Romeo Pacudan, director and chief researcher for renewable and alternative energy at the Brunei National Energy Research Institute, told OBG that the main obstacle to increased use of solar power is its cost, estimated at about $0.30-0.35 per KWh for smaller, local systems and $0.20-0.30 per KWh for centralised solar plants of 1 MW capacity or more.
Anticipated regulatory changes should also help improve efficiency. Arief DH Abdul Razak, the CEO of CIC Environmental Services, told OBG, “An anticipated revision of environmental laws in Brunei Darussalam will serve to encourage the consideration of waste management by oil and gas operators as necessary, as well as aiding the push for renewable energies.”