emissions, further reduction in process venting and safety flaring as well as development of an onshore solar farm.
