Energy demand, economic growth, and energy efficiency—the Bakun dam-induced sustainable energy policy revisited

• Published in: Energy policy Vol. 33; no. 5; pp. 679 - 689
• Main Author: Keong, Choy Yee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2005; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Series: Energy Policy
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Dam-induced energy policy; Dams; Demand and supply management; Economic data; Economic growth; Ecosystems; Electric energy; Electricity generation; Energy; Energy consumption; Energy economics; Energy efficiency; Energy policy; Exact sciences and technology; General, economic and professional studies; Hydroelectric plants; Hydroelectric power; Institutional enclave; Malaysia; Power demand; Studies; Sustainable development; Sustainable energy policy; “Truly” sustainable energy policy; Asia; Malaysia; Institutional enclave; Sustainable energy policy; Dam-induced energy policy; Demand and supply management; “Truly” sustainable energy policy; Energy consumption; Distribution by sources; Energy economy; Sustainable development; Economic development; Long term; Forecasting; Dam; Hydraulic power; Energy conservation; Economic growth; Environment impact; Water engineering; Electric power consumption; Critical study; Electric power production; Social impact
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2003.09.017

In embarking on a dynamic course of economic development and industrial modernism, Malaysia sees the need to increase its electricity generation capacity through the development of a mega-dam project—the Bakun dam. Although hydroelectricity generation offers one of the benign options in accommodating the increasing energy consumption per capita in Malaysia, it is argued that the construction of Bakun’s dam which involves a complete and irreversible destruction of 69,640
ha of old forest ecosystem remains a difficult and uncertain endeavour. It is further argued that apart from mega-dam technology, there are also other means to orchestrate a sustainable energy system in Malaysia. These include the implementation of demand and supply initiatives, such as the deployment of energy saving technology or influencing behavioral change towards a sustainable energy consumption pattern.