Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Indonesia: Conergy completes the first utility-scale solar plant in Sumba Island

Indonesia: Conergy completes the first utility-scale solar plant in Sumba
Island

Conergy, one of world's leading solar energy service providers, today
announced that it has successfully completed and connected to the grid the
first utility-scale solar Photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Sumba Island,
East Nusa Tenggara province.

This solar facility has a 1-megawatt installed capacity and was built in
cooperation with PT. Buana Energi Surya Persada. The Sumba plant is
Conergy's first utility-scale project in Indonesia.

Construction of the solar plant began in September 2016 and was completed
last month, with a total investment of USD 2.2 million (IDR 28 billion).

The new solar plant will generate more than 1400 MWh of electricity per year
and is expected to provide power to more than 11,600 households in the Sumba
area. The energy produced by the solar plant will be sold to PLN through a
long-term power purchase agreement and will supplement the existing
electricity supply in the area.

The Sumba plant will also offset the production of up to 920 tons of
greenhouse gas emissions annually, the equivalent of avoiding emissions from
at least 250 vehicles per year.

"Sumba is one of the regions which holds massive solar power potential,
since the area receives sunlight at an average of 5 kWh / m / day and
radiation of 1,000 watts / m throughout 5 hours every day.

Through our investment in the solar power facilities that we have built with
full support from Conergy, we want to show the world how great is the
potential of solar energy in Indonesia, andat the same time giving a
meaningful contribution to improving the quality of life of people in this
area," said Rico Syah Alam, President and CEO of PT. Energi Surya Buana
Persada.

Alexander Lenz, President, Conergy APAC said, "Indonesia is a large country
blessed with abundant sources of renewable energy. Harnessing these
resources will contribute to build the country's energy supplies, will
diversify the energy mix and will facilitate the growth and development of
the economy. We are delighted that through this project, we will be able to
contribute to the government's efforts in realizing 35,000 MW in power
capacity across Indonesia."

"This Sumba project marks our first utility-scale solar project in Indonesia
and further advances our position as one of the leaders for solar energy in
South East Asia. Large scale solar energy has now become even more
competitive than traditional energy generation sources which has enabled us
to provide the local community with safe, reliable and affordable clean
electricity," added Hendrik Bohne, VP for EPC for Conergy APAC.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.eco-business.com/press-releases/conergy-completes-the-first-utili
ty-scale-solar-plant-in-sumba-island/


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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Vietnam develops coal power despite environmental concerns

Vietnam develops coal power despite environmental concerns

A report from the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) released in 2015 showed that
hydropower accounted for 43.2 percent of installation capacity and made up
34.15 percent of total electricity output. Meanwhile, the figures were 33.7
percent and 34.37 percent, respectively, for coal thermal power.

Under the seventh power development strategy, coal thermopower will play a
key role in Vietnam's energy sector. The electricity output from coal
thermopower is expected to account for 49.3 percent by 2020 and 55 percent
by 2025.

By 2030, Vietnam would have 64 coal thermopower plants throughout the
country with the total capacity of 55,300 MW which will churn out 304
billion kwh, or 53.2 percent of total electricity output.

Coal thermopower causes pollution to the air, earth and water, and
respiratory diseases and cancer. It is the source of spreading toxic
substances such as mercury, selenium, arsenic, lead, cadmium and heavy
metals. It spreads out ash and acid rain which damage agriculture and
fisheries, produces greenhouse gas emissions, and warms the Earth
contributing to climate change.

Healthcare organizations estimate that every kwh of coal power costs $0.17
worth of healthcare service.

Coal thermopower makes big contribution to the destruction of the marine
environment. It is because coal power plants need large volume of water for
their cooling systems. This explains why plants are mostly located near the
sea.

According to CHANGE, a non-government organization, one 500 MW coal power
plant in every 3.5 minutes will suck a volume of water big enough to be
contained in an Olympic swimming pool (2,500 cubic meters) to cool the
system.

After the cooling, water will be given back to rivers, lakes and the sea
with temperature 8-13oC higher, which affects the living environment of
aquatic creatures.

The sucking of water into cooling systems will kill fish. In the US,
Bayshore coal power plants in Ohio killed 60 million tons of big fish
yearly, while at Huntley in New York, 96 million tons of fish were caught
each year in its cooling system.

The Hon Cau Marine Protection Area (MPA) in Binh Thuan province, one of 16
programmed MPAs in Vietnam, has been cited by scientists as one of the
regions under threat by the Vinh Tan Power Plant nearby.

At present, there is only one coal power plant - Vinh Tan 1 - operational in
the region. In the future, there would be four plants there by 2030, under
the seventh power strategy.

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Link to Original Article:
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/environment/173158/vietnam-develops-coal-po
wer-despite-environmental-concerns.html


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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Indonesia: Four New Geothermal Power Plants to Operate This Year

Indonesia: Four New Geothermal Power Plants to Operate This Year

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is targeting to have four new
geothermal power plants operating this year.

The four new plants will have a combined capacity of 215 MW, and raise
Indonesia's installed geothermal capacity to 1,858 MW.

According to the Directorate General of New Renewable Energy and Energy
Conservation's geothermal director Yunus Saefulhak, the power plants are
Sarulla Unit II (110 MW) and Sorik Marapi Modular in North Sumatra, Karaha
Bodas (30 MW) in West Java, and Ulubelu Unit in Lampung.

Indonesia has 29,000 MW of geothermal potential. To date, only 1,643 MW has
been utilized.

Government Regulation No.79/2014 on the National Energy Policy mandates a
new renewable energy mix portion of 7,200 MW by 2025.

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Link to Original Article:
https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/02/27/056850561/Four-New-Geothermal-Power
-Plants-to-Operate-This-Year


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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Vietnam's sole operating oil refinery sets surprisingly low profit target for 2017

Vietnam's sole operating oil refinery sets surprisingly low profit target
for 2017

Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (BSR), the operator of
Dung Quat Refinery, has set its pre-tax profit target at VN1.68 trillion
($73 million) for 2017, which is a lot lower than its actual pre-tax profit
of VND5 trillion ($219.45 million) in 2016.

Less revenue, more profit

BSR surprised industry-watchers by setting its profit target at one third of
the number of 2016. However, looking at the activities of BSR from 2013 to
2016, there is a marked tendency of revenue decreasing significantly but
profit increasing.

The revenue has been on a trend of steady decrease. In 2013 BSR's total
revenue was VND154.32 trillion ($6.78 billion), the pre-tax profit was
VND2.97 trillion ($130.2 million), in 2015 the corresponding numbers were
VND96 trillion ($4.2 billion) and VND6.37 trillion ($279 million); in 2016
the numbers were VND75.2 trillion ($3.3 billion) and VND5 trillion ($219.45
million).

The amount of money that BSR paid to the government budget decreased from
VND28.4 trillion ($1.245 billion) in 2013 to VND12.41 trillion ($543.9
million) in 2016.

At the January review conference of Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group
(PetroVietnam), BSR CEO Tran Ngoc Nguyen revealed that 2016 was a harsh year
for the company because despite producing domestically, its prices have to
factor in the import tax, ending up in some cases 10 per cent higher than
imported oil and gas products.

The prices of Dung Quat's products are calculated as the sum of the price of
similar imported products and the applicable tariff rate.

When the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement was signed, Vietnam halved the
import tariff on South Korean gasoline, to 10 per cent, effective since
December 20, 2015. Meanwhile, Dung Quat's products are still subject to an
import tax of 20 per cent. According to PetroVietnam and BSR's earlier
claims, this disparity forced a number of their local consumers to switch to
imported sources.

Earlier, the company said that because of the tax policy, its clients turned
to buy foreign petrol, leading to BSR's products piling up, overloading its
warehouse, putting further burdens on the refinery's operations.

However, Decision No.1725/QD-TTs from Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in
early September 2016 allowed BSR to set its own price, which gave the
refinery a fighting chance by evening odds and clients started coming back.

Therefore, on November 9, 2016, BSR completed 100 per cent of its 2016
production goal, 52 days earlier than the original plan. Actual 2016 income
also surpassed the plan by 7 per cent. Remarkably, the after tax profit of
BSR was VND2.3 trillion ($100.2 million), which equals 285 per cent of the
goal.

According to PetroVietnam's assessment, the profit of BSR was 2.8 times as
much as the annual target, which was the result of the vast difference
between the price of the final product and the price of raw oil.

In 2017, BSR set the production goal lower than in 2016 to carry out an
overall maintenance from June 3 to July 5, 2017.

Nonetheless, Nguyen emphasised that the goal is to finish five to seven days
early. Additionally, after the maintenance, the factory will be able to
raise the production level by 15-20 per cent of the designed capacity.

