Sumba Mini Grid Research Field Survey
In the period spanning from the 21st to the 30th of March 2019, a collaborative team comprising members from RDI, the University of Leeds, the Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology, and Universitas Kristen Wira Wacana Sumba (Unkriswina) embarked on a comprehensive survey focused on renewable energy mini-grids. The primary objectives of this survey encompassed gaining insights into various facets of energy utilization, exploring socio-economic aspects, and scrutinizing the intricate dynamics among stakeholders, private entities, and the community's role in sustaining existing renewable energy (RE) facilities.
The team representing RDI included several senior fellows: Elisabeth Rianawati, Dr. Yudha Prambudia, Dr. Niken Prilandita, Teresa Arsanti, Rizkita Nurdiandra, Dian Novita, and Jeyhan Katreeza. Joining them were experts from the University of Leeds, including Dr. Cheng Wen (specializing in socio-economic surveys), Dr. James Hamilton (with expertise in biomass potential for biofuel), and Dr. Shahab Deghan (focused on real-time electricity usage for software development). The team also included members from the Dar Es Salaam Institute, Dr. Consalva Joseph Msigwa and Mwaka Juma Ismail, as well as Unkriswina's Siti Suryani and her colleagues.
The research endeavor was made possible through funding from the Royal Society, the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)'s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), and the United Kingdom Department for International Development. This collaborative effort was coordinated by Prof. Jon Lovett from the University of Leeds and Dr. Saut Sagala from RDI. As part of the survey, a half-day workshop was conducted at the Local Planning and Development Agency (Bappeda), which was attended by key stakeholders. The workshop aimed to promote the sustainability of the minigrid approach.
The household survey, spanning three weeks, involved 400 respondents from both urban and rural areas. The findings indicated that energy usage was predominantly geared towards lighting, with communities expressing the aspiration to connect more electrical appliances in the future. Additionally, positive developments in livelihood were observed through the utilization of biogas, exemplified by instances in Kamanggih Village and households in Waingapu. To further advance knowledge about potential resources and business models supporting renewable energy development, continued research and development efforts are imperative.
