Cambodia: Protesters Want Mekong Dams Stopped
About 20 environmental activists called on the government to stop all new
dam projects on the Mekong River to protect fish stocks and communities
slated to be affected by construction.
The appeal was made by the group as they gathered in front of the parliament
building in Phnom Penh yesterday morning, before marching to the Environment
Ministry holding solar panels and a drawing representing biogas as they
called for alternative, less destructive ways of generating electricity to
be built instead.
No steps were taken by authorities to hinder or stop the march.
Sen Bo, a representative of Pursat province's fishermen, said his members
were very worried by news of the government's proposed Sambo Hydro dam. The
dam in Kratie province will lead to a projected 2,000 evictions from nearby
settlements.
Mr. Bo said it would also cause "serious harm" to the Tonle Sap Lake.
"Normally, if there is no dam, the water flowed about 62 percent into the
Tonle Sap Lake. But if there is a dam, the water can flow into Tonle Sap
Lake only 20 percent," he said.
"So the water that flows will be very little, and there will be no water for
647,000 hectares of forest around the lake.
"Plus, with the hot weather, all the forest will be lost by fire. And when
it has burned down, fisheries will also be damaged and then who will face
difficulties? It will be fishermen and the poor around the Tonle Sap Lake."
Chan Samnang, a sociology student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh,
said based on experiences from dams elsewhere along the river in Laos and
Vietnam, the eviction of local communities was necessary because of the
destruction of their villages, forests and farms and the associated
deforestation, meaning the environmental impact is large.
"The government should start to consider the use of renewable energy, rather
than dam construction," he said, suggesting that solar and biogas could
provide adequate energy without the environmental and social destruction.
Tun Leang, a spokesman for the Ministry of Mines and Energy in charge of the
energy sector, could not be reached for comment, while another ministry
spokesman, Dith Tina, declined to comment.
NGO Forum director Tek Vannara echoed Mr. Samnang, calling on the government
to increase its study of alternative energy sources.
"[Then] we can compare if an option is good on the value of its use, for
example if it is better for the environment and does not affect our
society," he said.
"Then the government can make the correct decision and all aspects of the
country's economy, environment and society can profit."
Yesterday's march followed a similar one at the end of September, during
which youth groups and activists submitted a petition to the ministries of
environment and mines and energy, requesting detailed information on the
Sambo Hydro dam project. Neither ministry has yet responded to their
request.
The petition stated their concerns about the proposed construction, which is
projected to produce up to 2,600 megawatts of electricity, but which
opponents claim will harm the endangered river dolphins native to the area,
cause large-scale loss of forest and the eviction of whole communities.
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Ref:
http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/31433/protesters-want-mekong-dams-stopped/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Monday, October 31, 2016
Philippines: Aseagas fires up biomass facility
Philippines: Aseagas fires up biomass facility
Aseagas Corp. has started operating its 8.8-megawatt biomass power plant in
Sitio Hermosa, Barangay Malaruhatan in Lian, Batangas
Danel Aboitiz, president and chief operating officer of Aboitiz Power
Corp.'s oil business unit, told reporters the company planned to start
commercial operations of the plant in the next two months. The power plant
uses organic wastes as fuel.
"Commissioning is very difficult to predict. . it's our first time to
commission that kind of power plant., he said.
"With all the other power players who have moved to a different kind of
technology, they had notoriously low availability factors during the first
six months of commissioning," he said.
Aboitiz said the company they had not made any expansion plans and was
focusing on the commissioning of the plant.
He said the project would avail of the feed-in tariff rate given to a
renewable energy source under the Renewable Energy Act of 2001.
Aseagas has marked a major safety milestone after recording one million
hours of safe working without lost time incident.
"Aseagas has carried out work over the last two years in a challenging
environment. To reach one million man hours is a considerable milestone in
itself, but to accomplish this without a single reported incident is a
significant achievement," Aseagas president Sabin Aboitiz said.
The first Aseagas plant will use the organic effluent directly from Absolut
Distillery's plant in Lian, Batangas, where the wastewater is converted into
power and other by-products. The plant could power 22,000 households.
Aboitiz Renewables Inc. , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power,
earlier acquired all the equity interest of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. in
Aseagas for P605 million.
"The acquisition of the shares in Aseagas is in line with Aboitiz Power's
target to increase its attributable net sellable capacity to 4,000 MW by
2020," Aboitiz Power said.
The sale involves 72,710,000 common shares and 654,300,000 redeemable
preferred shares priced at P0.832175 and P0.832175, respectively.
The board of Aboitiz Equity approved the sale of all of its equity
interests in Aseagas to Aboitiz Renewables in April.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://thestandard.com.ph/business/220172/aseagas-fires-up-biomass-facility.
html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Aseagas Corp. has started operating its 8.8-megawatt biomass power plant in
Sitio Hermosa, Barangay Malaruhatan in Lian, Batangas
Danel Aboitiz, president and chief operating officer of Aboitiz Power
Corp.'s oil business unit, told reporters the company planned to start
commercial operations of the plant in the next two months. The power plant
uses organic wastes as fuel.
"Commissioning is very difficult to predict. . it's our first time to
commission that kind of power plant., he said.
"With all the other power players who have moved to a different kind of
technology, they had notoriously low availability factors during the first
six months of commissioning," he said.
Aboitiz said the company they had not made any expansion plans and was
focusing on the commissioning of the plant.
He said the project would avail of the feed-in tariff rate given to a
renewable energy source under the Renewable Energy Act of 2001.
Aseagas has marked a major safety milestone after recording one million
hours of safe working without lost time incident.
"Aseagas has carried out work over the last two years in a challenging
environment. To reach one million man hours is a considerable milestone in
itself, but to accomplish this without a single reported incident is a
significant achievement," Aseagas president Sabin Aboitiz said.
The first Aseagas plant will use the organic effluent directly from Absolut
Distillery's plant in Lian, Batangas, where the wastewater is converted into
power and other by-products. The plant could power 22,000 households.
Aboitiz Renewables Inc. , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power,
earlier acquired all the equity interest of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. in
Aseagas for P605 million.
"The acquisition of the shares in Aseagas is in line with Aboitiz Power's
target to increase its attributable net sellable capacity to 4,000 MW by
2020," Aboitiz Power said.
The sale involves 72,710,000 common shares and 654,300,000 redeemable
preferred shares priced at P0.832175 and P0.832175, respectively.
The board of Aboitiz Equity approved the sale of all of its equity
interests in Aseagas to Aboitiz Renewables in April.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://thestandard.com.ph/business/220172/aseagas-fires-up-biomass-facility.
html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thailand: SEVEN COMPANIES PICKED TO PRODUCE POWER OUT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE
Thailand: SEVEN COMPANIES PICKED TO PRODUCE POWER OUT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE
Seven companies have been selected to produce 30.78 megawatts from
industrial waste, falling short of the target of 50MW.
Viraphol Jirapraditkul, spokesman for the Energy Regulatory Commission, said
last week that the seven companies that won the bids to develop the power
plants were PG & C 5714 (2.5MW), Chonburi Clean Energy (6.9MW), Sabang
Yangyuen Pichit (1.88MW), Progress Interchem (Thailand) (4MW), Inva Grand
Energy (3MW), Recovery House (5.5MW) and Cementhai Energy Conservation
(7MW).
They have a combined generating capacity of 41.83MW.
These chosen bidders would have to complete the following procedures by
February 25 - receive approvals for their environmental impact assessments
and codes of practice, hold public hearings and enter into power sales
agreements with the Provincial Electricity Authority.
They must commence commercial operations by December 2019.
They are prohibited from changing their feeder points and fuels to municipal
waste and coal.
They were among 26 companies that submitted bids to take part in the feed-in
tariff programme, with combined installed capacity of more than 200MW.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/automobiles/30298749?utm_sourc
e=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Nationmultimediacom-Busin
ess+%28NationMultimedia.com+-+Business%29
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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Seven companies have been selected to produce 30.78 megawatts from
industrial waste, falling short of the target of 50MW.
Viraphol Jirapraditkul, spokesman for the Energy Regulatory Commission, said
last week that the seven companies that won the bids to develop the power
plants were PG & C 5714 (2.5MW), Chonburi Clean Energy (6.9MW), Sabang
Yangyuen Pichit (1.88MW), Progress Interchem (Thailand) (4MW), Inva Grand
Energy (3MW), Recovery House (5.5MW) and Cementhai Energy Conservation
(7MW).
They have a combined generating capacity of 41.83MW.
These chosen bidders would have to complete the following procedures by
February 25 - receive approvals for their environmental impact assessments
and codes of practice, hold public hearings and enter into power sales
agreements with the Provincial Electricity Authority.
They must commence commercial operations by December 2019.
They are prohibited from changing their feeder points and fuels to municipal
waste and coal.
They were among 26 companies that submitted bids to take part in the feed-in
tariff programme, with combined installed capacity of more than 200MW.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/automobiles/30298749?utm_sourc
e=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Nationmultimediacom-Busin
ess+%28NationMultimedia.com+-+Business%29
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Engie seeks to power Asia with gas, renewables
Engie seeks to power Asia with gas, renewables
France's Engie, the world's largest independent power producer, is rolling
out natural gas and renewable power projects across Asia-Pacific as it
gradually exits coal-fired power generation in the region.
"We will go to low carbon solutions ... it's not sure that coal power plants
will remain sustainable for (the next) 30 years," Engie Asia Pacific's
President and Chief Executive Officer Jan Flachet told Reuters.
Renewables accounted for more than half of net annual additions to power
capacity and overtook coal in terms of cumulative installed capacity in the
world for the first time in 2015, the International Energy Agency said this
week.
"This market evolution has had a huge impact on the energy market," Flachet
said, with Engie investing in technologies such as geothermal, biomass and
hydrogen storage, as well as solar and wind.
Natural gas would remain important to resolve intermittent power generation
issues from renewables, he said.
In Indonesia, which has struggled to meet strong demand growth for
electricity demand as projects stall over license or land clearance issues,
Engie has submitted a bid to build a 150-megawatt (MW) gas-fired power
project in Riau province in a government tender, Flachet said.
It expects to start construction next year at a 100 MW geothermal power
plant in Muara Laboh, in west Sumatra, the first of three such projects, he
said, with more tenders for power projects to come.
The company is also in talks with state power company PLN over feed-in
tariffs for two solar projects of 200 MW and plans to tap on biomass such as
bamboo and palm oil waste to generate electricity, he said.
To power up islands in the Philippines, Indonesia and remote areas in
Australia, Engie is developing solar-hydrogen storage that will be
competitive enough to replace diesel generators, Flachet said.
In Myanmar, Engie hopes to capitalise on its huge growth potential for
electricity, although the country will first have to install a liquefied
natural gas (LNG) terminal, he said.
Engie also has a 50 MW wind power project in Mongolia, he said.
In Australia, meanwhile, Engie is considering a sale of its 70 percent stake
in the 1000 megawatt (MW) Loy Yang B plant and may close its 50-year-old
Hazelwood unit, Flachet said.
It also expects to complete by end-2016 the sale of a 40 percent stake in
Indonesia's largest coal-fired power generator PT Paiton Energy to an
international investor, he said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/engie-seeks-to-pow
er-asia-with-gas-renewables/55094695
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
France's Engie, the world's largest independent power producer, is rolling
out natural gas and renewable power projects across Asia-Pacific as it
gradually exits coal-fired power generation in the region.