Expansion and equitisation still on the table

By the end of 2017, Dung Quat Refinery will be the only refinery running
commercially in Vietnam. To help the refinery recover its initial
investments, the government gave it a lot of preferential policies.

BSR is currently on the list of 106 state-owned enterprises in which the
government is going to hold less than 50 per cent of the chartered capital
after equitisation, according to Decision No.58/2017/QD-TTg of the prime
minister.

2017 is also the year when BSR plans to finish its equitisation process.
PetroVietnam has already approved the choice of BIDV Securities Company and
UHY ACA Ltd. as the consulting companies to valuate the company and draw up
the equitisation plan.

In late December 2016, the company's valuation was completed and the
equitisation plan is expected to be available in March 2017.

However, the official release of the company's valuation and equitisation
plan is to be decided by the State Audit and the Ministry of Industry and
Trade.

Alongside the equitisation process, BSR is also carrying out a project to
expand and upgrade the capacity of Dung Quat Refinery from 6.5 million
tonnes to 8.5 million tonnes per year, equivalent to 192,000 oil barrels a
day. The total capital for the project is approximately $1.82 billion.

The success of the expansion project would help the equitisation.

However, this is not going to be easy because until now, BSR still has not
been able to find a strategic foreign partner that is willing to buy 49 per
cent of the chartered capital and also take part in the project.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.vir.com.vn/vietnams-sole-operating-oil-refinery-sets-surprisingly
-low-profit-target-for-2017.html


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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Philippines seeks investors to power growth, extra 7,000 MW needed

Philippines seeks investors to power growth, extra 7,000 MW needed

The Philippines needs to build an additional 7,000 megawatts of power
generation capacity over the next five years to support its fast-growing
economy and wants foreign investors to help, its energy minister said on
Monday.

Firms from China, South Korea, Russia and Japan were interested in new
Philippine power projects, and the president would soon sign an executive
order to address soaring power demand by giving priority status to get new
projects ready in half the time, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi told Reuters.

The Philippines, with a population of more than 100 million people and one
of the world's fastest growing economies, aims to double its power
generation capacity by 2030 to avoid a return to the frequent blackouts
suffered during the 1990s.

At the end of June 2016, installed capacity was 20,055 megawatts, a third of
it fuelled by coal, according to government data. Power is generated 34
percent by coal, 34 percent by oil and gas and 32 percent from renewable
sources.

The Philippines would be technology neutral, Cusi said, to avoid being
shackled to caps and quotas and create more competition, with the aim of
slashing electricity prices for industry and consumers. With no state
subsidies, prices are the highest in Southeast Asia.

"What we want is to build our supply to a level that is meeting the demand
with sufficient reserve for industry," Cusi said in an interview.

"So it's competition at work. Whoever comes first, offers a good project
development, and it will bring down the cost - yes."

CHINESE INTEREST

Chinese firms were interested in a lead role, he said, in areas such as
hydro, nuclear, coal and LNG areas, plus construction of those facilities
and their financing.

"We were there basically to tell (the Chinese) that our energy sector is
open for business," he said, asked why an energy ministry delegation was in
Beijing last month.

At least three Japanese firms, including Osaka Gas and Tokyo Gas had been in
talks about investments in new LNG projects, he added.

Plans for gas power plants and storage facilities are in preparation for the
anticipated depletion by 2024 of gas fields at the Malampaya project, an
offshore field that fuels 40 percent of Luzon island, home to the capital
Manila.

Although energy security was a priority, Cusi said it was too early to
discuss exploration of offshore gas fields known as SC 72 and SC 75, at the
Reed Bank in the South China Sea.

Though those are located within the exclusive economic zone of the
Philippines, the sites fall within the vast area of the waterway that China
lays claim to. By some industry estimates, SC 72 alone may have triple the
reserves of Malampaya.

But Cusi said the energy ministry needed to await direction from the foreign
ministry on the status of diplomatic relations with China before lifting a
suspension on exploration in those areas.

"It needs to be clarified," he said. "We want to go forward with it without
any disruption."

He said it was too soon to discuss whether the two countries could share the
resources, as has been suggested by President Rodrigo Duterte.

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Link to Original Article:
http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/philippines-seeks-inve
stors-to-power-growth-extra-7000-mw-needed/57377740


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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Vietnam: Challenges in switch to E5 biofuel

Vietnam: Challenges in switch to E5 biofuel

A new deadline - January 1, 2018 - has been set for the nation to make a
complete switch from the popular RON A92 petrol to biofuel E5, but many
obstacles lie in the path of achieving it.

These include a lack of consumer confidence in the new product and problems
in re-quipping petrol stations to store and serve the new fuel.

According to the Cong Thuong (Industry & Trade) newspaper, the Ministry of
Industry and Trade (MoIT) has set January 1, 2018 as the new deadline for
the switch from RON A92 to biofuel E5, the latter being a mix of A92 petrol
(95 per cent) and bio-fuel Ethanol (5 per cent).

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Hoang Quoc Vuong, has asked relevant
agencies to finalise a report on having both fuel types in use until
December 31, 2017.

The MoIT has also instructed that by October 2017, petrol traders need to
urgently complete constructing E5 plants to meet local and national demand
so that only E5 is supplied nationwide from January 1, 2018 onwards.

The Ministry of Finance will adjust prices of the biofuel offering it
initially at VND500 to 1,000 per litre lower than RON A92, to attract
customers and encourage them to use the new environmental-friendlier fuel.

Earlier local media reports had noted that the MoIT had said on its online
portal that it "may completely replace all A92 with E5 by mid-2017." This
timeline was removed soon, with many unresolved problems making it difficult
for the ministry to fix a specific timeline for the transition.

Even now, with the new deadline, there seem to be many problems that
confront both authorities and petrol dealers.

According to the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade, as of October
2016, consumption of E5 petrol was just 12,700 cubic metres while that of
RON A92 was over 108,700 cubic metres per day.

Ha Noi has just 169 petrol stations with an area of more than 300sq.m, while
306 stations have areas below 300sq.m.

Nguyen Van Ha, Deputy General Director of Sai Gon Petro Co. Ltd., said that
for the 306 smaller stations, the narrow area might hinder repairs and
renovation, making it difficult to allocate additional fuel pumping
facilities and storage tanks for biofuel E5. This is not to mention the
extra expenses involved, which might be quite high, he said.

The PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (PV Oil) told Vietnam News Agency that 17
of its 36 petrol stations were selling E5 gasoline, adding that the
company's total consumption of biofuel in 2016 reached over 10,700 cubic
metres, accounting for 32 per cent of the total fuel sold within the year.

PV Oil also said that very few provinces nationwide have begun test-selling
E5 petrol, resulting in a shortage of suppliers.

On the other hand, the local consumers have little confidence in the new
petrol product and retailers have taken no measures to try and change this
situation.

The Vietnam News Agency has also reported that many agents and retailers are
complaining about the price of biofuel E5, which is higher than that of Ron
A92 by about VND400 higher per litre, excluding the cost of mixing, which is
estimated at VND200 per litre.

With higher production and transportation costs than other kinds of petrol,
E5 requires higher capital but offers less profit.

Le Hong Thang, director of the Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade, said
that "proper" policies on pricing, taxes and other fees were necessary to
ensure that the A92-to-E5 switch stays on track. The policies should
encourage consumption and support distributors and producers to ensure
supply, he said.

The Government should also pay more attention to the shortage of ethanol
manufacturing facilities, Thang said, suggesting policies that expand land
allocation for cultivating cassava, the main raw material in the production
of ethanol.

Nguyen Phu Cuong, director of MoIT's department of Science and Technology
told the news agency that the State need to draw up a comprehensive and
detailed roadmap to make E5 a mandatory fuel, and implement measures in a
gradual, phased manner.

He also said that effective co-ordination should be forged between petrol
makers, distributors and consumers, as also various management agencies and
local authorities.

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Link to Original Article:
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/173455/challenges-in-switch-to-e5-
biofuel.html


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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Philippines to use China funding for Agus-Pulangui complex rehab

Philippines to use China funding for Agus-Pulangui complex rehab

THE PHILIPPINES IS LOOKING TO USE THE OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ODA)
AND OTHER FUNDING FROM THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO FINANCE THE REHABILITATION
AND EXPANSION OF THE AGUS-PULANGUI HYDROPOWER COMPLEX IN MINDANAO.

Department of Energy (DOE) secretary Alfonso Cusi said he agrees with the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)'s endorsement to use the
funds to pursue the rehabilitation of the 727-megawatt Agus and the 225 MW
Pulangui facilities before privatizing or divesting their operations.

The rehabilitation plan is part of NEDA's Investment Coordination
Committee-Cabinet Level for the Philippines and China's cooperation
agreement.

