MICRO-HYDRO APPEAL

Many communities in rural Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state located on Borneo island, remain without electricity coverage. The remoteness of these communities continue to challenge efforts to provide connectivity to on-grid electrification.

The absence of electricity means that rural communities cannot enjoy basic daily conveniences such as lighting and food refrigeration. It also hampers their ability to participate in wider economic activities, for instance by establishing larger scale cottage industries. Limited access to information technology further heightens the isolation of these communities.

The provision of electricity to such rural communities is possible via off-grid solutions and need not cost an exorbitant amount. Neither does it require waiting for government to take action. Concerned citizens, whether Malaysian or global, can play

a part in making a real difference to the lives of both young and old in these communities.

Micro-hydro systems harness the power of nature that is readily available to provide a clean and affordable source of energy. High rainfall volumes produce steady flowing streams all year around. Using fairly basic technology, these small-scale systems convert the power of these streams with significant vertical drop to electricity.

We are seeking contributions to enable the installation of micro-hydro systems in these communities. Funds will enable the procurement of

materials and equipment, consisting mainly of high pressure pipes, a turbine-generator and cables.

Community contribution to the project will be in the form of labour during the installation process with the assistance of our technicians. Communities will also be responsible for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the systems with engineering expertise and training to be provided.

Since the start of our initiative in 2011, we have completed eight projects to date in the villages of Long Kerabangan, Long Tanid, Pa Brunut, Nanga Talong, Puneng Trusan, Long Lidung, Long Resina and Long Beluyu.

THE GIFT OF LIGHTA Barefoot Mercy Initiative

Nanga Talong commemoration on the completion of their micro-hydro project

Issue No: 3/082015 August 2015

Transformer

electricity supply

Reserve pond

fresh water supply

Powerhouse which houses turbine- generator

WHAT IS MICRO-HYDRO TECHNOLOGY

Water for power production will originate from streams, plentiful in Sarawak, and be diverted into a penstock pipe which runs down a slope to a turbine. When the water flows and enters the penstock, the potential energy of the static state is converted into kinetic energy.

Water from the penstock is guided to strike a turbine runner causing it to rotate, converting the kinetic energy into mechanical energy. The turbine is in turn connected to the generator by a drive shaft, which rotates at the same speed as the turbine, therefore converting mechanical energy into electricity.

Output water from the micro-hydro system can be used as an alternative water source for the village.

Water source Penstock pipe

Electricity cables and poles in Long Kerabangan.

Scenes from installation of previous projects.

A lit-up home in Long Beluyu.

Barefoot Mercy is a citizens’ initiative

aiming to provide basic assistance to rural

indigenous communities in Sarawak,

Malaysia.

We have to date:

• Installed 8 village-based micro-hydro

systems, connecting 200 homes and a

25 door longhouse

• Distributed 130 solar lamps to two

villages and 3 solar home systems to a

rural kindergarten

• Collaborated with the Malaysian

Medical Fellowship and MaGIC Social

Entrepreneurship, facilitating their visits

to our micro-hydro communities

• Implemented economic growth

projects, working with our micro-hydro

communities on the establishment of

cottage industries

If you would like to help or require

additional information, please contact

barefootmercy@gmail.com.

Contributions can be made to:

BANK ACCOUNT

Malayan Banking Berhad

Account name: Barefoot Mercy Berhad

Account no: 511234105940

Swift code: MBBEMYKL

Follow our progress on

www.facebook.com/barefootmercy.

On behalf of our rural communities,

thank you for your support.

HOW YOU CAN HELP