"We will go to low carbon solutions ... it's not sure that coal power plants
will remain sustainable for (the next) 30 years," Engie Asia Pacific's
President and Chief Executive Officer Jan Flachet told Reuters.
Renewables accounted for more than half of net annual additions to power
capacity and overtook coal in terms of cumulative installed capacity in the
world for the first time in 2015, the International Energy Agency said this
week.
"This market evolution has had a huge impact on the energy market," Flachet
said, with Engie investing in technologies such as geothermal, biomass and
hydrogen storage, as well as solar and wind.
Natural gas would remain important to resolve intermittent power generation
issues from renewables, he said.
In Indonesia, which has struggled to meet strong demand growth for
electricity demand as projects stall over license or land clearance issues,
Engie has submitted a bid to build a 150-megawatt (MW) gas-fired power
project in Riau province in a government tender, Flachet said.
It expects to start construction next year at a 100 MW geothermal power
plant in Muara Laboh, in west Sumatra, the first of three such projects, he
said, with more tenders for power projects to come.
The company is also in talks with state power company PLN over feed-in
tariffs for two solar projects of 200 MW and plans to tap on biomass such as
bamboo and palm oil waste to generate electricity, he said.
To power up islands in the Philippines, Indonesia and remote areas in
Australia, Engie is developing solar-hydrogen storage that will be
competitive enough to replace diesel generators, Flachet said.
In Myanmar, Engie hopes to capitalise on its huge growth potential for
electricity, although the country will first have to install a liquefied
natural gas (LNG) terminal, he said.
Engie also has a 50 MW wind power project in Mongolia, he said.
In Australia, meanwhile, Engie is considering a sale of its 70 percent stake
in the 1000 megawatt (MW) Loy Yang B plant and may close its 50-year-old
Hazelwood unit, Flachet said.
It also expects to complete by end-2016 the sale of a 40 percent stake in
Indonesia's largest coal-fired power generator PT Paiton Energy to an
international investor, he said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/engie-seeks-to-pow
er-asia-with-gas-renewables/55094695
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Philippines: NGCP restores power transmission facilities toppled by 'Lawin'
Philippines: NGCP restores power transmission facilities toppled by 'Lawin'
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has fully restored
its power transmission facilities in the Ilocos provinces, Abra, Benguet,
and Mountain Province that were earlier damaged by super typhoon "Lawin."
Lilibeth P. Gaydowen, public affairs officer of NGCP North Luzon, however,
said that their transmission facilities in the Cagayan Valley provinces are
not yet fully restored.
"The power transmission facilities in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya,
Quirino, Ifugao, Isabela, Cagayan, Kalinga, and Apayao are 87.57 percent
restored," she said on Friday.
She added, "all 69 kV lines were energized, except for two line segments
serving Kalinga and parts of Cagayan and Apayao."
She said the restoration activities in the Cagayan Valley are still ongoing
where 74 out of 84 toppled. 88 out of 101 leaning assorted poles (wood and
steel) are already restored.
Gaydowen also said that while most of the damaged structures are located in
difficult mountainous areas, their aviation team is now working to help
expedite the restoration.
"As far as NGCP facilities are concerned, provinces still with no power are
Kalinga and Apayao and some parts of Cagayan. Other provinces already have
100 percent transmission services," she said.
Meanwhile, linemen of Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO) and Ilocos
Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) have intensified clearing and
rehabilitation operations to the collapsed household power service lines
caused by Lawin.
As of October 26, ISECO public affairs officer Clarence Ducusin said that
130, 222 households from 613 of total 768 barangays of Ilocos Sur have
restored power supply.
"We are rushing the clearing operations to the power lines in the remaining
27,858 households in the 155 barangays in Ilocos Sur to fully restore the
household's power supply in the province before the Halloween season
starts," Ducusin said.
For Ilocos Norte, Rizal Castillo, the officer - in - charge of the Zone 1
INEC, said that power supply has already been restored to the households in
urban villages of towns and cities in the province.
As of October 26, households in 180 out of 557 barangays in Ilocos Norte
still have no access to electricity
Castillo said that their linemen have difficulty delivering materials for
posts and power lines to areas which are still hard to access in the
aftermath of Lawin.
"We need ample time to fully - restore power supply in the far - flung areas
in the province," Castillo said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/381477689456/ngcp-restores-power-transmi
ssion-facilities-toppled-by-lawin-
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has fully restored
its power transmission facilities in the Ilocos provinces, Abra, Benguet,
and Mountain Province that were earlier damaged by super typhoon "Lawin."
Lilibeth P. Gaydowen, public affairs officer of NGCP North Luzon, however,
said that their transmission facilities in the Cagayan Valley provinces are
not yet fully restored.
"The power transmission facilities in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya,
Quirino, Ifugao, Isabela, Cagayan, Kalinga, and Apayao are 87.57 percent
restored," she said on Friday.
She added, "all 69 kV lines were energized, except for two line segments
serving Kalinga and parts of Cagayan and Apayao."
She said the restoration activities in the Cagayan Valley are still ongoing
where 74 out of 84 toppled. 88 out of 101 leaning assorted poles (wood and
steel) are already restored.
Gaydowen also said that while most of the damaged structures are located in
difficult mountainous areas, their aviation team is now working to help
expedite the restoration.
"As far as NGCP facilities are concerned, provinces still with no power are
Kalinga and Apayao and some parts of Cagayan. Other provinces already have
100 percent transmission services," she said.
Meanwhile, linemen of Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO) and Ilocos
Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) have intensified clearing and
rehabilitation operations to the collapsed household power service lines
caused by Lawin.
As of October 26, ISECO public affairs officer Clarence Ducusin said that
130, 222 households from 613 of total 768 barangays of Ilocos Sur have
restored power supply.
"We are rushing the clearing operations to the power lines in the remaining
27,858 households in the 155 barangays in Ilocos Sur to fully restore the
household's power supply in the province before the Halloween season
starts," Ducusin said.
For Ilocos Norte, Rizal Castillo, the officer - in - charge of the Zone 1
INEC, said that power supply has already been restored to the households in
urban villages of towns and cities in the province.
As of October 26, households in 180 out of 557 barangays in Ilocos Norte
still have no access to electricity
Castillo said that their linemen have difficulty delivering materials for
posts and power lines to areas which are still hard to access in the
aftermath of Lawin.
"We need ample time to fully - restore power supply in the far - flung areas
in the province," Castillo said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/381477689456/ngcp-restores-power-transmi
ssion-facilities-toppled-by-lawin-
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Myanmar: Coal power station given trial run
Myanmar: Coal power station given trial run
A one-month test run of Tikyit coal-fired power station has been granted by
the Shan State government and the Ministry of Electric Power and Energy, the
project chief Win Htay told the Daily Eleven.
The station has been idle for about two years.
"We cannot run it immediately after repairing the generator. We have to make
trial tests step by step," he said.
The ministry granted the Chinese company Wuxi Hua Guang Electric Power
Engineering Co Ltd the contract to run the plant under a long-term agreement
last November.
"We instructed the company to guarantee international standards. We will
know whether they can follow the rules after running trial tests. We told
them we will monitor the trial test with technicians and submit the results
to the government for a decision," said Win Htay.
Now the company is cleaning two boilers.
The Myanmar Investment Commission granted the Tikyi contract to the Chinese
company last November.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref: http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/local/6351
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
A one-month test run of Tikyit coal-fired power station has been granted by
the Shan State government and the Ministry of Electric Power and Energy, the
project chief Win Htay told the Daily Eleven.
The station has been idle for about two years.
"We cannot run it immediately after repairing the generator. We have to make
trial tests step by step," he said.
The ministry granted the Chinese company Wuxi Hua Guang Electric Power
Engineering Co Ltd the contract to run the plant under a long-term agreement
last November.
"We instructed the company to guarantee international standards. We will
know whether they can follow the rules after running trial tests. We told
them we will monitor the trial test with technicians and submit the results
to the government for a decision," said Win Htay.
Now the company is cleaning two boilers.
The Myanmar Investment Commission granted the Tikyi contract to the Chinese
company last November.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref: http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/local/6351
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Malaysia: Clean Energy is on the Way Up and Up
Malaysia: Clean Energy is on the Way Up and Up
Clean energy sources are becoming increasingly common worldwide. Photo
Credit: Flickr
It often seems like there is nothing but gloom and doom when it comes to the
environment. We've reached a point of no return on climate change. We've
been making our oceans sick with global warming. We've been driving myriad
animals like Malaysia's iconic tigers to the brink of extinction.
But then, once in a while, in all that gloom and doom we encounter global
developments that give us hope for a better future. Here's one such
development: The world is on course to transition to a low-carbon global
economy with an ever larger share of renewables in the energy package.
"Despite lower fossil fuel prices, renewable power expanded at its
fastest-ever rate in 2015, thanks to supportive government policies and
sharp cost reductions," observes a medium-term market report on renewable
energy published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). "Renewables
accounted for more than half of the world's additional electricity capacity
last year." It adds a few words of caution, however: "Yet, even with this
remarkable progress, there are questions about whether renewables are on
track to reach targets set by the Paris Agreement."
In 2015 clean energy reached a milestone with renewables supplying 23.7%, or
almost a quarter, of the planet's power demands. Increased investments in
the sector last year massively boosted the power-generating capacity of
clean energy sources globally. "Last year marked a turning point for
renewables," the IEA explains. "Led by wind and solar, renewables
represented more than half the new power capacity around the world, reaching
a record 153 Gigawatt (GW), 15% more than the previous year. Most of these
gains were driven by record-level wind additions of 66 GW and solar PV
additions of 49 GW."
It gets better: In five years' time the total electricity generated by clean
energy sources could amount to 7,600 terawatt hours, which could rival the
total power output of the United States and the European Union combined (at
current rates). Already this year, in May, for one day the whole of Germany,
one of the planet's strongest economies which is fast transitioning to clean
energy sources, received almost all (95%) of its energy needs from
renewables, pointing the way forward for advanced economies. Of the 57.8
gigawatts consumed that day, solar power accounted for 45.2%, wind power for
36%, biomass power for 8.9%, and hydropower for 4.8%.
And it gets even better: Throughout 2015 about half a million solar panels
were installed every single day, according to the IEA. Meanwhile, China
accounted for about half the wind additions and 40% of all renewable
capacity increases with two wind turbines installed every single hour last
year. "We are witnessing a transformation of global power markets led by
renewables and, as is the case with other fields, the center of gravity for
renewable growth is moving to emerging markets," said Fatih Birol, the IEA's
executive director.
Malaysia is still lagging behind world-leaders in renewable energy usage,
but here too solar power and other clean energy sources are on their way up.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref: https://cleanmalaysia.com/2016/10/28/clean-energy-way/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Clean energy sources are becoming increasingly common worldwide. Photo
Credit: Flickr
It often seems like there is nothing but gloom and doom when it comes to the
environment. We've reached a point of no return on climate change. We've
been making our oceans sick with global warming. We've been driving myriad
animals like Malaysia's iconic tigers to the brink of extinction.