The rehabilitation will include Agus 6 unit 4, the Balo-i Plains Flood
Control Project and the Pulangui 4 selective dredging phase 3.

"Having more than enough power in Mindanao is an opportune time that we
have, to do the rehabilitation, and then after that, we can pursue
privatization," Cusi said.

The timeline of privatization and rehabilitation will be based on a study by
the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) and
National Power Corporation (NPC) will present.

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Link to Original Article:
http://powerphilippines.com/2017/02/27/ph-use-china-funding-agus-pulangui-co
mplex-rehab/


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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Thailand: Eppo to bid out SPP hybrid licences

Thailand: Eppo to bid out SPP hybrid licences

The Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo) plans to launch a new round of
licensing bids for the development of renewable power projects for the small
power producer (SPP) programme under a hybrid firm power purchasing
agreement, or SPP hybrid firm.

The licences will be for a combined power-generating capacity of 300
megawatts.

With a firm power purchasing agreement (PPA), the SPPs need to be well
managed in terms of power resources and power storage systems to generate
constant power to the state utilities.

A firm PPA is a contract under which operators supply an exact amount of
power as required by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.

An SPP hybrid firm PPA allows operators to mix in renewable power resources
such as gas, biomass or other agricultural waste to generate power. The
country's renewable power development plan calls for licences for investors
to generate a total capacity of 850-1,000MW this year.

Twarath Sutabutr, director-general of Eppo, said licences for the SPP hybrid
projects are expected to be provided to investors by the second quarter this
year. The licences consist of five groups, with the first to be granted SPP
hybrid firm PPAs.

He said the total investment in all five groups of renewable power licences
this year is expected to be 42-50 billion baht, excluding investment in
land.

Before issuing licences, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will screen
investors to ensure they are active. Inactive investors are barred from this
round because there were some 200MW of inactive projects that obtained
licences since last year with no investment being made.

The screening process is expected to be complete by April. The ERC will
issue investment conditions and business models for the projects.

The Provincial Electricity Authority and the Alternative Energy Development
and Efficiency Department will map out the locations to avoid renewable
power projects in areas that lack transmission lines.

The second round of renewable power licences for this year is for very small
power producers (VSPPs), which could be under a semi-firm power purchasing
agreement. These projects include biomass and other renewable power sources
nationwide, including in the three deep southern provinces, with total
capacity of 289MW.

Investment conditions and business models will be determined by the ERC,
said Mr Twarath.

The ERC set up two VSPPs in the deep South under the Pracha Rat project. The
first phase covered capacity of 18MW and the second 35MW.

The last renewable group to be given licences this year were solar farms and
waste-to-energy projects with 200MW capacity.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1206165/eppo-to-bid-out-spp-hybrid-
licences

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Vietnam: TNK BP grabs troubled BP's assets

Vietnam: TNK BP grabs troubled BP's assets

TNK-BP, the third largest oil and gas company in Russia, last week announced
it had reached agreements to take over troubled BP's upstream businesses and
associated interests in Vietnam.

TNK-BP, a joint venture in which BP holds a 50 per cent stake, said it would
pay $1.8 billion for BP's assets in Venezuela and Vietnam.

The agreements include BP's 35 per cent operating interest in offshore Block
06.1, approximately 370 kilometres off south east Vietnam, 32.67 per cent
interest in the 370 kilometre Nam Con Son associated pipeline system and
33.33 per cent in 739 megawatt Phu My 3 power plant in Ba Ria-Vung Tau
province.

Since last July when BP announced its Vietnam assets selling plan to cover
the expenses from the devastating Gulf of Mexico oil spill occurring in
April, concerns had risen from Vietnamese experts about who would be the
replacement investors.

Some experts even suggested the Vietnamese government establish conditions
for BP to choose partners, or give incentives for PetroVietnam to buy out
BP's assets. As a stakeholder in BP's projects, PetroVietnam had the right
to be the first offered to buy BP's assets.

Responded to the agreements, PetroVietnam's chairman Dinh La Thang said
PetroVietnam had considered buying the assets. "But such deals must ensure
efficiency. We would not buy them at any costs."

Thang told VIR that the choice of new partners in these projects would be
important as it was directly related to not only the project's efficiency,
but also long-term interest of the stakeholders.

According to a local oil and gas sector expert, a Russian partner taking
over BP's assets in Vietnam was "good news" for Vietnam, based on two
countries' long relations in oil and gas cooperation.

The Vietnam-Russia Petroleum Joint Venture, or Vietsovpetro, is now in its
27th year operation in Vietnam, occupying roughly 80 per cent of Vietnam's
oil and gas products, contributing more than $20 billion and less than $6
billion to Vietnamese and Russian government budgets, respectively. The
joint venture is among foreign-backed firms with largest tax contribution in
Vietnam.

Apart from that, recently Rusvietpetro, a joint venture between Vietnam and
Russia, received its first oil output from four blocks in the central Khorei
Ver region of Russia's Nenets autonomous district, with the industrial
capacity of 3,000 tonnes crude oil per day, or 21,000 barrels per day.
Another joint venture Vietgazprom has been established in the two nations'
oil and gas sector.

TNK-BP's statement said the acquisitions would be financed entirely through
the company's available resources and would not require additional capital
from the shareholders of TNK-BP.

According to TNK-BP, under the terms of the agreements, it will pay BP a
total deposit of $1 billion on October 29, with the balance of payment due
on completion of the sales. Subject to regulatory and other third party
approvals, and other customary conditions, the parties anticipate completing
both sales in the first half of 2011.

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Link to Original Article:
https://www.vietmaz.com/2017/02/tnk-bp-grabs-troubled-bps-assets/?utm_source
=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+vietmaz+%28VietMaz%29


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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Thailand: Krabi plant study ditched

Thailand: Krabi plant study ditched

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the halted environmental and
health impact assessment processes for the Krabi coal-fired power plant
project to be scrapped, said government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

The environmental health impact assessment (EHIA) and environmental impact
assessment (EIA) processes have been cancelled on the premier's
instructions.

He said the prime minister issued the order out of concern that without the
cancellation, there might be some issues with public participation in
deciding which fuel source was best suited for the controversial project.

Gen Prayut has instructed the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental
Policy and Planning to write to the Energy Ministry, getting it to inform
the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand formally to scrap both the
EIA and the EHIA processes, according to the spokesman.

The processes had been put on hold due to growing opposition to the use of
coal to fuel the planned power plant in Krabi. Critics fear its effect on
the environment.

The prime minister's order followed some apparent confusion over whether the
EIA and the EHIA processes should be resumed from where they had left off,
or started from the beginning.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1205901/krabi-plant-study-ditched

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Thailand: Egco funds 7 new power projects

Thailand: Egco funds 7 new power projects

ELECTRICITy Generating (Egco) Group has budgeted more than Bt30 billion this
year for seven power projects both in Thailand and overseas, according to
company president Chanin Chaonirattisai.

Six of the projects are under construction and scheduled to start commercial
operations between this year and 2019, including three small power producer
(SPPs) projects - Xayaburi in Laos and San Buenaventura and Masinloc Unit 3
in the Philippines.

In addition, share transfers for the Salak and Darajat geothermal power
plants in Indonesia are in progress and expected to be complete this
quarter.

The Bt30-billion investment budget does not include new projects Egco Group
is attempting to acquire or four other overseas projects under development.

Of the four projects under development, two are hydropower projects in Laos
- the Pak Beng project, which is waiting for the Mekong River Commission's
approval, and Nam Thuen 1, which is awaiting the attorney-general's review
of the power purchase agreement.

The third overseas project under development is Units 3 and 4 of the Star
Energy geothermal power plant in Indonesia, which is in the process of
electricity-price negotiation with state-owned power company PLN.

The fourth project is the Quang Tri coal-fired power project in Vietnam, for
which the price of electricity is also under negotiation with the Vietnamese
government.

Chanin said there were potential investment opportunities in Thailand as
well. It sees renewable SPP/VSPP (very small power producer) projects as the
most attractive, as these enjoy private-sector participation as well as
being supported by the government.

The group aims to grow Egco Group's renewable-energy portfolio to 30 per
cent by 2026. The group now has 16 operating renewable-source power plants
with total equity contracted capacity of 751 megawatts, accounting for 18
per cent of the company's total equity contracted capacity.

As of last December, Egco Group was operating 24 power plants with total
equity contracted capacity of 4,122MW in five countries - Thailand, Laos,
the Philippines, Indonesia and Australia. There are six projects under
construction with total equity contracted capacity of 869MW and one project
in the share-transfer process with total equity contracted capacity of
128MW.

Last year the group completed construction of two power projects, which
started commercial operations as scheduled. They were the 930MW Khanom Unit
4 power plant in Nakhon Si Thammarat and the 80MW Chaiyaphum Wind Farm.

