APG region: East

Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam is a significant producer of oil and gas, and nearly all of its generating fleet is based on those two fuels. In addition there is a small amount of renewable generation, specifically solar PV. Total installed capacity has increased in total over the last seven years, though there were no new plants commissioned between 2012 and 2015. As of 2017, about 12% of Brunei Darussalam’s power generation comes from auto-producers. Lower oil prices over the last three years have reduced the country’s economic output and, therefore, electricity demand as well.

Figure 26. Power mix – total generation and demand in Brunei Darussalam, 2011-17

Source: ASEAN Centre for Energy.

The primary fuel used in Brunei Darussalam’s power mix is natural gas.

Brunei Darussalam is unusual for a small country in that it has two power utilities, namely the Department of Electrical Services (DES) and the Berakas Power Management Company (BPMC). Both DES and BPMC are responsible for generating, transmitting and distributing power to consumers. DES, which is under the authority of the Minister of Energy, serves 60% of power demand in the country, including electricity demand from the oil and gas sectors.

The power system is regulated by the Autoriti Elektrik Brunei Darussalam (AEBD), or the Electricity Authority (EA). The EA is responsible for enforcing Electricity Order 2017, which aims to regulate the generation, transmission and distribution sectors and to ensure the safe use of electricity in the country. The EA issues licences and regulates electrical appliances and consumer products.

Brunei Darussalam’s AC transmission grid is made up of 66 kV lines. In 2015, Brunei Darussalam delivered 4.2 GWh of electricity to nearly 100% of its inhabitants.3 Brunei is not interconnected with neighbouring Malaysia, and so currently relies on domestic generation to meet all of its needs.

3 The rate of electricity access is 99.9%.

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