But then, once in a while, in all that gloom and doom we encounter global
developments that give us hope for a better future. Here's one such
development: The world is on course to transition to a low-carbon global
economy with an ever larger share of renewables in the energy package.
"Despite lower fossil fuel prices, renewable power expanded at its
fastest-ever rate in 2015, thanks to supportive government policies and
sharp cost reductions," observes a medium-term market report on renewable
energy published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). "Renewables
accounted for more than half of the world's additional electricity capacity
last year." It adds a few words of caution, however: "Yet, even with this
remarkable progress, there are questions about whether renewables are on
track to reach targets set by the Paris Agreement."
In 2015 clean energy reached a milestone with renewables supplying 23.7%, or
almost a quarter, of the planet's power demands. Increased investments in
the sector last year massively boosted the power-generating capacity of
clean energy sources globally. "Last year marked a turning point for
renewables," the IEA explains. "Led by wind and solar, renewables
represented more than half the new power capacity around the world, reaching
a record 153 Gigawatt (GW), 15% more than the previous year. Most of these
gains were driven by record-level wind additions of 66 GW and solar PV
additions of 49 GW."
It gets better: In five years' time the total electricity generated by clean
energy sources could amount to 7,600 terawatt hours, which could rival the
total power output of the United States and the European Union combined (at
current rates). Already this year, in May, for one day the whole of Germany,
one of the planet's strongest economies which is fast transitioning to clean
energy sources, received almost all (95%) of its energy needs from
renewables, pointing the way forward for advanced economies. Of the 57.8
gigawatts consumed that day, solar power accounted for 45.2%, wind power for
36%, biomass power for 8.9%, and hydropower for 4.8%.
And it gets even better: Throughout 2015 about half a million solar panels
were installed every single day, according to the IEA. Meanwhile, China
accounted for about half the wind additions and 40% of all renewable
capacity increases with two wind turbines installed every single hour last
year. "We are witnessing a transformation of global power markets led by
renewables and, as is the case with other fields, the center of gravity for
renewable growth is moving to emerging markets," said Fatih Birol, the IEA's
executive director.
Malaysia is still lagging behind world-leaders in renewable energy usage,
but here too solar power and other clean energy sources are on their way up.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref: https://cleanmalaysia.com/2016/10/28/clean-energy-way/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Myanmar: Hydropower commission tipped to advise nixing Myitsone
Myanmar: Hydropower commission tipped to advise nixing Myitsone
Fifteen days until it must submit an initial report on whether several
hydropower dams along the Ayeyarwady River should go forward, the commission
for reviewing and scrutinising those projects is leaning toward recommending
the most controversial of the bunch, the Myitsone mega-dam, be scrapped.
A boat drives past near the Myitsone dam at the Ayeyarwady River's
confluence in Kachin State on February 24, 2012. Photo: EPAA boat drives
past near the Myitsone dam at the Ayeyarwady River's confluence in Kachin
State on February 24, 2012. Photo: EPA
In mid-September, the 20-member commission visited the Myitsone dam site in
Kachin State and met with residents living in the project area, amid growing
local objections to a resumption of construction on the US$3.6 billion
venture.
A commission member who spoke on condition of anonymity said yesterday that
the advisory body has begun compiling statistics for its first report and
would advise the government not to continue the Myitsone project due to the
public's preponderate objections.
"People don't want to continue the project and we note that the Myitsone
project was begun under the dictatorship," said the member.
Another commissioner who also asked for anonymity said the commission had
not yet made a final decision on what recommendation it would deliver to the
government on Myitsone, but that the consensus among its members was against
going forward with the project.
"We have no authorisation to talk to the media about the commission's
decision," said the commissioner.
The commission has been tasked with reviewing hydropower projects slated for
the Ayeyarwady River and recommending whether they should continue, weighing
costs and benefits to citizens along with the potential effects its
recommendations could have on investors.
Formed in August, the commission must submit its initial report to the
president by November 11.
There were conflicting accounts as to whether the report would be made
public, as well as to whom that decision fell.
U Zaw Htay, deputy director general for the President's Office, said it
would be up to the commission.
"It depends only on the commission's decision. It is independent of the
government," he said.
But the commissioners said the commission would not release any information
about its first report without the blessing of the government that formed
it.
Yesterday, residents of Ingyanyan township in Kachin State addressed an open
letter to President U Htin Kyaw, demanding that he cancel seven hydropower
projects slated for the Ayeyarwady River, including Myitsone.
U Brang Shawng, a member of the Mungchying Rawt Jat organisation in Kachin
State and a long-time opponent of the Myitsone project, told The Myanmar
Times yesterday that the government should not continue to implement any
hydropower projects opposed by the people.
"We hope that the president will suspend these projects," said U Brang
Shawng, who is from Kachin State's Chipwe township.
The letter signatories' objection to the hydropower dams stems from the
manner in which the previous military government and investors had handled
the projects - with no consideration for the opinions of the public and
without transparency, the letter says.
The former military government, the Myanmar conglomerate Asia World and
Chinese firm China Power Investment Corporation (CPI) formed a joint venture
- Upstream Ayeyarwady Confluence Basin Hydropower Company - to build the
4600-megawatt Myitsone dam in 2006.
Development at the site was suspended in 2011 by then-president U Thein
Sein, who cited a growing movement against it among the public.
Concerns about the dam's environmental impacts, displacement of local
populations and an original power-transfer agreement that would see about 90
percent of the electricity generated by Myitsone sent to China have all
fuelled persisting resistance to the project.
Attempts by The Myanmar Times to reach CPI for comment yesterday were
unsuccessful.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/23371-hydropower-commission-t
ipped-to-advise-nixing-myitsone-members.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Fifteen days until it must submit an initial report on whether several
hydropower dams along the Ayeyarwady River should go forward, the commission
for reviewing and scrutinising those projects is leaning toward recommending
the most controversial of the bunch, the Myitsone mega-dam, be scrapped.
A boat drives past near the Myitsone dam at the Ayeyarwady River's
confluence in Kachin State on February 24, 2012. Photo: EPAA boat drives
past near the Myitsone dam at the Ayeyarwady River's confluence in Kachin
State on February 24, 2012. Photo: EPA
In mid-September, the 20-member commission visited the Myitsone dam site in
Kachin State and met with residents living in the project area, amid growing
local objections to a resumption of construction on the US$3.6 billion
venture.
A commission member who spoke on condition of anonymity said yesterday that
the advisory body has begun compiling statistics for its first report and
would advise the government not to continue the Myitsone project due to the
public's preponderate objections.
"People don't want to continue the project and we note that the Myitsone
project was begun under the dictatorship," said the member.
Another commissioner who also asked for anonymity said the commission had
not yet made a final decision on what recommendation it would deliver to the
government on Myitsone, but that the consensus among its members was against
going forward with the project.
"We have no authorisation to talk to the media about the commission's
decision," said the commissioner.
The commission has been tasked with reviewing hydropower projects slated for
the Ayeyarwady River and recommending whether they should continue, weighing
costs and benefits to citizens along with the potential effects its
recommendations could have on investors.
Formed in August, the commission must submit its initial report to the
president by November 11.
There were conflicting accounts as to whether the report would be made
public, as well as to whom that decision fell.
U Zaw Htay, deputy director general for the President's Office, said it
would be up to the commission.
"It depends only on the commission's decision. It is independent of the
government," he said.
But the commissioners said the commission would not release any information
about its first report without the blessing of the government that formed
it.
Yesterday, residents of Ingyanyan township in Kachin State addressed an open
letter to President U Htin Kyaw, demanding that he cancel seven hydropower
projects slated for the Ayeyarwady River, including Myitsone.
U Brang Shawng, a member of the Mungchying Rawt Jat organisation in Kachin
State and a long-time opponent of the Myitsone project, told The Myanmar
Times yesterday that the government should not continue to implement any
hydropower projects opposed by the people.
"We hope that the president will suspend these projects," said U Brang
Shawng, who is from Kachin State's Chipwe township.
The letter signatories' objection to the hydropower dams stems from the
manner in which the previous military government and investors had handled
the projects - with no consideration for the opinions of the public and
without transparency, the letter says.
The former military government, the Myanmar conglomerate Asia World and
Chinese firm China Power Investment Corporation (CPI) formed a joint venture
- Upstream Ayeyarwady Confluence Basin Hydropower Company - to build the
4600-megawatt Myitsone dam in 2006.
Development at the site was suspended in 2011 by then-president U Thein
Sein, who cited a growing movement against it among the public.
Concerns about the dam's environmental impacts, displacement of local
populations and an original power-transfer agreement that would see about 90
percent of the electricity generated by Myitsone sent to China have all
fuelled persisting resistance to the project.
Attempts by The Myanmar Times to reach CPI for comment yesterday were
unsuccessful.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/23371-hydropower-commission-t
ipped-to-advise-nixing-myitsone-members.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thailand: Banpu Power's IPO skyrockets 19% on opening day
Thailand: Banpu Power's IPO skyrockets 19% on opening day
The first day of Banpu Power Plc's (BPP) initial public offering (IPO)
yesterday was well-received by investors, indicating the power-generating
business remains a popular sector for investment.
BPP is the power-generating subsidiary of Banpu Plc, Thailand's largest coal
miner.
Voravudhi Linananda, chief executive of BPP, said the company raised 13.6
billion baht in funds from the IPO thus far.
The price of the IPO, set at 21 baht per share, rose by 18.5% to 24.90 baht
in trading, reflecting strong demand.
BPP invests in domestic and overseas power-generating businesses and has a
market capitalisation of 63.96 billion baht at its IPO.
The company has paid-up registered capital of 30.5 billion baht, consisting
of 2.3 billion baht worth of existing common shares and 648.5 million newly
issued shares.
"BPP's share price increased 18.6% because of investors' confidence that the
power business has high potential and will continue to grow in both the
domestic and overseas markets. It is a sunrise business and is trendy," said
Mr Voravudhi.
He said some 12 billion baht raised from the IPO would be used to pay debt
and another 1 billion is for new investment in renewable energy and
power-generating business.
The company is focused on investment in China, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and
Laos, where power demand remains strong and governments are attracting
foreign investors, said Mr Voravudhi.
BPP expects its power-generating capacity to reach 2,500 megawatts in 2018,
up from 1,913MW now. The company wants to raise capacity to 4,300MW by 2025.
"New projects in China and Japan should help us reach our 2,500MW goal in
2018. More than 1,000MW from renewable power is expected to be added to
enable the company to meet our total capacity target of 4,300MW by 2025," he
said.
For the renewable energy sector, he said BPP is interested in biomass and
biogas power because it offers quicker return on investment than other
options, said Mr Voravudhi.
He said the company set aside around US$70-75 million for investments in
2017-18 and another $700 million for investment from 2018-2025.
Parent company Banpu is considering investment in another shale gas
operation in Pennsylvania in the US.
"We are considering whether to invest in a new gas operation in the US, so
now we are doing research to complete our due diligence," said Somruedee
Chaimongkol, president and chief executive of Banpu.
Ms Somruedee said Banpu is also mulling a plan to buy an additional 5% stake
from a US investor who is one of the partners in the Chaffee Corners Joint
Exploration Agreement.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1121941/banpu-powers-ipo-skyrockets
-19-on-opening-day
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The first day of Banpu Power Plc's (BPP) initial public offering (IPO)
yesterday was well-received by investors, indicating the power-generating
business remains a popular sector for investment.