The company also invested in three projects overseas last year. These
included the acquisition of 8.05 per cent additional indirect ownership in
Masinloc Power Partners Co in the Philippines, which boosted its share
ownership in Masinloc to 49 per cent.

This year, Egco Group aims for at least 10 per cent return on equity for its
shareholders.

"We still focus on the power business, which is our core expertise, and we
see great opportunities for business expansion, especially in overseas
markets where the company has a strong presence. The Philippines will be our
flagship market, followed by Laos and Indonesia. The company will also seek
investment opportunities in other countries such as Vietnam and Myanmar,"
Chanin said.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/corporate/30307420?utm_source=
feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Nationmultimediacom-Busines
s+%28NationMultimedia.com+-+Business%29


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Cambodia: Third coal-fired plant on order

Cambodia: Third coal-fired plant on order

A Japanese engineering firm has secured a contract to build a 150-megawatt
coal-fired power station in Preah Sihanouk province - the Kingdom's third
approved coal-based energy generation facility to date.

Toshiba Plant Systems and Services Corporation (TPSC), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Japanese electronics manufacturing giant Toshiba, will build
the turnkey power plant for Cambodian Energy II Co Ltd (CEL2), the company
said in a filing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange yesterday.

TPSC said it would use its Malaysian and Thai subsidiaries for the
engineering, equipment supply, construction work, installation, testing and
adjustment of the facility before handing operations over to CEL2. It
estimated that construction would be completed by late 2019.

Registered in August 2016, CEL2 shares the same board of directors as
Cambodian Energy Co Ltd (CEL), a subsidiary of Malaysia's Leader Universal
Holdings that operates an existing 100-megawatt coal-fired power plant in
Sihanoukville.

TPSC said in the filing that it was selected by CEL2 on the basis of its
"extensive experience and capabilities in power plant construction in
international markets, its high level technologies, and its ability to meet
strict Japanese criteria for plant reliability and performance".

Naoaki Kamoshida, counsellor at the Embassy of Japan, said this was the
first time that a Japanese company had won a bid for a thermal power plant
in the Kingdom.

"Given the expanding demand of energy, increasing electricity supply with a
balanced energy mix is important for the country's economy," he said. "We
hope this project will help to provide Cambodian people with stable and low
cost electricity."

TPSC declined to comment yesterday on the value of contract, citing that the
company needed more time to respond, while CEL could not be reached for
comment.

Leader Universal Holdings entered Cambodia's energy market in 2011 with its
$195 million CEL coal-fired plant in the Stung Hav district of Preah
Sihanouk province that started producing electricity in 2014.

A coal-fired power plant operated by CIIDG Erdos Hongjun Electric Power Co -
a joint venture between Cambodia International Investment Development Group
(and China-based Erdos Hongjun Electric Power Co - came online later that
year. Currently operating with 270 megawatts installed capacity, the plant
is being developed into a 700-megawatt facility at a cost of $383 million.

Tun Lean, a spokesman of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, confirmed
yesterday that the 150-megawatt CEL2 power station would be located next to
the existing two coal-fired plants, though the cost of the project was still
to be determined.

TPSC's filing follows an announcement by Council of Ministers spokesman Phay
Siphan early last week that stated CEL had beat out CIIDG Erdos Hongjun
Electric Power for the concession to build a new coal-fired plant in
Sihanoukville. Additionally, The Post reported last September that Royal
Group, Cambodia's largest conglomerate, was also vying for approval of a
400- to 500-megawatt coal-fired plant in same area.

Representatives of Royal Group could not be reached for comment on the
project.

Han Phoumin, an energy economist for the Economic Research Institute for
ASEAN and East Asia, said that while the push for coal power was in line
with the government's energy development policy, and was largely the right
decision to seek energy independence, the country needed to put more
consideration into environmental impacts.

"As Cambodia is heading to use more coal, it is very important that the
Cambodian government strengthens environmental regulation for coal-fired
power plants," he said.

He added that while a 150-megawatt unit was cost-effective in the
short-term, anything below 500 megawatts using the latest technology would
be grossly inefficient and environmentally hazardous.

"If the power plant is built on a small unit, with a capacity less than
500-megawatts, it is very hard to achieve high-efficient technology and it
cannot introduce clean coal technology," he said. "We strongly recommend
that the Cambodian government puts in high requirements for investors to
deploy ultra-super critical technology."

He added that the government had to balance energy needs and development
with the tourism potential of its coastal beaches.

"Since the power plants are placed in a tourist area, the government should
have a forward-looking perspective in terms of air pollution," he said.

"If there is pollution, tourists and residents will be surely affected and
it will impact on local economy in the future."

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/third-coal-fired-plant-order?utm_sourc
e=Phnompenh+Post+Main+List&utm_campaign=c3dbb44471-201702028&utm_medium=emai
l&utm_term=0_690109a91f-c3dbb44471-45529029


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Thailand: Banpu strives to boost efficiency and speed up investments

Thailand: Banpu strives to boost efficiency and speed up investments

ENERGY company Banpu will focus on business development for stable growth
this year, as well as boosting management efficiency and speeding up
potential investments from upstream to downstream.

Banpu has invested in a second shale gas resource in northeast Pennsylvania,
near its first shale gas resource in the United States.

This new investment is expected to generate revenue this quarter.

Banpu continues to explore any potential added-value investment, from the
upstream business, and to balance the company's future growth of integrated
energy.

For the power business, Banpu believes that Banpu Power, its subsidiary, has
strong potential to grow and expand its power generating capacity to 4.3GW
by the end of 2025, of which at least 20 per cent will be renewable energy
sources.

Banpu is also ready to provide supply chain management services and energy
solutions management to contribute long-term benefits to all stakeholders,
CEO Somruedee Chaimongkol told a press conference. yesterday.

The company's 2016 operating result saw a considerable improvement in net
profit to US$47 million (Bt1.67 billion) from the $43 million net loss in
the previous year, largely due to a better balance in coal demand and
supply.

This reflected a higher average selling price, especially when the average
selling price in Indonesia rose from $51.4 per tonne in the third quarter to
$62.9 per tonne in the fourth quarter of last year.

Banpu is moving towards its strategic plan to develop from the upstream coal
and gas businesses to the downstream business of power plants, including
both conventional and renewable.

This strategic approach is to chart a course of sustainable and balanced
growth.

"We continue to maintain the company's cashflow from the success of Banpu
warrant (Banpu-W3) and Banpu Power's IPO, which will extend the group's
growth from upstream to downstream," Somruedee saud.

"In addition, Banpu's net profit in the fourth quarter stands out, due to
the coal price adjustment from a more proportional balance of demand and
supply of coal in the market."

In 2016, Banpu's sales fell 9 per cent to $2.25 billion, of which 91 per
cent was coal sales of $2.06 billion. Power, steam and other businesses
generated sales of $181 million.

The Marcellus shale gas business in Pennsylvania has begun to generate sales
of $15 million in the first quarter.

In 2016, Banpu's coal sales dropped 3 per cent 40.0 million tonnes, as the
average selling price in Indonesia slid 10 per cent $52.4 per tonne and in
Australia edged up 2 per cent to $67.3 per tonne.

The company's cost-saving programme resulted in an increase in gross profit.


The power business has recognised revenue after all three units of the
Hongsa power plant were operating fully commercially.

In 2016, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
improved 15 per cent to US$540 million.

Banpu's board has declared an annual dividend of Bt0.50, 50 satang, of which
Bt0.25 25 satang will be paid as an interim dividend.

The ex-dividend date is April 10. Warrant holders submitting a notification
to convert their existing Banpu-W3 warrants into Banpu shares by March 3
will also be eligible for this dividend.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/corporate/30307403?utm_source=
feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Nationmultimediacom-Busines
s+%28NationMultimedia.com+-+Business%29


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Equis awards Tolo I wind farm contracts in Indonesia to Siemens, PT Pembangunan

Equis awards Tolo I wind farm contracts in Indonesia to Siemens, PT
Pembangunan

Equis Asia Fund II has awarded the engineering, procurement and construction
(EPC) and operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts for its Indonesian wind
farm, Tolo I to a consortium featuring Siemens Wind Power, PT Siemens
Indonesia and PT Pembangunan Perumahan (Persero).

The contracts were given through Equis' Indonesian platform Redaya Energi
and PT Energi Bayu Jeneponto.

Located in Jeneponto in the Indonesian province of South Sulawesi, the Tolo
I Wind Farm will comprise 20 direct drive wind turbines from Siemes. The
turbines will transmit power into PLN's Jeneponto substation through a
high-voltage transmission line.

Equis CEO David Russell said: "Indonesia is set for a period of rapid,
sustained growth in energy demand, and the Indonesian government has set
sensible targets for renewable energy to satisfy a large share of this
demand.

"Equis is committed to leveraging our experience and expertise in Indonesia
to support these government initiatives and to deliver low cost power and
jobs for the benefit of local communities."

Construction on the Tolo I Wind Farm is set to begin later in the year,
while the commercial operations at the site are expected to start in 2018.

According to Equis Asia, the wind farm will contribute to Indonesian
President Joko Widodo's 35,000MW of surplus capacity by 2019 program.
Besides, it would also play a part in Indonesia's renewable energy target of
23%.

Presently, Equis is finalising the development of several other renewable
energy projects in the country with a targeted equity investment of over
$500m through the next two years.

Earlier in the month, Equis, the Singapore based independent renewable
energy developer and investor, announced two large scale solar projects in
Australia with a combined generation capacity of 200MW.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.cleantechnology-business-review.com/news/equis-awards-tolo-i-wind
-farm-contracts-in-indonesia-to-siemens-pt-pembangunan-270217-5749779


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Philippines: Coal sales, new power plant boost Semirara earnings by 42%

Philippines: Coal sales, new power plant boost Semirara earnings by 42%

SEMIRARA MINING AND POWER CORP.'S EARNINGS ROSE 42 PERCENT IN 2016 ON THE
BACK OF RECORD COAL SALES AND THE CONTRIBUTION FROM ITS NEWEST POWER PLANT.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Consunji-led company
said its profits went up to P12.04 billion last year from its P8.47-billion
net income in 2015.

"The net contribution to the bottom line by coal, Sem-Calaca Power Corp.
(SCPC), and Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corp. (SLPGC), after
eliminations, are P5.42 billion, P2.87 billion, and P3.71 million,
respectively," they said.

The composite average price of coal went down nine percent from P1, 943 per
ton in 2015 to P1, 885 per ton last year. Low-grade coal it sold to its own
power plants more than doubled last year, from 955, 000 tons in 2015 to 1.95
million tons last year, resulting in a lower average price.

For the coal segment, production and coal sales, inclusive of 900, 000 of
low-grade coal, reached a new record at 12.8 million tons.

However, SCPC – who operates the 300 MW Calaca based coal-fired power plant
– recorded a decline in its profit contributions due to the decreased plant
availability.

With the SCPC plants having more downtime, this brought down the total gross
generation by 27 percent to 2,909 gigawatt hours (GWH) from 3,959 last year.

This has dragged the total energy sold down to 3, 322 GWh (12 percent) from
last year's 3, 754 GWh.

The average selling price also decreased by 3 percent to P3.31 per KWH from
P3.42 per kWh, while cost of energy sold increased 32 percent to 2. 24 per
kwh from P1.69 in 2015.

Meanwhile, SLPGC's 2×150 MW plant kick started its profit contribution P3.22
billion against P40 million in the previous year.

It posted a 555 percent growth in gross generation to 1, 383 GWh, and total
volume sold rose by 510 percent from 242 GWh to 1, 478 GWh.

Average selling price also rose by 46 percent at P4. 42 per kwh, versus the
previous year's P3.03 kwh.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://powerphilippines.com/2017/02/27/coal-sales-new-power-plant-boost-semi
rara-earnings/


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Monday, February 27, 2017

Philippines: Cusi wants to convert Malaya Thermal Power Plant into LNG plant

Philippines: Cusi wants to convert Malaya Thermal Power Plant into LNG plant

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi wants to convert the 650-megawatt (MW) Malaya
Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in Rizal into a liquefied natural gas (LNG)
facility as part of plans to ensure the country with reliable power supply
in the future.

"Part of the condition is to convert it into LNG plant.so we won't lose
capacity of around 600 MW," he said.

The plant's conversion would allow the country to have a cleaner, more
efficient and more reliable power plant, the Energy chief said.

"From diesel, which is an inefficient and expensive power source. what we
want is the country will still have 600 MW when we convert it into cleaner
power and which we can use as a baseload power. As it is, the plant runs on
diesel oil, which is only for peaking," Cusi said.

However, converting the diesel power plant into an LNG plant should still be
studied since the bidding process for the power facility has already
started, he said.

Currently, the Malaya TPP is among the state-owned power plants scheduled to
be privatized by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.
(PSALM) this year.

PSALM, the entity created by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA)
to privatize government-owned power assets, has set the auction on March 8.
The asset will be sold on an "as is, where is" basis.

So far, four power companies have expressed interest in the sale of the
Malaya TPP namely APT Global Inc., Phinma Energy Corp., Riverbend
Consolidated Mining Corp. and AC Energy Holdings Inc.

Cusi said it would be better if PSALM would re-bid the Malaya TPP to include
the conversion to an LNG plant in the transaction documents.

"That has to be really looked at," he said. "If we need to re-bid for that
reason, then it would be better if we re-bid it."

Meanwhile, the Energy chief is also looking at rehabilitating the
982-megawatt Agus-Pulangi hydroelectric power plants (HEPP) in Mindanao
before selling the facilities, especially with an oversupply scenario
looming in the region by 2018.

"Having more than enough time in Mindanao, it is an opportune time to
rehabilitate the plants. After that, we can privatize it. We don't like that
if it would not be run given its current situation," Cusi said.

Earlier, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, who chairs PSALM, said
rehabilitating the Agus-Pulangi HEPP is the top priority before undertaking
any privatization process for the facility.

Currently, the Agus-Pulangi HEPP can only supply 40 percent of its total
nameplate capacity to the Mindanao grid. However, it is considered as the
cheapest power source in Mindanao, with capacity being sold at around P2.70
per kilowatt-hour.

PSALM is undertaking a study with International Finance Corp. (IFC) to
determine the best way to privatize the Mindanao power asset.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/02/27/1676008/cusi-wants-convert-malay
a-thermal-power-plant-lng-plant


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

BIMP-EAGA tackles Sabah-Palawan energy connectivity

BIMP-EAGA tackles Sabah-Palawan energy connectivity

The possible energy interconnection of Sabah to Palawan has gained the
support of the sub-regional organization business group from Brunei
Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA)
Power.

The BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) presented to the Philippine delegates
the proposed Sabah to Palawan Interconnection project.

The BEBC, a private sector group, initiated the partnership with the
Provincial Government of Palawan aiming to deliver electric power from Sabah
to Palawan.

The Department of Energy (DoE) expressed full support for BIMP-EAGA Power
and Energy Cluster whose thrusts run parallel to the country's own agenda of
ensuring energy security, promoting a low carbon future, achieving total
electrification, and improving energy efficiency and conservation.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi was represented at the 2017 BIMP-EAGA
Strategic Planning Meeting by DoE-Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido 3rd.

As head of the Philippine energy sector delegates, Pulido also chaired the
discussions of the Power and Energy Infrastructure (PEI) cluster during the
two-day breakout sessions.

During the meeting, the BEBC informed the participants that the signing of a
memorandum of understanding may take place in April and when this is
realized, "it will provide the needed capacity addition to the country,"
Pulido said.

The key output of the cluster meeting is the formulation of the nine-year
(2017-2025) Power and Energy Infrastructure Cluster (PEIC) Roadmap for the
different sub-sectors such as: Power Interconnection, Renewable Energy (RE),
Rural Electrification and Sub-Regional Energy Efficiency and Conservation
(EE&C) rolling pipeline project as input to the final BIMP-EAGA Vision
2017-2025 (BEV2025).

In support of the Philippine Energy Sector 8-point Agenda, Pulido also
underscored the need to strengthen the resiliency of energy infrastructures
in the sub-region.

BEBC Brunei proposed a renewable energy resource assessment for each country
to identify feedstock as fuel for a proposed biomass generating facility
project.

Pulido reported that "The Philippines will pursue coordination meetings
between the private sector, National Government Agencies (NGAs) and the
provincial Government of Palawan to be able to review existing policies and
regulation on cross-border trading and to facilitate the timely execution of
the proposed interconnection."

The BIMP senior officials welcomed the outputs of the Power and Energy
Infrastructure Cluster and looked forward to the efficient implementation of
the different plans and activities until 2025 in partnership with the
private sector and other key stakeholders.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://www.manilatimes.net/bimp-eaga-tackles-sabah-palawan-energy-connectivi
ty/314343/


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Myanmar: JICA Loan Worth $107.8 Million to Go to Maintenance of Two Hydropower Plants

Myanmar: JICA Loan Worth $107.8 Million to Go to Maintenance of Two
Hydropower Plants

The Myanmar government will receive $107.8 loan from the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA), for the maintenance of two hydropower plants
after approval for the loan was passed by parliament, the Myanmar News
Agency reported.

