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Case Study of Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) Exercise on the Development of Gebeng Wind Farm Pahang, Malaysia


MH Zakaria, Ishamuddin Mustapha , M.D. Mohd Amran, Sallaudin Hassan,A.W. Mohamad Ikbar , Fairul Anwar Abu Bakar,
Abstract

Currently, researchers need to find alternative energy sources to reduce dependency to fossil fuel. While other technology such as biomass and hydro energy promise hopes, another technology should be introduced in order to expand the possibility to harvest energy from free, clean source, which are winds. The proposed Gebeng Wind Farm Project will take place in Gebeng Region which is a small town and the main industrial area in Kuantan, Pahang, East of Malaysia. The project will cover roughly 100hectars of land on the Cape of Bukit TanjungGelang, Gebeng. The wind farm will consist of 7 units of 900kW wind turbines which will be built across the coastal line of Bukit TanjungGelang, Gebeng. The wind farm is expected to produce 35 GWh of electricity per year and will be hugely beneficial to support the industrial growth and development of Gebeng Industrial Estate, which is located just 8km away from the project site. The site is the habitat for wildlife and migrating birds. The blade of the wind turbine could be hazardous to bird species and could affect the operation and performance of the wind turbine. the forest also acts as the wave breaker during storm and high tide. Another concern of the project is that, the site is located just beside Kuantan Port. The wind farm usually causes flickering of sun lights. Therefore, due to the factors mentioned above, Environmental Impact Assessment need to be conducted. This assessment is vital to identify whether this project is suitable to be developed or not, and to ensure the impact on the environment is at minimum if being given the authority.

Volume 12 | Issue 6

Pages: 1859-1865

DOI: 10.5373/JARDCS/V12I2/S20201390