BPP is the power-generating subsidiary of Banpu Plc, Thailand's largest coal
miner.
Voravudhi Linananda, chief executive of BPP, said the company raised 13.6
billion baht in funds from the IPO thus far.
The price of the IPO, set at 21 baht per share, rose by 18.5% to 24.90 baht
in trading, reflecting strong demand.
BPP invests in domestic and overseas power-generating businesses and has a
market capitalisation of 63.96 billion baht at its IPO.
The company has paid-up registered capital of 30.5 billion baht, consisting
of 2.3 billion baht worth of existing common shares and 648.5 million newly
issued shares.
"BPP's share price increased 18.6% because of investors' confidence that the
power business has high potential and will continue to grow in both the
domestic and overseas markets. It is a sunrise business and is trendy," said
Mr Voravudhi.
He said some 12 billion baht raised from the IPO would be used to pay debt
and another 1 billion is for new investment in renewable energy and
power-generating business.
The company is focused on investment in China, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and
Laos, where power demand remains strong and governments are attracting
foreign investors, said Mr Voravudhi.
BPP expects its power-generating capacity to reach 2,500 megawatts in 2018,
up from 1,913MW now. The company wants to raise capacity to 4,300MW by 2025.
"New projects in China and Japan should help us reach our 2,500MW goal in
2018. More than 1,000MW from renewable power is expected to be added to
enable the company to meet our total capacity target of 4,300MW by 2025," he
said.
For the renewable energy sector, he said BPP is interested in biomass and
biogas power because it offers quicker return on investment than other
options, said Mr Voravudhi.
He said the company set aside around US$70-75 million for investments in
2017-18 and another $700 million for investment from 2018-2025.
Parent company Banpu is considering investment in another shale gas
operation in Pennsylvania in the US.
"We are considering whether to invest in a new gas operation in the US, so
now we are doing research to complete our due diligence," said Somruedee
Chaimongkol, president and chief executive of Banpu.
Ms Somruedee said Banpu is also mulling a plan to buy an additional 5% stake
from a US investor who is one of the partners in the Chaffee Corners Joint
Exploration Agreement.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1121941/banpu-powers-ipo-skyrockets
-19-on-opening-day
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Vietnam jumps five places in WB's electricity access rankings
Vietnam jumps five places in WB's electricity access rankings
Vietnam has jumped five places to 96th position in terms of electricity
access, one of the criteria the World Bank uses to rank 189 economies on the
ease of doing business.
Factors like the number of procedures, and time and cost to be connected to
electricity all improved from 2015. In particular, the time required for a
business to obtain a permanent electricity connection for a newly
constructed warehouse has reduced from 59 to 46 days.
Besides electricity access, improvement in four other criteria helped
Vietnam rise nine spots in the overall ranking of ease of doing business.
According to WB, the shorter time required for getting an electricity
connection is achieved by reducing both the number of procedures and the
duration taken to carry out steps in providing electricity.
The Electricity of Vietnam group said it will continue with efforts to
improve electricity access, boost transparency regarding electricity price,
and enhance customer service quality and stability in electricity supply to
boost competiveness of the economy and better serve customers and society.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
https://www.vietmaz.com/2016/10/vietnam-jumps-five-places-in-wbs-electricity
-access-rankings/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3
A+vietmaz+%28VietMaz%29
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Vietnam has jumped five places to 96th position in terms of electricity
access, one of the criteria the World Bank uses to rank 189 economies on the
ease of doing business.
Factors like the number of procedures, and time and cost to be connected to
electricity all improved from 2015. In particular, the time required for a
business to obtain a permanent electricity connection for a newly
constructed warehouse has reduced from 59 to 46 days.
Besides electricity access, improvement in four other criteria helped
Vietnam rise nine spots in the overall ranking of ease of doing business.
According to WB, the shorter time required for getting an electricity
connection is achieved by reducing both the number of procedures and the
duration taken to carry out steps in providing electricity.
The Electricity of Vietnam group said it will continue with efforts to
improve electricity access, boost transparency regarding electricity price,
and enhance customer service quality and stability in electricity supply to
boost competiveness of the economy and better serve customers and society.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
https://www.vietmaz.com/2016/10/vietnam-jumps-five-places-in-wbs-electricity
-access-rankings/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3
A+vietmaz+%28VietMaz%29
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Singapore to stay 'engaged' in nuclear
Singapore to stay 'engaged' in nuclear
Nuclear power remains an option for the city-state of Singapore, despite a
current focus on increasing security of gas imports and managing power
demand. Minister for trade and industry S Iswaran said investment will
continue "to learn and understand the technology".
Addressing students and young people at Singapore International Energy Week
today, Iswaran was asked what became of a 2010 push for nuclear power. He
said nuclear is part of Singapore's longer-term effort. "We never ruled out
the option of using nuclear. The fact of the matter is that today's
technology - in terms of footprint etc - the sheer size of it becomes
difficult."
Instead of a nuclear program in the near term, Singapore has instead
"embarked on making sure Singapore is well informed on trends", said
Iswaran. He highlighted the future possibility of smaller reactors with
potential benefits from modularisation and which "address issues of safety
in a different way".
"The [nuclear] space will continue to evolve," said Iswaran. Singapore will
"remain involved and engaged by investing to learn and understand the
technology, to know the trends and learn from international organisations."
The Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative at the National
University of Singapore provides a focus for expertise.
Singapore's electricity system produces up to 13,400 MWe at peak, with 95%
of electricity coming from imported gas in 2015. To mitigate this
dependency, Iswaran is developing a domestic gas trading market and a second
LNG terminal. He has just completed major deals that will secure supplies of
from Australia, Brunei, Norway, Qatar, Russia and the USA.
A current priority for government is to empower and encourage consumers to
make their own energy choices, for example switching suppliers and shifting
some consumption to off-peak hours. This week a smart meter scheme was
announced, while an app was promised that would give citizens updates on
utility usage and cost every 30 minutes. Iswaran wants Singapore to become a
test-bed for energy efficiency technologies in an urban setting.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-Singapore-to-stay-engaged-in-nuclear-26
101602.html#.WBDJXJP1BhI.linkedin
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Nuclear power remains an option for the city-state of Singapore, despite a
current focus on increasing security of gas imports and managing power
demand. Minister for trade and industry S Iswaran said investment will
continue "to learn and understand the technology".
Addressing students and young people at Singapore International Energy Week
today, Iswaran was asked what became of a 2010 push for nuclear power. He
said nuclear is part of Singapore's longer-term effort. "We never ruled out
the option of using nuclear. The fact of the matter is that today's
technology - in terms of footprint etc - the sheer size of it becomes
difficult."
Instead of a nuclear program in the near term, Singapore has instead
"embarked on making sure Singapore is well informed on trends", said
Iswaran. He highlighted the future possibility of smaller reactors with
potential benefits from modularisation and which "address issues of safety
in a different way".
"The [nuclear] space will continue to evolve," said Iswaran. Singapore will
"remain involved and engaged by investing to learn and understand the
technology, to know the trends and learn from international organisations."
The Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative at the National
University of Singapore provides a focus for expertise.
Singapore's electricity system produces up to 13,400 MWe at peak, with 95%
of electricity coming from imported gas in 2015. To mitigate this
dependency, Iswaran is developing a domestic gas trading market and a second
LNG terminal. He has just completed major deals that will secure supplies of
from Australia, Brunei, Norway, Qatar, Russia and the USA.
A current priority for government is to empower and encourage consumers to
make their own energy choices, for example switching suppliers and shifting
some consumption to off-peak hours. This week a smart meter scheme was
announced, while an app was promised that would give citizens updates on
utility usage and cost every 30 minutes. Iswaran wants Singapore to become a
test-bed for energy efficiency technologies in an urban setting.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NP-Singapore-to-stay-engaged-in-nuclear-26
101602.html#.WBDJXJP1BhI.linkedin
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Philippines: ERC extends FIT-All filing deadline for Transco
Philippines: ERC extends FIT-All filing deadline for Transco
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) gave state-owned National
Transmission Corp. (Transco) more time to complete its Feed-in-Tariff
Allowance (FIT-All) filing.
In an order dated Oct. 25, the ERC granted the petition of Transco for a
30-day extension from Oct. 31 or until Dec. 1 to file their 2017 FIT-All
rate application.
Transco requested for an extension in Oct. 12 to enable it to secure the
required board approval and comply with all the requirements. It had asked
for a three-month extension in July, which the ERC allowed.
"With the sufficient leeway granted to Transco, ERC expects it to complete
all the requirements for fixing its 2017 FIT-All rate application on or
before 01 December 2016," ERC Chairman and CEO Jose Vicente B. Salazar was
quoted in the statement as saying.
"The FIT-All mechanism is a vital component for the development of the
renewable energy of the industry of the country," Mr. Salazar said.
The FIT-All is a uniform charge billed to all on-grid electricity consumers
who are supplied with electricity sourced from renewable energy providers.
Renewable energy developers are guaranteed a fixed tariff for projects
involving biomass, hydro-power, solar and wind technologies. The tariff is
meant to accelerate the exploration and development of clean energy sources
and encourage the use of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
TransCo said the FIT-All rate it asked to collect was lower than what it had
earlier calculated, which was 14.70 centavos per kilowatt-hour based on
factors that included working capital and the FIT differential, or the
difference between the guaranteed rate to renewable energy developers and
the actual price at the wholesale electricity spot market.
In 2015, the approved FIT-All rate was 4.06 centavos per kilowatt-hour.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=ERC-extends-FI
T-All-filing-deadline-for-Transco&id=135595
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) gave state-owned National
Transmission Corp. (Transco) more time to complete its Feed-in-Tariff
Allowance (FIT-All) filing.
In an order dated Oct. 25, the ERC granted the petition of Transco for a
30-day extension from Oct. 31 or until Dec. 1 to file their 2017 FIT-All
rate application.
Transco requested for an extension in Oct. 12 to enable it to secure the
required board approval and comply with all the requirements. It had asked
for a three-month extension in July, which the ERC allowed.
"With the sufficient leeway granted to Transco, ERC expects it to complete
all the requirements for fixing its 2017 FIT-All rate application on or
before 01 December 2016," ERC Chairman and CEO Jose Vicente B. Salazar was
quoted in the statement as saying.
"The FIT-All mechanism is a vital component for the development of the
renewable energy of the industry of the country," Mr. Salazar said.
The FIT-All is a uniform charge billed to all on-grid electricity consumers
who are supplied with electricity sourced from renewable energy providers.
Renewable energy developers are guaranteed a fixed tariff for projects
involving biomass, hydro-power, solar and wind technologies. The tariff is
meant to accelerate the exploration and development of clean energy sources
and encourage the use of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
TransCo said the FIT-All rate it asked to collect was lower than what it had
earlier calculated, which was 14.70 centavos per kilowatt-hour based on
factors that included working capital and the FIT differential, or the
difference between the guaranteed rate to renewable energy developers and
the actual price at the wholesale electricity spot market.