The loan will go to the maintenance of the Beluchaung and Hsedawgyi
hydropower plants. Beluchaung power plant in Lawpyita, Kayah State, is to
undergo extensive maintenance from 2017 to 2023 so that the plant can reach
full capacity, while the ageing Hsedawgyi power plant in Madaya, Mandalay
Region, which has been oper-ating continuously for 28 years, needs major
maintenance work for wear and tear on its machinery.

On the same day the motion for the loan was passed, the parliament also
agreed to the spending of K3.65 bil-lion, the equivalent of $2.8 million,
for the development of violence-wracked western Rakhine State.

The allocation of the spending for socio-economic devel-opment of the state,
proposed by President U Htin Kyaw, would come from the reserve fund under
the 2016 Union Budget Law, the report said.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/jica-loan-worth-1078-million-go-maintenan
ce-two-hydropower-plants


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Cambodia: Electricity $4.4B closer to sufficiency

Cambodia: Electricity $4.4B closer to sufficiency

Over $3.2 billion was invested last year into increasing domestic
electricity production, with an additional $1.2 billion sunk into
infrastructure, according to the national electricity regulator.

The Kingdom's energy generation in 2016 peaked at 1.6 billion
kilowatt-hours, with the average cost per scaling up one megawatt of power
approximately billed at $2 million worth of investment, the Electricity
Authority of Cambodia (EAC) said in its 2016 annual report.

The report did not break down the public and private sector investment into
the $3.2 billion spent in production. However, it said of the $1.2 billion
worth of infrastructure spending, $394 million came from government coffers
and $776 million from the private sector. An additional unmarked investment
of $834 million was put in, adding 1,525 kilometres of transmission lines
and 25 substations.

Ty Norin, chairman of the EAC, said in speech accompanying the annual report
that the expected operational capacity of the third 135-megawatt coal-fired
plant by Cambodia International Investment Development Group in the coastal
province of Preah Sihanouk, scheduled for sometime this year, would further
reduce energy imports by 20 percent.

"This is the first of many years that EAC reduced the cost of electricity,
following the government's policy," he said. "However the capacity of
electricity distribution is still limited and it is not smooth, and lacks
quality and supply."

He added that over the last 15 years the country has made great strides in
developing its domestic production amid surging consumption, increasing
electricity generation by an average of 20 percent a year and closing the
supply gap. The report noted that domestic production this year was expected
to cover 80 percent of demand.

Norin added that despite this increase, consumers were far from content with
prices with some being forced to pay double due to poor measurement
technology.

"Consumers are not confident with how we measure electricity, which
sometimes causes them to pay more than they should," he said, adding that
the EAC had hired a team to monitor electricity transactions.

Ngeth Chou, a senior consultant for Emerging Markets Consulting, said that
many challenges still remained for providing consistent and nationwide
supply,

and that Cambodia was still far behind regional peers.

"The supply of electricity still does not cover the whole country, or even
in the cities," he said. "The accessibility to electricity is not smooth and
prices are too high."

"The government should look into investing into solar power as it does not
impact the environment like coal and hydropower projects do," he said,
adding that Cambodia was currently adopting technology that many countries
had given up.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/electricity-44b-closer-sufficiency

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Vietnam belongs to the group of leading countries in clean energy

Vietnam belongs to the group of leading countries in clean energy

According to a survey of World Bank (WB) in 111 nations, Vietnam belongs to
the group of leading countries in clean energy.

The report of WB shows that among surveyed 111 countries, there are only 40%
having strong policy to improve accessibility to clean energy sources with
reasonable costs, helping customers to use energy more effectively, as well
as increasing level of using renewable energy in the countries.

The report also shows that the developing countries as Chine, India,
Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Turkey are the forefront of
efforts to increase using clean energy together developed countries.

The energy experts assess, despite being a country of rich renewable energy
but so far investment in developing this type of energy in Vietnam is still
not commensurate with the potential. The main reason of this situation is
not really attractive economy of renewable energy projects. Beside, the
barriers relating policies, mechanisms, implementing organization,
technological application level have limited deploying the renewable energy
projects, as well.

Today, in Vietnam there are many renewable energy projects being developed,
despite the energy prices are still not so attractive for investors.

And according to National Power Development Planning VII (Adjustment),
Vietnam expects to develop renewable energy sources of 6MW and 17 TWh (6.5%
of total generation) by 2010, and 27GW and 60TWh (21.6%) by 2030.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://nangluongvietnam.vn/news/en/nuclear-renewable/vietnam-belongs-to-the-
group-of-leading-countries-in-clean-energy.html


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Vietnam: The Nhon Trach 3&4 Projects have been added to the National Power Development Planning

Vietnam: The Nhon Trach 3&4 Projects have been added to the National Power Development Planning

After considering the proposal of MOIT and opinions of the relevant ministries, Prime Minister has agreed to add Nhon Trach 3&4 projects to the National Power Development Planning VII (Adjustment).

The Nhon Trach 3&4 projects are gas fired power plants capacity of 750-800MW each using liquid natural gas (LNG) expected to be in operation by 2020 -2021.

Prime Minister assigned PVN as the investor to deploy these projects. Prime Minister asks MOIT to guide PVN to implement the projects in accordance with current regulations on construction investment, quality management and environmental protection, pay attentions to comments of the relevant ministries and agencies in process of establishing investment project and also direct PVN to deploy investment in Thi Vai terminal system for receiving and storing LNG with a capability and schedule suitable and synchronized with Nhon Trạch 3&4 projects.

Prime Minister also asks MOIT to additionally approve the connections of these projects with the national power system, strengthen to direct, recurrently inspect, supervise and speed up investors and relevant units to hasten steps implementing power plant projects in southern region for putting them into operation on time schedules expected in approved National Power Development Planning VII (Adjustment), and report Prime Minister for handling the projects behind schedule greatly impacting power supply.

Prime Minister requires PVN to hasten preparing and implementing steps for these added projects and be responsible to put them into operation in planed time to contribute ensuring power supply for southern region in coming period, and as well as to propose the mechanisms for timely putting these added projects into operation, for competence levels to decide.

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Link to Original Article: http://nangluongvietnam.vn/news/en/electricity/the-nhon-trach-34-projects-have-been-added-to-the-national-power-development-planning.html

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Thailand: OAG starts wind farm 'collusion' inquiry

Thailand: OAG starts wind farm 'collusion' inquiry

The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) has started an investigation into
whether there was a conflict of interest between the private sector and
state authorities in the land lease project for wind farm projects.

Auditor-General Pisit Leelavachiropas said Sunday that the agency has been
examining whether there were "conflicts of interest" in allocating Sor Por
Kor land to private firms operating wind farms, when it was specifically
supposed to go to landless farmers.

The agency is looking into the actions of former executives of the
Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro), which oversees the land allocation,
and members of the government in power when the land lease was approved.

State officials and policymakers connected to the land lease would be
investigated to see if they committed negligence of duty or failed to
protect the state's interests as well for any conflicts of interest, he
said, insisting the act was a misuse of the Sor Por Kor land which was meant
to be allotted to farmers for agricultural purposes only.

Mr Pisit was speaking after receiving a report on about 20 private companies
approved by Alro to lease Sor Por Kor land in Nakhon Ratchasima and
Chaiyaphum provinces.

The report included details of wind farm projects operated by the firms,
Alro's revenues paid to the Land Reform Fund, the return of Sor Por Kor land
from farmers to Alro, land lease contracts between the Alro and the
companies as well as the payment of a land lease fee to the agency.

Mr Pisit said the OAG will wrap up the probe this week and submit the result
to Agriculture Minister Chatchai Sarikulya to devise measures to help
farmers who were affected by policies of the then government and Alro
executives.

The Sor Por Kor land lease to private firms was initiated in 2009.

The National Energy Policy Council's resolution under a Democrat Party's
administration allowed the private sector to lease the Sor Por Kor land and
economic forest areas to run wind farm projects.

At the time, the council concluded wind farm activities benefited the
livelihood of farmers.

Alro was also assigned to work on the land lease contract with details on
the rental fee and period. The firms needed to pay a rental fee of 35,000
baht per rai per year.

The agency worked with the Department of Alternative Energy Development and
Efficiency to allot the Sor Por Kor land to the companies as well.

Two weeks ago, Gen Chatchai ordered Alro to conduct inspections into
activities run by the private companies approved to lease Sor Por Kor land.

The inspection procedures will take around 45 days to finish.

On Jan 31, the Nakhon Ratchasima Administrative Court ruled the Chaiyaphum
land reform committee's decision to lease the land to Thep Sathit Wind Farm
Co was unlawful and ordered it revoked.

According to the court, the land lease for the company breached the
agricultural land reform law which requires that use of Sor Por Kor land for
activities other than agriculture can be done only if the activities are in
the interests of farmers.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1205381/oag-starts-wind-farm-collus
ion-inquiry


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Thailand: PTT told to mull LNG terminal in South

Thailand: PTT told to mull LNG terminal in South

PTT Plc, the national oil and gas conglomerate, is considering building a
new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in a southern province at the
request of the government, says executive vice-president Pitak Janyapong.

