Oct 24, 20172 min read

Site Visit to Batang Ai Power Generation Sdn Bhd 2017

Updated: Aug 2, 2018

Organizing Chairperson: Jonathan Ho Siew Kit

Date & Time: 21 October 2017, 7:30am – 10:00pm

Location: Batang Ai Hydroelectric Dam (Sarawak Energy), Lubuk Antu, 95800 Engkilili, Sarawak.

Participants:

41 engineering students, 1 lecturer

On the 21st of October 2017, SSIET conducted a site visit to Batang Ai Hydroelectric Dam. All electrical and electronic students taking Electrical Power Systems and Electrical Integrated Design Project joined the site visit and was accompanied by Dr. Jubaer Ahmed. Besides, some SSIET committee also participated in the site visit to ensure a smooth event flow. The purpose of this site visit is to:

1. Expose electrical and electronic students to hydroelectric power generation in real-life.

2. Foster the relationship between the Swinburne community and Sarawak Energy.

3. Foster the relationship among Electrical and Electronic students and SSIET members.

Starting at 7.30 am, the event run for 14.5 hours and ended at 10.00pm. Happenings for the event are as follows:

7:30 am

Participants gathered at Block A lobby, Swinburne University Sarawak Campus. SSIET committees on duty were there to take the attendance of participants. Besides, the committees also ensured that all participants were wearing long pants and covered shoes to comply with Sarawak Energy’s rules and regulations for visitors.

7:45 am

All the site visit participants departed from Swinburne Sarawak for Batang Air Hydroelectric Dam. The students were all exhilarated and chatted non-stop on the way to the destination. The students also took the opportunity to joke around with the lecturer.

11:00 am

Participants stopped by Sri Aman Rest Station to have their early lunch.

11:45 am

Participants departed again for Batang Ai after lunch.

1:20 pm

Participants arrived at Batang Ai Power Generation Sdn. Bhd and underwent a security clearance. The power plant authority told that Batang Ai power plant was established more than 30 years ago and encountered no major shut down issues since its operation, except for scheduled maintenance. Before Batang Ai dam was built, diesel was the main resources used to electrify Sarawak.

1:30 pm

Participants attended a presentation at the conference room. The presentation was about OSHA regulations to be complied in the power plant and about the technical specifications of turbines used for the power station. Besides, the officers also mentioned that Sarawak Energy is building another 500 kV state grid which is expected to be finalised next year. This consists of two parallel transmission lines for a stable and reliable power transmission in Sarawak. Sarawak Energy also has an agreement with Sarawak River Board on the channel of excess water from the dam. Besides, Sarawak Energy has helped the resettlement of villagers at Batang Ai and aided them in fishery activities in consideration of socioeconomic impacts of hydroelectric dam construction.

3:45 pm

The power plant manager invited participants for Sarawakian native cuisine treat on the behalf of Sarawak Energy. SSIET committees took the opportunity to interact with Sarawak Energy Officers.

5.00 pm

Participants departed from Batang Ai Hydroelectric Dam.

9:00 pm

Participants arrived at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus.