ABB’s MGS100 to accelerate S’wak’s rural electrification process

KUCHING: Drawing on 130 years of electrical design experience, ABB’s integrated microgrid solution MGS100 is set to be a game changer to support Sarawak’s full electrification mission.

According to ABB, the MGS100 offers a sustainable and costeffective solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while cutting operational costs.

While various strategies have been deployed to accelerate and revolutionise rural electrification in the state, ABB observed that access to electricity for remote communities remains a challenge due to extreme rugged terrain and sparse population.

“Electricity is typically provided by diesel- powered generators, which are expensive to operate and maintain for low- income communities in remote villages.

“Diesel has to be transported over long distances either by river or roads, and during the wet season the price of diesel increases due to limited or uncertain supplies caused by disrupted road access.

“To this end, the MGS100 offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while cutting operational costs,” the group said.

The MGS100 made its debut at the 4th International Sustainable Energy Summit (ISES) in Kuching yesterday.

Themed ‘Sustainable Energy: The Future is Here’, the summit focuses on two topics namely the future role of block chain in the energy market and the emergence of energy storage systems.

“We are thrilled to be able to introduce the MGS100 today. As a pioneering technology leader, ABB delivers innovative solutions to meet our customers’ most complex challenges” ABB Malaysia Sdn Bhd (ABB Malaysia) managing director Jukka Poutanen said.

“I’m confident that the MGS100 will be able to reinforce our position as a partner of choice for making affordable, safe and reliable electricity supply a reality for remote communities in Sarawak.”

The system is formed from an integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage converter with an additional AC input.

This can incorporate Solar PV, batteries either (lead acid or Lithium Ion); biofuel or diesel generation, or even an existing grid connection into the microgrid’s energy mix.

Built to perform in extreme environments, the system offers remote monitoring capabilities, making vital diagnostics available while its modular design eases maintenance.

In addition to this, the battery input means that once batteries are connected, power can be delivered even after dark, minimising fuel consumption.