"The idea to invest in this project has come after a government request for
us to seek an alternative power supply for the southern provinces if the
controversial coal-fired power plant project in Krabi is scrapped," said Mr
Pitak.

He said one option energy policymakers are considering is building a
gas-fired power plant and PTT would be responsible for securing the natural
gas supply to feed the plant.

Two locations where the company is conducting a feasibility study are the
Thepha and Chana districts in Songkhla province.

Thepha may be the more viable choice for constructing a new LNG receiving
terminal because it is closer to the Gulf of Thailand than Chana, meaning it
would require less capital to invest in a new gas pipeline linking it to the
gas fields, said Mr Pitak.

The feasibility study is scheduled to be finished in May, when it will be
sent to the government for consideration.

"We are still studying the matter so we can't say how much we would need to
invest or what the capacity should be. We don't even know if the coal-fired
power plant project will be scrapped," he said.

If the government decides to approve a new LNG terminal in the South, it
would require extra capital investment as PTT has already set aside nearly
40 billion baht for expanding the LNG receiving terminal in Map Ta Phut to
raise capacity to 11.5 million tonnes a year, up from 10 million. A second
unit of the LNG receiving terminal in Nong Fab with a capacity of 7.5
million tonnes a year is also planned.

The gas plan aims to increase storage capacity of the country's LNG
receiving terminals to 19 million tonnes by 2022, up from 5.2 million.

In related news, PTT wants to join its subsidiary PTT Exploration and
Production (PTTEP) and enter the power sector soon.

Recently, PTT chief executive and president Tevin Vongvanich said the
company is studying facilities for energy storage technology, electrical
vehicles and smart grid power distribution businesses.

Over the past two weeks, a group of anti-coal protesters succeeded in
pressuring the government to retract its decision to start the construction
of the coal-fired power plant in Krabi. Instead the administration ordered
the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) to redo an
environmental and health impact assessment report.

Assuming the coal plant is built, the move delays commercial operation from
mid-2019 to the end of 2021. The 800-megawatt plant was planned to serve
rapidly rising power demand in the South, boosted by the influx of tourist
arrivals.

Amid the uncertainty, the government has sought out a contingency plan,
saying the country cannot afford the damage caused by a power shortage.

The Energy Ministry reports the South's power demand has grown at an average
of 4.2% a year over the past decade, compared with 2-3% annual growth in the
central region.

Egat said earlier it prepared three long-term solutions if the Krabi
coal-fired plant project is scrapped: first, the development of a floating
storage and re-gasification unit (FSRU) in the Andaman Sea; second,
modifying fuel usage of existing Krabi bunker-oil plants for natural gas and
increasing their capacity; and third, building another gas-fired plant.

All of these options rely on natural gas imports, which could become costly.

Egat is also pushing to complete a 63.2-billion-baht high-voltage
transmission line (HVTL) project in the region by year-end.

The controversial coal plant coupled with rising demand for electricity in
the South have had energy policymakers concerned. The Energy Ministry
estimates electricity supply shortages in the southern provinces will
probably start in mid-2019. The HVTL project will provide a stopgap until a
new plant is ready to feed the power grid in the area.

Egat said peak power demand in the southern provinces last year was 2,801MW
and this year it is expected to rise to 3,000MW.

The government also has to decide on a clear direction for the new round of
bidding for concessions in the Gulf of Thailand's Bongkot and Erawan gas
fields.

The concessions have faced long delays because of conflicts between the
energy industry and activists over the appropriate formula for sharing
benefits from the petroleum fields.

The concessions to operate the Bongkot and Erawan gas fields are due to
expire in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

A final decision on the blocks is due to be made this year.

The Bongkot block is operated by PTTEP, while the Erawan block is operated
by Chevron Offshore Thailand.

PTT shares closed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand on Friday at 399 baht,
up one baht, in heavy trade worth 1.34 billion baht.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1205497/ptt-told-to-mull-lng-termin
al-in-south


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Vietnam: Electricity lights up communes in Lai Chau

Vietnam: Electricity lights up communes in Lai Chau

The national grid is now connected to all communes in the northern
mountainous province of Lai Chau, helping locals escape poverty.
Ta Ba commune - a particularly disadvantaged area in Muong Te district - is
one of the last communes to access the national power system.

Most families in Ta Ba commune are from the La Hu ethnic minority group and
over 90 percent are living under the poverty line.

However, since locals gained access to electricity in June 2015, their life
has improved, said Chairman of the communal People's Committee Ly Nhu Chu,
adding that many households have purchased electric equipment to serve their
daily activities while children have appropriate study conditions.

Developing rural electricity networks is one of the important targets of the
Party and State to promote the economy, society, national defence and
security.

As such, the sector has actively coordinated with local authorities to
expand the power network to rural and border areas.

So far, the province has built 1,378 kilometres of medium-voltage lines,
1,120 kilometres of low-voltage lines and 682 transformer stations.

The power sector has provided 37,430 households with investments worth over
1.4 trillion VND (64.2 million USD) to modernise rural areas and enable
locals in mountainous areas to access science-technology and information
services to improve their material and spiritual life.

The province expects to raise its rate of households using electricity to
92.4 percent by the end of next year from the current 84 percent.

The province also hopes to have 92.6 percent of its hamlets electrified by
2016.

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Link to Original Article:
https://www.vietmaz.com/2017/02/ban-in-electricity-lights-up-communes-in-lai
-chau/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+vietmaz+%
28VietMaz%29


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Saturday, February 25, 2017

BMI Research: Malaysia in world's top three for renewable energy investment

BMI Research: Malaysia in world's top three for renewable energy investment

Malaysia is among the top three global investment destinations for renewable
energy, according to BMI Research that cited the country's outlook and
policies in the sector.

In its "Asia Renewables RRI: Investment Opportunities" report, BMI Research
said Malaysia, Singapore and Australia offered the best risk-to-reward
ratios for such investments.

"The economic and politically stable business environments of Singapore,
Malaysia and Australia appear at the top of our Renewables Risk/Reward
Index, despite the fact that growth in these markets will be slower than in
riskier regional neighbours," BMI Research said in the report released
today.

The report said Singapore topped the list on account of its stable economic
and political outlook, and its "very low risk business environment."

Malaysia's strong attractiveness was credited to its "buoyant macroeconomic
outlook" as well as its projected growth in renewable energies capacity and
generation, particularly wind and solar power.

"Momentum behind Malaysia's renewables sector has been gathering pace, in
line with the country's National Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan and
the government's feed-in tariff scheme.

"This supportive energy policy, alongside relatively good access to finance
and well-developed grid infrastructure results in Malaysia's risks profile
outperforming the regional average as well," the report said.

BMI Research said that Australia scored "less well" for rewards for its
renewable energies market, as the country is in the midst of a slowdown,
owing to years of waning government support for the sector.

It said that that the renewable energy markets in the Philippines, Thailand,
Vietnam and Indonesia are all situated in the middle of the regional
rankings, as increasing investment opportunities are balanced against
relatively weaker risks environments.

Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh and Myanmar were clustered as underperforming
renewables markets in the region.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/money/article/bmi-research-malaysia-in-wor
lds-top-three-for-renewable-energy-investment


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Philippines: DOE to form new RCOA rules

Philippines: DOE to form new RCOA rules

TO AVOID MORE DELAYS IN IMPLEMENTING THE RETAIL COMPETITION AND OPEN ACCESS
(RCOA) SCHEME, THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) IS RELAXING ITS POLICIES ON
CONSUMERS' TRANSITION TO AN OPEN MARKET.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi yesterday said they will created rules for the
transition of consumers with a monthly demand of at least 750-kilowatts (kw)
to RCOA, slated for June this year.

"What we're going to do for the 750-kw threshold, which is targeted in June,
I think it will be voluntary. [But] we'll have to come up with a new
circular," Cusi said.

He assured that the new rules is only for a voluntary transition and will
not penalize non-compliance.

Early this week, the Supreme Court (SC) released a temporary restraining
order on the DOE and Energy Regulatory Commission's (ERC) new policy calling
for the mandatory migration of big power consumers to RCOA.

The ERC set a deadline of February 26 for all end-users with at least one
megawatt (MW) of peak demand.

Contestable consumers who already executed their retail supplier contracts
are allowed to keep their agreement with retail electricity suppliers, Cusi
said.

"What has been issued a TRO, to my understanding, was the mandatory in 1-MW.
Under the mandatory, those who have prepared for the transition and signed
contracts can proceed. Those others who want to sign up under optional or
voluntary, they can proceed with that," he said.