In 2015, the approved FIT-All rate was 4.06 centavos per kilowatt-hour.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=ERC-extends-FI
T-All-filing-deadline-for-Transco&id=135595
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Philippines: Net metering seen to boost renewables
Philippines: Net metering seen to boost renewables
Investments in renewable energy have received a boost thanks to a scheme
that allows customers equipped with solar, wind, or biomass power systems to
offset their electricity purchases from their local power utility and
receive credits for the excess electricity exported to the grid.
In a press statement, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the net metering
scheme has paved the way for investments in renewable energy through
distribution utility customers.
The Department of Energy is accelerating efforts to provide consumers with
more sustainable energy choices by organizing, through its Consumer Welfare
and Promotion Office, an orientation program about the net metering program
of the Manila Electric Co.
Meralco's program manager for renewable energy Anna Maria Reodica said the
first net metering customer in the country, with a 5-kilowatt rooftop solar
photovoltaic (PV) cell system, was "energized" by Meralco in November 2013.
Since then, net metering applications have been growing at an exponential
rate, expanding from rooftop installations in households to commercial and
industrial establishments, such as malls.
Cusi advised customers to exercise caution by informing their distribution
utility of any Solar PV or renewable energy installations to ensure safety
to both parties and preserve the stability of the grid where they are
connected.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://business.inquirer.net/217807/net-metering-seen-to-boost-renewables
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Investments in renewable energy have received a boost thanks to a scheme
that allows customers equipped with solar, wind, or biomass power systems to
offset their electricity purchases from their local power utility and
receive credits for the excess electricity exported to the grid.
In a press statement, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the net metering
scheme has paved the way for investments in renewable energy through
distribution utility customers.
The Department of Energy is accelerating efforts to provide consumers with
more sustainable energy choices by organizing, through its Consumer Welfare
and Promotion Office, an orientation program about the net metering program
of the Manila Electric Co.
Meralco's program manager for renewable energy Anna Maria Reodica said the
first net metering customer in the country, with a 5-kilowatt rooftop solar
photovoltaic (PV) cell system, was "energized" by Meralco in November 2013.
Since then, net metering applications have been growing at an exponential
rate, expanding from rooftop installations in households to commercial and
industrial establishments, such as malls.
Cusi advised customers to exercise caution by informing their distribution
utility of any Solar PV or renewable energy installations to ensure safety
to both parties and preserve the stability of the grid where they are
connected.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://business.inquirer.net/217807/net-metering-seen-to-boost-renewables
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
ThomasLloyd's Portfolio of Biomass Projects Set to Benefit From a New Era of Chinese-Philippine Relations Following the State Visit of President Duterte
ThomasLloyd's Portfolio of Biomass Projects Set to Benefit From a New Era of
Chinese-Philippine Relations Following the State Visit of President Duterte
From October 18 to 21, senior representatives of ThomasLloyd participated in
the historic Philippine Presidential trade and diplomatic mission to China.
The diplomatic summit and ceremonial signing of important trade and
cooperation agreements in Beijing took place between Xi Jinping, President
of the People's Republic of China, and Rodrigo Duterte, President of the
Republic of the Philippines, in the presence of senior politicians and up to
400 businessmen.
'My state visit to China signalled a turning point in our shared history and
showed that both countries are fully capable of working together for mutual
beneficial cooperation even as we remain committed to settle disputes
peacefully in full adherence of international law,' President Duterte said.
Both sides affirmed their partnership and declared a shared ambition to
achieve sustainable development and inclusive growth that will benefit the
people of both countries in the years ahead. Together, they committed to
enhance economic relations in several priority sectors, such as
infrastructure and energy, through the promotion of trade, investment and
economic cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening
Bilateral Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation. Within the framework
of the summit, eleven MoUs were signed, including one between ThomasLloyd
and its Philippine and Chinese stakeholders in the biomass sector, for a
total of USD 7.9 billion of commitments, which would create up to two
million jobs in the Philippines. Today China is the second biggest trade
partner of the Philippines, its 4th biggest export market, and largest
supplier of imports. These agreements create extensive mutual market access
and provide the basis for closer cooperation in the political and economic
field.
As part of this historic agreement and ceremony, a commitment to the
ThomasLloyd biomass projects, currently under construction in the
Philippines and funded by ThomasLloyd SICAV-SIF-Cleantech Infrastructure
Fund as the principal financial sponsor, was signed on behalf of ThomasLloyd
by the Managing Directors and Regional CEOs Tony Coveney and Mike Airey, for
Bronzeoak by President Arthur Aguilar and Senior Vice President Don Maria Y.
Dia, and for Wuxi by Director Zhang Yun and General Manager Lu Yicheng.
Further construction of the power plants South Negros BioPower Inc. and
North Negros BioPower Inc., along with the soon to be completed plant San
Carlos BioPower Inc., represent the continued successful cooperation between
ThomasLloyd's European investors, Philippine developers and Chinese
engineers. This cooperation already stands today as a template for business
between the three communities.
T.U. Michael Sieg, Chairman and Group CEO of the ThomasLloyd Group sees the
Group's invitation to and participation in the Beijing visit 'as special
recognition of the previous successes of ThomasLloyd Group and its Chinese
and Philippine partners. The results of the summit, and the many meetings
which took place around it, will form the basis for faster growth and
development of Philippine infrastructure.' Based on the summit outcome and
the climate of goodwill now existing, ThomasLloyd projects hope to benefit
directly from the new appetite from Chinese banks and other financial
institutions to support vendor finance and project finance for Chinese
exports in capital goods to the Philippines.
During the state visit, commercial agreements between the participating
project partners, Bronzeoak Philippines Inc., Wuxi Huaguang and the
ThomasLloyd Group, were signed in a ceremony, in the presence of President
Duterte and other senior members of the Philippine government. These
contracts form the basis for a long-term cooperation, a faster
implementation and successful realisation of the biomass power plants on
Negros Island in the Philippines. The power plants comprising 70MW near the
cities of Manapla, San Carlos and La Carlota on Negros Island will convert
sugarcane waste into electricity using a low carbon-emitting process,
Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler Technology. Before this use as feedstock
for biomass power plants, sugarcane waste was burnt in the fields, a now
illegal practice that contributed significantly to air pollution. With its
use of local sugar cane waste, this project is an exciting development for
all the stakeholders and a boost for the local community. This will bring
further economic growth and better standards of living, particularly in
rural areas of the region contributing to the enhancement and protection of
the environment, and improving the local population's overall quality of
life.
Referring to this, Tony Coveney, Managing Director and Head of Project
Finance at ThomasLloyd Group, said:
'It was a privilege and an honour to participate in this landmark event in
Beijing. The inclusion of our projects, in which we have invested, is
recognition of the impact and success we have had and continue to have in
partnership with Bronzeoak and Wuxi. As with our successful solar projects,
ours is an investment template for others to follow.'
Mike Airey, Managing Director and CEO Asia Pacific added: 'We are honoured
to accept this recognition of the work we have been doing over more than
five years in the Philippines. We hope this landmark meeting will mark yet
another important step by both countries and that it will significantly
contribute to greater economic and trade development in the Asia-Pacific
region as a whole. This milestone for us, as a global investment and
advisory firm, has brought us closer to the Chinese capital and banking
markets, opened up new growth potential and provided us with a new range of
strategic and commercial options.'
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/thomaslloyds-portfolio-of-biomass-
projects-set-to-benefit-from-a-new-era-of-chinese-philippine-relations-follo
wing-the-state-visit-of-president-duterte-598999781.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Chinese-Philippine Relations Following the State Visit of President Duterte
From October 18 to 21, senior representatives of ThomasLloyd participated in
the historic Philippine Presidential trade and diplomatic mission to China.
The diplomatic summit and ceremonial signing of important trade and
cooperation agreements in Beijing took place between Xi Jinping, President
of the People's Republic of China, and Rodrigo Duterte, President of the
Republic of the Philippines, in the presence of senior politicians and up to
400 businessmen.
'My state visit to China signalled a turning point in our shared history and
showed that both countries are fully capable of working together for mutual
beneficial cooperation even as we remain committed to settle disputes
peacefully in full adherence of international law,' President Duterte said.
Both sides affirmed their partnership and declared a shared ambition to
achieve sustainable development and inclusive growth that will benefit the
people of both countries in the years ahead. Together, they committed to
enhance economic relations in several priority sectors, such as
infrastructure and energy, through the promotion of trade, investment and
economic cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening
Bilateral Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation. Within the framework
of the summit, eleven MoUs were signed, including one between ThomasLloyd
and its Philippine and Chinese stakeholders in the biomass sector, for a
total of USD 7.9 billion of commitments, which would create up to two
million jobs in the Philippines. Today China is the second biggest trade
partner of the Philippines, its 4th biggest export market, and largest
supplier of imports. These agreements create extensive mutual market access
and provide the basis for closer cooperation in the political and economic
field.
As part of this historic agreement and ceremony, a commitment to the
ThomasLloyd biomass projects, currently under construction in the
Philippines and funded by ThomasLloyd SICAV-SIF-Cleantech Infrastructure
Fund as the principal financial sponsor, was signed on behalf of ThomasLloyd
by the Managing Directors and Regional CEOs Tony Coveney and Mike Airey, for
Bronzeoak by President Arthur Aguilar and Senior Vice President Don Maria Y.
Dia, and for Wuxi by Director Zhang Yun and General Manager Lu Yicheng.
Further construction of the power plants South Negros BioPower Inc. and
North Negros BioPower Inc., along with the soon to be completed plant San
Carlos BioPower Inc., represent the continued successful cooperation between
ThomasLloyd's European investors, Philippine developers and Chinese
engineers. This cooperation already stands today as a template for business
between the three communities.
T.U. Michael Sieg, Chairman and Group CEO of the ThomasLloyd Group sees the
Group's invitation to and participation in the Beijing visit 'as special
recognition of the previous successes of ThomasLloyd Group and its Chinese
and Philippine partners. The results of the summit, and the many meetings
which took place around it, will form the basis for faster growth and
development of Philippine infrastructure.' Based on the summit outcome and
the climate of goodwill now existing, ThomasLloyd projects hope to benefit
directly from the new appetite from Chinese banks and other financial
institutions to support vendor finance and project finance for Chinese
exports in capital goods to the Philippines.
During the state visit, commercial agreements between the participating
project partners, Bronzeoak Philippines Inc., Wuxi Huaguang and the
ThomasLloyd Group, were signed in a ceremony, in the presence of President
Duterte and other senior members of the Philippine government. These
contracts form the basis for a long-term cooperation, a faster
implementation and successful realisation of the biomass power plants on
Negros Island in the Philippines. The power plants comprising 70MW near the
cities of Manapla, San Carlos and La Carlota on Negros Island will convert
sugarcane waste into electricity using a low carbon-emitting process,
Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler Technology. Before this use as feedstock
for biomass power plants, sugarcane waste was burnt in the fields, a now
illegal practice that contributed significantly to air pollution. With its
use of local sugar cane waste, this project is an exciting development for
all the stakeholders and a boost for the local community. This will bring
further economic growth and better standards of living, particularly in
rural areas of the region contributing to the enhancement and protection of
the environment, and improving the local population's overall quality of
life.
