The failure of micro-hydro technology: A case study of the Banyubiru project in Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

This article explores the potential convergence between the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) framework and failure studies in the context of the alternative energy program in the Global South. It focuses on a single case study, namely the failure of micro-hydro technology in Banyubiru (the Banyubiru project). Using qualitative research methods, this article examines the construction of the Banyubiru project and its failure to integrate with the power grid of the Indonesia State Electricity Company (PLN), despite substantial investments, installations, and considerable interest in renewable energy from diverse stakeholder groups at local, national, and international levels. In a hybrid (online and in-person) format, semi-structured interviews were employed to obtain data. The data collection procedure also includes site visits, observations, and document analysis. The finding indicates that technology development follows a more complicated path than a straight one from interpretative flexibility to closure. It illustrates a progression from closure to interpretive flexibility, wherein social groupings initially establish formal agreements but afterwards encounter conflicting interpretations. In conclusion, the article illustrates the potential for failure studies to provide insights into the limitations of SCOT in the analysis of energy technology failures.