The DOE, ERC and the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) said they
will form a new unified policy that will guide power players in their
transition to the RCOA.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://powerphilippines.com/2017/02/24/doe-form-new-rcoa-rules/

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Philippines: ERC reviewing Meralco's power hike bid

Philippines: ERC reviewing Meralco's power hike bid

THE ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION (ERC) IS SET TO DECIDE ON MANILA ELECTRIC
CO.'S (MERALCO) PETITION TO STAGGER THE P0.92 PER KILOWATT-HOUR RATE
INCREASE CAUSED BY THE 20-DAY MALAMPAYA MAINTENANCE.

"We know the urgency of Meralco's application and we are already reviewing
it," ERC chairman Jose Vicente Salazar said.

The power retailer asked the ERC to approve the rate increase, divided into
P0.30 per kWh in March, P0.30 per kWh in April, and P0.32 per kWh in May to
soften the impact on consumers.

"To mitigate the effect of the abrupt increase in generation costs due to
the use of liquid fuel, especially considering that the WESM [Wholesale
Electricity Spot Market] prices may also increase during the period, Meralco
proposes that instead of reflecting the full incremental incremental fuel
cost component of the total generation costs in the March 2017 generation
charges, it be allowed to implement the increase in three billing months
starting March until May 2017," Meralco said.

On the other hand, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate asked the ERC to
junk Meralco's bid.

"What specific provision in the power supply agreements (PSAs) of Meralco
with the generation companies would justify 'capacity fee adjustments'? Is
this a yearly adjustment? Or it is just an unfortunate incident that always
coincides with Malampaya's shutdown?" Zarate asked.

"Appallingly, while our poor people will be burdened once more with these
price hikes, we are yet to be fully apprised on the results of the ERC
investigation on the alleged collusion of generation companies and Meralco
during the 2013 November-December Malampaya shutdown," he added.

The Malampaya maintenance drove natural gas power plants to use alternative
fuel like diesel, which is more expensive at P6 to P8 per kWh. Natural gas
is priced at P4 per kWh.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://powerphilippines.com/2017/02/23/erc-reviewing-meralco-power-hike-bid/

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Laos: MRC completes first round of consultation on Pak Beng hydropower dam

Laos: MRC completes first round of consultation on Pak Beng hydropower dam

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) finished its first round of prior
consultation process yesterday on the construction of the Pak Beng
hydropower dam in the mainstream of the river.

The process was a public hearing held in Laos's ancient capital of Luang
Prabang on Wednesday and yesterday for all stakeholders to share their views
and information about the project.

The next round will be held in May, the MRC statement said.

Laos proposed the Pak Beng Hydropower Project as a run-of-the-river project
located in mainstream Mekong. The power plant is expected to have an
installed capacity of 912MW, with a discharge flow of 5,771.2 cubic metres
per second.

On November 4, the Lao National Mekong Committee Secretariat submitted a
detailed description of the planned project to the MRC Secretariat for its
review and further action to inform other member countries about the
project's scope and other requirements as per the prior consultation
process.

Building a dam on the mainstream of Mekong could have a negative impact on
the environment and society in the basin as the dam would block the water
flow, affect sedimentation and fish migration.

In addition to the two forums in February and May, there have been several
meetings and consultations at both national and regional levels to provide
an opportunity for all stakeholders to get the most up-to-date information,
share views and discuss further action.

A field visit to Pak Beng will be held in May to investigate the site in
order to get firsthand experience and understanding of the project site.

At the opening of the forum on Wednesday, Lao Minister of Natural Resources
and Environment Sommad Pholsena said, "For the Pak Beng project, taking into
account the good lessons learned, we will strive for effective and
meaningful consultation. With your understanding, support and good
recommendations, we expect to reach a conclusion on this project."

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/aec/asean_plus/30307123

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Philippines - PSPA to ERC: recall certificates issued during solar FIT-2

Philippines - PSPA to ERC: recall certificates issued during solar FIT-2

THE PHILIPPINE SOLAR POWER ALLIANCE (PSPA) IS URGING THE ENERGY REGULATORY
COMMISSION (ERC) TO RETRACT THE ISSUANCE OF FEED-IN-TARIFF (FIT)
CERTIFICATES ON SOLAR POWER PROJECTS WITH INCONSISTENCIES.

The group is questioning the release of endorsements even while the
Department of Energy (DOE) was conducting an investigation.

In November, ERC chairman Jose Vicente Salazar wrote to DOE Secretary
Alfonso Cusi and said there were inconsistencies regarding the FIT grant to
two solar companies.

These solar plants were granted the FIT certificate despite only being able
to reach a quarter of its dependable capacity. Meanwhile, Silay Solar and
Isla Sol plants, which reached its maximum capacities early, were not
granted FIT certificates.

"Normally, the Commission waits until the fact-finding is completed and a
final determination by the Ilagan committee is arrived at," PSPA president
Teresa Capellan said.

She added that solar FIT program participants trusted the system because the
rule-based scheme was fair and straightforward. Solar companies are hoping
that the investigation will address the discrepancies.

"Solar companies are really puzzled as to what prompted the Commission to
issue the certificates given the Chairman's earlier report to the DOE
Secretary and the ongoing investigation being conducted by DOE
Undersecretary Ilagan," Capellan said.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://powerphilippines.com/2017/02/23/pspa-erc-recall-certificates-issued-s
olar-fit-2/


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Vietnam plans to commission its second refinery in May 2017

Vietnam plans to commission its second refinery in May 2017

The Vietnam Nghi Son oil refinery expects to receive first crude oil in May
2017 and to start production by the third quarter of the year. The project
is valued at US$7.5 bn and is expected to produce 200 000 bbl/d.

The Nghi Son facility will be Vietnam's second refinery. It will process
mostly Kuwaiti crude oil and generate LPGs (700 kt/year), gasoline (2.9
Mt/year), diesel (2.9 Mt/year), kerosene and jet fuel (900 kt/year) mainly
for the domestic markets.

The Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemicals stakeholders are: the Japanese
company Idemitsu Kosan (35.1%), Kuwait Petroleum International (35.1%),
PetroVietnam (25.1%) and Mitsui Chemicals (4.7%).

At the moment, Vietnam's only Dung Quat refinery meets about 30% of the
country's domestic demand. The new refinery will be able to match 70% of the
domestic demand.

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Link to Original Article:
https://www.enerdata.net/publications/daily-energy-news/vietnam-plans-commis
sion-its-second-refinery-may-2017.html


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com

Vietnam among nations taking lead in clean energy - World Bank

Vietnam among nations taking lead in clean energy - World Bank

Vietnam is one of the world's leading nations in sustainable energy, with
robust policies to support energy access, renewables and energy efficiency,
the World Bank said in a report.

The Southeast Asian country is ranked the 25th in the World Bank's scorecard
on sustainable energy, compiled in January and which grades 111 countries in
three areas of energy access, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

"About half the countries with more appropriate policy environments for
sustainable energy are emerging economies," said the report released
Wednesday. They include Mexico, China, Turkey, India, Vietnam, Brazil and
South Africa.

Vietnam scores highest in energy efficiency among all developing countries,
said the report.

The country's policy progress was largely driven by an economy, which has
had a steady average annual growth of above 5 percent since 1990, one of
Asia's fastest rates, based on government statistics.

Vietnam's power demand grew at over 20 percent per year throughout the
1990s, and15-percent in the 2000s, the World Bank estimated.

Vietnam is trying to generate enough energy to facilitate its economic
growth and connect millions of people who still lack access to electricity
to the grid, while gradually shifting towards clean and low-carbon energy.

The government has projected electricity output to rise to 330-362 billion
kilowatt hours (kWh) in 2020 and to 695-834 billion kWh in 2030, from around
200 billion kWh in 2015, to meet a surging demand, which will also require a
boost of renewable energy.

In comparison to other more traditional energy sources such as oil and coal,
renewable energy is relatively new in Vietnam. Its presence is strongly
driven by government policies, and is mostly positioned within sustainable
development and greenhouse gas reduction frameworks.

The government has recently revised down the target for electricity output
by coal-fired power plants to 53.2 percent of the total power generation by
2030, from 56.4 percent previously projected.

Vietnam now aims for 10.7 percent of the total electricity output by 2030
generated from renewable energy, mainly solar and wind energy, up from 6
percent previously planned.

By 2020 wind power would account for 0.8 percent of the country's total
power output, while 0.5 percent would come from solar power.

The World Bank's report, entitled Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable
Energy, provides benchmarks to evaluate clean energy progress, using 27
indicators and 80 sub-indicators including legal frameworks, building codes,
and government incentives and policies to calculate an overall score.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-among-nations-taking-lead-in-clean-
energy-world-bank-3546228.html


--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com