Referring to this, Tony Coveney, Managing Director and Head of Project
Finance at ThomasLloyd Group, said:
'It was a privilege and an honour to participate in this landmark event in
Beijing. The inclusion of our projects, in which we have invested, is
recognition of the impact and success we have had and continue to have in
partnership with Bronzeoak and Wuxi. As with our successful solar projects,
ours is an investment template for others to follow.'
Mike Airey, Managing Director and CEO Asia Pacific added: 'We are honoured
to accept this recognition of the work we have been doing over more than
five years in the Philippines. We hope this landmark meeting will mark yet
another important step by both countries and that it will significantly
contribute to greater economic and trade development in the Asia-Pacific
region as a whole. This milestone for us, as a global investment and
advisory firm, has brought us closer to the Chinese capital and banking
markets, opened up new growth potential and provided us with a new range of
strategic and commercial options.'
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/thomaslloyds-portfolio-of-biomass-
projects-set-to-benefit-from-a-new-era-of-chinese-philippine-relations-follo
wing-the-state-visit-of-president-duterte-598999781.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Russia, Myanmar launch working body for nuclear tech cooperation
Russia, Myanmar launch working body for nuclear tech cooperation
Russia and Myanmar this week established a working body for nuclear
technology cooperation, according to officials.
Russia has said a nuclear power plant is not currently on the table for
Myanmar. Photo: Aung Shin / The Myanmar TimesRussia has said a nuclear power
plant is not currently on the table for Myanmar. Photo: Aung Shin / The
Myanmar Times
Little is known about the bilateral taskforce, including who is involved or
even how many members are included. The two countries signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) to cooperate in nuclear technology for peaceful purposes
in June last year.
According to a Ministry of Education official, the working body is another
step in developing nuclear technology with the help of Russia.
Russian government officials are now in Nay Pyi Taw to discuss further steps
for the MoU, said U Khin Maung Latt, director general of the Department of
Technology Promotion and Coordination (DTPC) under the Ministry of
Education.
"We have a roadmap of further steps for the MoU . We have discussed and
agreed for further cooperation," he said.
Currently there is no plan to start a nuclear power plant (NPP), according
to a representative from Russian state-owned Rosatom Corporation. Rosatom
signed the MoU with the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2015 under the
U Thein Sein administration.
"We are discussing cooperation of non-energy nuclear applications such as
developing human resources, agriculture and health sectors with nuclear
technology," Egor Simonov, regional vice president for Southeast Asia of
Rosatom, told the media on October 26 in Nay Pyi Taw.
"At the moment, we are not talking about NPP at all, but it is this
government's decision. We present what we have and we can do. It depends on
your country," he added.
"We are engaging with [the new] government officials although the change of
administration cannot affect our MoU's status," said Mr Simonov. "But it is
too early to say about progress of our cooperation."
The MoU was the first official step for interaction between Russia and
Myanmar in the arena of nuclear technology, including research,
radioisotopes production, nuclear medicine, radio-immunotherapy, nuclear
safety, radiation risk assessment, and training scientists and
administrators, Rosatom said in a statement released last year.
Nikolay Drozdov, director of international business at Rosatom, told The
Myanmar Times in Moscow in June, "We are planning to create a working body
and are making a roadmap for the realisation of our project."
Since 2007 Russia and Myanmar have had an inter-governmental agreement
regarding nuclear technology and building a nuclear research centre,
according to Rosatom.
Russia has trained more than 700 Myanmar students in nuclear and
nuclear-related technologies in the past 10 years.
The Russian state firm is seeking potential investment opportunities in the
Southeast Asian region, and is offering comprehensive nuclear technology and
experience, said Rosatom officials. The company is building two nuclear
power units in Vietnam, and has also won a tender for the preliminary design
of a 10-megawatt reactor in Indonesia (see map).
Rosatom has two operating nuclear reactors in India and China, with two more
in each country under construction. The Russian state-owned company has also
won a project to construct a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh.
Myanmar has signed several protocols regarding nuclear technology, including
an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the
World Nuclear Association.
Earlier this month, the Department of Technology Promotion and Coordination
announced a tender for a Nuclear Research Building slated for Hmawbi
township, Yangon.
"The Hmawbi project [Nuclear Research Building] is not concerned with
Rosatom. It is our own program for very basic research in purposes of
developing nuclear technology for agriculture, livestock and managing
natural resources," said U Khin Maung Latt.
Myanmar signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in 1996 and
parliament approved becoming member of CTBT in August this year. An Atomic
Energy Law was imposed in 1998 and the government is now drafting the
Myanmar Nuclear Law.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/nay-pyi-taw/23368-russia-myan
mar-launch-working-body-for-nuclear-tech-cooperation.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Russia and Myanmar this week established a working body for nuclear
technology cooperation, according to officials.
Russia has said a nuclear power plant is not currently on the table for
Myanmar. Photo: Aung Shin / The Myanmar TimesRussia has said a nuclear power
plant is not currently on the table for Myanmar. Photo: Aung Shin / The
Myanmar Times
Little is known about the bilateral taskforce, including who is involved or
even how many members are included. The two countries signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) to cooperate in nuclear technology for peaceful purposes
in June last year.
According to a Ministry of Education official, the working body is another
step in developing nuclear technology with the help of Russia.
Russian government officials are now in Nay Pyi Taw to discuss further steps
for the MoU, said U Khin Maung Latt, director general of the Department of
Technology Promotion and Coordination (DTPC) under the Ministry of
Education.
"We have a roadmap of further steps for the MoU . We have discussed and
agreed for further cooperation," he said.
Currently there is no plan to start a nuclear power plant (NPP), according
to a representative from Russian state-owned Rosatom Corporation. Rosatom
signed the MoU with the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2015 under the
U Thein Sein administration.
"We are discussing cooperation of non-energy nuclear applications such as
developing human resources, agriculture and health sectors with nuclear
technology," Egor Simonov, regional vice president for Southeast Asia of
Rosatom, told the media on October 26 in Nay Pyi Taw.
"At the moment, we are not talking about NPP at all, but it is this
government's decision. We present what we have and we can do. It depends on
your country," he added.
"We are engaging with [the new] government officials although the change of
administration cannot affect our MoU's status," said Mr Simonov. "But it is
too early to say about progress of our cooperation."
The MoU was the first official step for interaction between Russia and
Myanmar in the arena of nuclear technology, including research,
radioisotopes production, nuclear medicine, radio-immunotherapy, nuclear
safety, radiation risk assessment, and training scientists and
administrators, Rosatom said in a statement released last year.
Nikolay Drozdov, director of international business at Rosatom, told The
Myanmar Times in Moscow in June, "We are planning to create a working body
and are making a roadmap for the realisation of our project."
Since 2007 Russia and Myanmar have had an inter-governmental agreement
regarding nuclear technology and building a nuclear research centre,
according to Rosatom.
Russia has trained more than 700 Myanmar students in nuclear and
nuclear-related technologies in the past 10 years.
The Russian state firm is seeking potential investment opportunities in the
Southeast Asian region, and is offering comprehensive nuclear technology and
experience, said Rosatom officials. The company is building two nuclear
power units in Vietnam, and has also won a tender for the preliminary design
of a 10-megawatt reactor in Indonesia (see map).
Rosatom has two operating nuclear reactors in India and China, with two more
in each country under construction. The Russian state-owned company has also
won a project to construct a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh.
Myanmar has signed several protocols regarding nuclear technology, including
an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the
World Nuclear Association.
Earlier this month, the Department of Technology Promotion and Coordination
announced a tender for a Nuclear Research Building slated for Hmawbi
township, Yangon.
"The Hmawbi project [Nuclear Research Building] is not concerned with
Rosatom. It is our own program for very basic research in purposes of
developing nuclear technology for agriculture, livestock and managing
natural resources," said U Khin Maung Latt.
Myanmar signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in 1996 and
parliament approved becoming member of CTBT in August this year. An Atomic
Energy Law was imposed in 1998 and the government is now drafting the
Myanmar Nuclear Law.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/nay-pyi-taw/23368-russia-myan
mar-launch-working-body-for-nuclear-tech-cooperation.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Lightup Borneo: Rural electricity not just govt's problem
Lightup Borneo: Rural electricity not just govt's problem
Nothing should hinder anyone from helping to find ways to provide
electricity supply to those in rural areas, says NGO founder Ong Boon Keong.
Ong-Boon-Keong-l
PETALING JAYA: There is a need for awareness among the urban populace that
providing basic amenities to the rural areas is not just the government's
responsibility, says Ong Boon Keong.
The founder of NGO Lightup Borneo, which aims to bring 24/7 electricity
supply to the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak through the use of microhydro
power, noted that one of the biggest challenges to doing so is the
assumption that it is the government's problem.
"The real factor that stalls installations (of microhydro setups) is the
people's ignorance of this problem, or the way people look at the relevance
of providing basic amenities. They may assume that it is the government's
fault.
"The biggest challenge is in the recognition of the need of this basic
amenity for the rural community. Some people think that the service should
be provided solely by the government.
"There are however, enough people who are realistic enough to realise that
this is necessary. It is because of the public's continuous support that we
can keep installing these hydroelectric setups, despite having no corporate
or governmental support," Ong told FMT.
According to Ong, Lightup Borneo's mission is to provide "24/7 electricity
supply to the off-grid villages in Sabah and Sarawak".
"There are no exact figures as to how many villages are off-grid. Sarawak
Energy (Berhad) says 36 per cent of 6,000 vilages in Sarawak have no
electricity. Figures in Sabah should be similar. But there is always some
confusion because the reports by the government are never really consistent.
"(In any case) a significant amount of the people in Sabah and Sarawak are
living without 24/7 electricity supply. We consider this a basic social
amenity that should be given to every citizen, but somehow that has not
happened," Ong said.
Since its inception in 2001, the NGO has set up over 20 units across Sabah
and Sarawak, and a few in Peninsular Malaysia.
Each unit covers one village, which may have 20-30 houses.
"We do not think we will be able to supply every village off-grid, but we
hope to inspire more people to help, and pressure the authorities, be it
state or federal, to provide what we consider a basic human right," Ong
said.
According to Ong, the NGO chose hydroelectric power due to its cost
efficiency and renewability.
"This involves us doing recce (reconnaissance) in villages to check out the
water potential and get an idea - this is why we chose hydro. Hydro is the
most cost-efficient and renewable energy. Sabah and Sarawak are well-endowed
with water sources.
"Maybe half the places have huge slopes where streams can run down, the
other half have flat rivers. We have to innovate in terms of technology,"
Ong added.
He noted that microhydro power is very cost-efficient, costing RM5,000 per
kilowatt.
"On the other hand, 1kw of solar energy costs RM12,000 commercially.
Whenever there is water, we should be able to utilise it," Ong said.
He dismissed the idea of wind energy, saying that the 3-4m/s wind energy
seen both in East and West Malaysia is not sufficient.
"There have been a few experiments by the government to produce wind
turbines, but these don't produce electricity.
"Previously in Bario (Sarawak), the government spent RM6 million to set up
wind turbines. These turbines did not produce enough power for even a single
lightbulb," Ong said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/10/28/lightup-borneo-r
ural-electricity-not-just-govts-problem/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Nothing should hinder anyone from helping to find ways to provide
electricity supply to those in rural areas, says NGO founder Ong Boon Keong.
Ong-Boon-Keong-l
PETALING JAYA: There is a need for awareness among the urban populace that
providing basic amenities to the rural areas is not just the government's
responsibility, says Ong Boon Keong.
The founder of NGO Lightup Borneo, which aims to bring 24/7 electricity
supply to the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak through the use of microhydro
power, noted that one of the biggest challenges to doing so is the
assumption that it is the government's problem.
"The real factor that stalls installations (of microhydro setups) is the
people's ignorance of this problem, or the way people look at the relevance
of providing basic amenities. They may assume that it is the government's
fault.
"The biggest challenge is in the recognition of the need of this basic
amenity for the rural community. Some people think that the service should
be provided solely by the government.
"There are however, enough people who are realistic enough to realise that
this is necessary. It is because of the public's continuous support that we
can keep installing these hydroelectric setups, despite having no corporate
or governmental support," Ong told FMT.
According to Ong, Lightup Borneo's mission is to provide "24/7 electricity
supply to the off-grid villages in Sabah and Sarawak".
"There are no exact figures as to how many villages are off-grid. Sarawak
Energy (Berhad) says 36 per cent of 6,000 vilages in Sarawak have no
electricity. Figures in Sabah should be similar. But there is always some
confusion because the reports by the government are never really consistent.
"(In any case) a significant amount of the people in Sabah and Sarawak are
living without 24/7 electricity supply. We consider this a basic social
amenity that should be given to every citizen, but somehow that has not
happened," Ong said.
Since its inception in 2001, the NGO has set up over 20 units across Sabah
and Sarawak, and a few in Peninsular Malaysia.
Each unit covers one village, which may have 20-30 houses.
"We do not think we will be able to supply every village off-grid, but we
hope to inspire more people to help, and pressure the authorities, be it
state or federal, to provide what we consider a basic human right," Ong
said.
According to Ong, the NGO chose hydroelectric power due to its cost
efficiency and renewability.
"This involves us doing recce (reconnaissance) in villages to check out the
water potential and get an idea - this is why we chose hydro. Hydro is the
most cost-efficient and renewable energy. Sabah and Sarawak are well-endowed
with water sources.
"Maybe half the places have huge slopes where streams can run down, the
other half have flat rivers. We have to innovate in terms of technology,"
Ong added.
He noted that microhydro power is very cost-efficient, costing RM5,000 per
kilowatt.
"On the other hand, 1kw of solar energy costs RM12,000 commercially.
Whenever there is water, we should be able to utilise it," Ong said.
He dismissed the idea of wind energy, saying that the 3-4m/s wind energy
seen both in East and West Malaysia is not sufficient.
"There have been a few experiments by the government to produce wind
turbines, but these don't produce electricity.
"Previously in Bario (Sarawak), the government spent RM6 million to set up
wind turbines. These turbines did not produce enough power for even a single
lightbulb," Ong said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/10/28/lightup-borneo-r
ural-electricity-not-just-govts-problem/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
JinkoSolar plans 40MW solar project in Vietnam
JinkoSolar plans 40MW solar project in Vietnam
'Silicon Module Super League' (SMSL) member JinkoSolar plans to build a 40MW
solar PV plant in Vietnam, a company spokesperson has confirmed.
The project will be located across 50 hectares in Phung Hiep district's Hoa
An commune in the Mekong Delta province.
The spokesperson told PV Tech: "It's still an early stage project although
we have received approval from the provincial government on the investment.
The project will only proceed upon announcement of Feed-in-Tariff (FiT)
program in Vietnam."
Reports surfaced this Autumn on the Vietnam government preparing legislation
around subsidies for solar, having released a draft in 2015 and developing
this further in the first half of the current year.
These reports suggest that the FiT will be set at US$0.112/kWh for
utility-scale grid-connected PV projects. Meanwhile rooftop solar will
receive net metering credits of between US$0.15-0.18/kWh.
Electricity Vietnam (EVN), the monopoly holding utility in Vietnam, will
purchase all the power form such projects.
Back in July, JinkoSolar signed its first power purchase agreements (PPAs)
for solar PV projects outside China with 188MW of capacity ready to develop
in Mexico.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.pv-tech.org/news/jinkosolar-plans-40mw-solar-project-in-vietnam
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
'Silicon Module Super League' (SMSL) member JinkoSolar plans to build a 40MW
solar PV plant in Vietnam, a company spokesperson has confirmed.
The project will be located across 50 hectares in Phung Hiep district's Hoa
An commune in the Mekong Delta province.
The spokesperson told PV Tech: "It's still an early stage project although
we have received approval from the provincial government on the investment.
The project will only proceed upon announcement of Feed-in-Tariff (FiT)
program in Vietnam."
Reports surfaced this Autumn on the Vietnam government preparing legislation
around subsidies for solar, having released a draft in 2015 and developing
this further in the first half of the current year.
These reports suggest that the FiT will be set at US$0.112/kWh for
utility-scale grid-connected PV projects. Meanwhile rooftop solar will
receive net metering credits of between US$0.15-0.18/kWh.
Electricity Vietnam (EVN), the monopoly holding utility in Vietnam, will
purchase all the power form such projects.
Back in July, JinkoSolar signed its first power purchase agreements (PPAs)
for solar PV projects outside China with 188MW of capacity ready to develop
in Mexico.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.pv-tech.org/news/jinkosolar-plans-40mw-solar-project-in-vietnam
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Friday, October 28, 2016
Indonesia: Trading off electrification and climate change
Indonesia: Trading off electrification and climate change
Indonesia celebrates National Electricity Day on Oct. 27, marking the date
when President Sukarno established the Electricity and Gas Bureau soon after
our independence.
At that time, the power supply capacity was only 158 megawatts (MWs). After
70 years of independence, the supply capacity has reached 53,000 MWs. Yet
more than 10 million Indonesian households still do not have access to
electricity.
The government takes this problem seriously. In 2006, then president Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono's administration launched phase one of the 10,000 MW
fast-track program (FTP-1), followed by another 10,000 MW program (FTP-2) in
2010. Five years later, Jokowi set an even more ambitious target, to
complete building 35,000 MWs worth of power plants by 2019.
Despite its great benefit to society, the provision of electricity has
consequences for the environment. The electricity production directly leads
to emission of carbon dioxide ( CO2 ), one of the greenhouse gasses
responsible for global climate change.
According to the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 25
percent of global CO2 emissions were the result of electricity and heat
production.
In Indonesia, the power sector is highly dependent on fossil fuels.
According to the Electricity Supply Business Plan 2016-2025 (RUPTL), 89
percent of electricity production in 2016 is sourced from fossil fuels. This
results in more than 200 million tons of CO2 emissions.
At the same time, as an archipelagic country with extensive low-lying and
small islands areas, Indonesia is highly vulnerable to the adverse impact of
climate change. Indonesia is included as one of the 30 countries at "extreme
risk" due to climate change.
The risks include the increased mean of wet season rainfall, increased
length of the dry season, increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme
events such as El Niño, the increase of floods during the rainy season, as
well as the increase of drought in the dry season. All these will affect a
wide range of activities in Indonesia.
There seems to be a dilemma between electrification and mitigation of
climate change. But do we really need to choose one over the other? First,
let us see from the policy perspective. The National Energy Policy 2014
(NEP) aimed at nearly 100 percent of electrification by 2020.
The NEP also aimed at a mixed energy use with 23 percent coming from new and
renewable energy by 2025. Hence, the NEP promotes renewable energy for
electrification. This will result in lower carbon emissions compared to the
business as usual. Based on this we can conclude that policy framework is in
place to address low carbon electrification.
Second, let us take a look from the implementation perspective. The draft of
the National Electricity General Plan 2015-2034 (RUKN) translates the NEP
into long-term power sector planning. The RUKN promotes the development of
renewable energy and the use of clean coal technology (CCT) as the measures
to reduce CO2 emissions.
Nuclear power is also considered as an option.
Taking RUKN as a reference, the RUPTL provides more pragmatic planning and
covers a shorter period. The RUPTL confirms that it is achievable to have
nearly a 20 percent share of renewable energy in power generation mix by
2025. Accomplishment of this plan will reduce 22 percent of CO2 emissions
compared to the business as usual scenario. Hence, we can conclude that low
carbon electrification is realistic.
However, low carbon electrification leads to higher costs. The RUPTL
estimates a cost of US$110 billion to achieve 20 percent share of renewable
energy in the power generation mix. Furthermore, adding the renewable energy
share up to 25 percent will increase the cost to $160 billion.
The question is then, who will pay for these costs? Business-wise, the
independent power producers (IPPs) aim to gain profit from producing
electricity. Hence, they sell electricity to PLN at its economic price.
Referring to feed in tariff policies, state power operator PLN is obliged to
purchase renewable energy at determined ceiling prices. The policies'
intention is to attract more IPP investment in renewable energy. However,
the electricity generation costs from renewable energy are generally higher
compared to the electricity rate paid by the consumers. Since PLN is wholly
owned by the government, it is up to the government to decide whether they
will increase the electricity subsidy or increase the electricity rates.
Most consumers would be reluctant to pay more for electricity. However, in
some countries such as the Netherlands, consumers voluntarily sign up for a
green electricity product. This product sets a higher price for electricity.
With this price, an energy utility company ensures that they produce the
electricity from renewable energy sources.
This kind of product is not available in Indonesia. However, it does not
mean that we as consumers cannot participate in reducing carbon emissions.
There are alternative measures such as changing the way we consume
electricity and using energy-saving electric appliances. The former action
is relatively easy and free and includes unplugging non-used electric
appliances, turning off unneeded lighting and setting the air conditioner at
25°Celsius instead of 20°Celcius. The latter action may be costly at the
beginning but it will be paid off through the reduced amount in monthly
electricity bills.
Installation of solar panels on the rooftop can be an option for consumers
who have enough capital. They can consume the electricity produced by the
solar panel and thus lower their monthly bill paid to PLN. We can learn from
Germany's experiences about citizen involvement in energy transition. German
households and citizens are able to cover half of investments required for
the country's transition to renewable energy.
Low carbon electricity may seem costly, but dealing with the adverse impacts
of climate change will be even more costly. If we act now, we prevent the
worst impact of climate change. But if we do not care, our future
generations will bear a higher fare.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/10/27/trading-electrification-and-cl
imate-change.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Indonesia celebrates National Electricity Day on Oct. 27, marking the date
when President Sukarno established the Electricity and Gas Bureau soon after
our independence.
At that time, the power supply capacity was only 158 megawatts (MWs). After
70 years of independence, the supply capacity has reached 53,000 MWs. Yet
more than 10 million Indonesian households still do not have access to
electricity.
The government takes this problem seriously. In 2006, then president Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono's administration launched phase one of the 10,000 MW
fast-track program (FTP-1), followed by another 10,000 MW program (FTP-2) in
2010. Five years later, Jokowi set an even more ambitious target, to
complete building 35,000 MWs worth of power plants by 2019.
Despite its great benefit to society, the provision of electricity has
consequences for the environment. The electricity production directly leads
to emission of carbon dioxide ( CO2 ), one of the greenhouse gasses
responsible for global climate change.
According to the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 25
percent of global CO2 emissions were the result of electricity and heat
production.
In Indonesia, the power sector is highly dependent on fossil fuels.
According to the Electricity Supply Business Plan 2016-2025 (RUPTL), 89
percent of electricity production in 2016 is sourced from fossil fuels. This
results in more than 200 million tons of CO2 emissions.
At the same time, as an archipelagic country with extensive low-lying and
small islands areas, Indonesia is highly vulnerable to the adverse impact of
climate change. Indonesia is included as one of the 30 countries at "extreme
risk" due to climate change.
The risks include the increased mean of wet season rainfall, increased
length of the dry season, increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme
events such as El Niño, the increase of floods during the rainy season, as
well as the increase of drought in the dry season. All these will affect a
wide range of activities in Indonesia.
There seems to be a dilemma between electrification and mitigation of
climate change. But do we really need to choose one over the other? First,
let us see from the policy perspective. The National Energy Policy 2014
(NEP) aimed at nearly 100 percent of electrification by 2020.
The NEP also aimed at a mixed energy use with 23 percent coming from new and
renewable energy by 2025. Hence, the NEP promotes renewable energy for
electrification. This will result in lower carbon emissions compared to the
business as usual. Based on this we can conclude that policy framework is in
place to address low carbon electrification.
Second, let us take a look from the implementation perspective. The draft of
the National Electricity General Plan 2015-2034 (RUKN) translates the NEP
into long-term power sector planning. The RUKN promotes the development of
renewable energy and the use of clean coal technology (CCT) as the measures
to reduce CO2 emissions.
Nuclear power is also considered as an option.
Taking RUKN as a reference, the RUPTL provides more pragmatic planning and
covers a shorter period. The RUPTL confirms that it is achievable to have
nearly a 20 percent share of renewable energy in power generation mix by
2025. Accomplishment of this plan will reduce 22 percent of CO2 emissions
compared to the business as usual scenario. Hence, we can conclude that low
carbon electrification is realistic.
However, low carbon electrification leads to higher costs. The RUPTL
estimates a cost of US$110 billion to achieve 20 percent share of renewable
energy in the power generation mix. Furthermore, adding the renewable energy
share up to 25 percent will increase the cost to $160 billion.
The question is then, who will pay for these costs? Business-wise, the
independent power producers (IPPs) aim to gain profit from producing
electricity. Hence, they sell electricity to PLN at its economic price.
Referring to feed in tariff policies, state power operator PLN is obliged to
purchase renewable energy at determined ceiling prices. The policies'
intention is to attract more IPP investment in renewable energy. However,
the electricity generation costs from renewable energy are generally higher
compared to the electricity rate paid by the consumers. Since PLN is wholly
owned by the government, it is up to the government to decide whether they
will increase the electricity subsidy or increase the electricity rates.
Most consumers would be reluctant to pay more for electricity. However, in
some countries such as the Netherlands, consumers voluntarily sign up for a
green electricity product. This product sets a higher price for electricity.
With this price, an energy utility company ensures that they produce the
electricity from renewable energy sources.
This kind of product is not available in Indonesia. However, it does not
mean that we as consumers cannot participate in reducing carbon emissions.
There are alternative measures such as changing the way we consume
electricity and using energy-saving electric appliances. The former action
is relatively easy and free and includes unplugging non-used electric
appliances, turning off unneeded lighting and setting the air conditioner at
25°Celsius instead of 20°Celcius. The latter action may be costly at the
beginning but it will be paid off through the reduced amount in monthly
electricity bills.
Installation of solar panels on the rooftop can be an option for consumers
who have enough capital. They can consume the electricity produced by the
solar panel and thus lower their monthly bill paid to PLN. We can learn from
Germany's experiences about citizen involvement in energy transition. German
households and citizens are able to cover half of investments required for
the country's transition to renewable energy.
Low carbon electricity may seem costly, but dealing with the adverse impacts
of climate change will be even more costly. If we act now, we prevent the
worst impact of climate change. But if we do not care, our future
generations will bear a higher fare.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/10/27/trading-electrification-and-cl
imate-change.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Singapore Import Licenses Indicate Shift In LNG Pricing
Singapore Import Licenses Indicate Shift In LNG Pricing
Looking to grow its role in the Asia-Pacific region as an energy hub,
Singapore has awarded LNG import licenses to Shell and Pavilion Gas. Both
companies will supply Singapore with up to 1 million tonnes of LNG annually
for three years, beating out other submitted tenders. Shell and Pavilion's
offers allow for shorter-term contracts and, more importantly, alternate
pricing indexes such as Henry Hub prices or the newly established Singapore
Exchange SLiNG contract, which has proven to be the most attractive aspect
to Singapore LNG executives.
Since the inauguration of Singapore's LNG import terminal in 2013, the
country has attempted to position itself as a viable regional LNG, aiming to
make Asian buyers of the fuel less susceptible to seemingly unrelated
commodity price fluctuations. Historically, a majority of LNG contracts have
been linked to oil prices. This has caused instability that was not
necessarily relevant to natural gas markets worldwide.
Singapore relies on natural gas to fuel virtually all of its electricity
generation. While much of that demand is satisfied via pipelines from
Indonesia and Malaysia, those pipeline contracts are due to expire in the
next five years, which could lead to an increased reliance on LNG imports.
To that end, Singapore LNG is currently undergoing a phase 3 expansion of
the existing Jurong Island facility, which will add a fourth LNG storage
tank and additional regasification facilities that will nearly double the
terminal's send-out capacity from 6 mtpa to 11 mtpa.
LNG imports in the "Rest of Asia" category-that is, not including China,
India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia-are expected to more than double
in the coming 10 years.
Similarly, natural gas used in electricity generation is also expected to
nearly double in the same time period as these mostly emerging economies of
Southeast Asia turn to the cheap fuel to meet its burgeoning demand.
Given this trend and the growing sentiment among buyers throughout Asia to
institute price points independent of crude oil prices, the recent deals
with Shell and Pavilion Gas should be encouraging for Singapore and other
net gas importers in Asia, particularly those that rely mostly on LNG as
opposed to pipeline gas.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.downstreambusiness.com/singapore-import-licenses-indicate-shift-l
ng-pricing-591781?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWVRoa016WTBZVEUzTnpFNCIsInQiOiJWN3hnQlNLNj
FTSGNZa2pOcEFGZDl1c3ZqdjRjNHJESFVJK28wTzFcL2h4WmxsV2VoTXA1SXFpbVQrckJ1clQwem
RQbGNtZE5mdmJ6cTY1SXdjd2grQlwvbTVBb2p2b2F0dkFYdHBWdDNEdnBNPSJ9
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Looking to grow its role in the Asia-Pacific region as an energy hub,
Singapore has awarded LNG import licenses to Shell and Pavilion Gas. Both
companies will supply Singapore with up to 1 million tonnes of LNG annually
for three years, beating out other submitted tenders. Shell and Pavilion's
offers allow for shorter-term contracts and, more importantly, alternate
pricing indexes such as Henry Hub prices or the newly established Singapore
Exchange SLiNG contract, which has proven to be the most attractive aspect
to Singapore LNG executives.
Since the inauguration of Singapore's LNG import terminal in 2013, the
country has attempted to position itself as a viable regional LNG, aiming to
make Asian buyers of the fuel less susceptible to seemingly unrelated
commodity price fluctuations. Historically, a majority of LNG contracts have
been linked to oil prices. This has caused instability that was not
necessarily relevant to natural gas markets worldwide.
Singapore relies on natural gas to fuel virtually all of its electricity
generation. While much of that demand is satisfied via pipelines from
Indonesia and Malaysia, those pipeline contracts are due to expire in the
next five years, which could lead to an increased reliance on LNG imports.
To that end, Singapore LNG is currently undergoing a phase 3 expansion of
the existing Jurong Island facility, which will add a fourth LNG storage
tank and additional regasification facilities that will nearly double the
terminal's send-out capacity from 6 mtpa to 11 mtpa.
LNG imports in the "Rest of Asia" category-that is, not including China,
India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia-are expected to more than double
in the coming 10 years.
Similarly, natural gas used in electricity generation is also expected to
nearly double in the same time period as these mostly emerging economies of
Southeast Asia turn to the cheap fuel to meet its burgeoning demand.
Given this trend and the growing sentiment among buyers throughout Asia to
institute price points independent of crude oil prices, the recent deals
with Shell and Pavilion Gas should be encouraging for Singapore and other
net gas importers in Asia, particularly those that rely mostly on LNG as
opposed to pipeline gas.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.downstreambusiness.com/singapore-import-licenses-indicate-shift-l
ng-pricing-591781?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWVRoa016WTBZVEUzTnpFNCIsInQiOiJWN3hnQlNLNj
FTSGNZa2pOcEFGZDl1c3ZqdjRjNHJESFVJK28wTzFcL2h4WmxsV2VoTXA1SXFpbVQrckJ1clQwem
RQbGNtZE5mdmJ6cTY1SXdjd2grQlwvbTVBb2p2b2F0dkFYdHBWdDNEdnBNPSJ9
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thailand: PTTEP posts $388m in net profit
Thailand: PTTEP posts $388m in net profit
SET-listed PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) has posted a surge in
net profit of US$388 million in the first nine months of the year.
The rise has been attributed to smart spending on projects and cost-cutting
measures that have helped the company to make a profit at a time of low
global oil prices.
President and chief executive Somporn Vongvuthipornchai said the profit in
the first nine months was a reversal from the net loss of $986 million in
the same period of 2015, when an impairment loss of $1.39 billion was
recorded.
The SET-listed company is also in a strong financial position with $3.7
billion cash on hand, ready for new investment opportunities to boost future
production.
The healthy financial position will enable the company to pursue investment
opportunities, with particular focus on production assets or those nearing
the development or production stage in Southeast Asia as well as to expand
investment in exploration projects, such as the recent acquisition of
Sarawak's SK410B project, situated in an area of high potential in Malaysia.
"During the nine-month period, operating cash flow remained healthy at $1.73
billion, adequate to fund capital expenditure in order to maintain the
production level," said Mr Somporn.
For the first nine months, PTTEP reported a total revenue of $3.28 billion,
down from the same period of 2015 due to lower average selling prices as a
result of the slump in global crude prices.
The average selling price was $36 per barrel of oil equivalent, down from
$47.47 per BOE in the previous year.
However, petroleum sales volume stood at 320,600 BOE per day, which remains
on track with the plan to maintain 2016 sales volume on par with 2015.
Regarding cost-cutting measures, the company slashed costs per unit by 23%
in the first nine months from $38.88 per BOE to $29.98, surpassing the
cost-cutting target of 10%.
For the third quarter of 2016 alone, PTTEP reported a net profit of $156
million compared with a net loss of $1.28 billion in the same period last
year.
"PTTEP's operating results in the first nine months of this year saw a
considerable improvement although oil prices are still low. The result
reflects the company's ability to manage controllable factors mainly in
production volume stabilisation and the 'Save to be Safe' cost reduction
campaign," said Mr Somporn.
PTTEP has said it will not be cutting staff numbers even though global oil
prices have remained low for about two years. Keeping the employees will
help the company with its plans to increase sales volume, it said.
The company is developing oil and gas blocks that are due to start operation
in the next 10 years. PTTEP operations cover 39 projects in 12 countries.
PTTEP shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 83 baht,
up 50 satang, in trade worth 589 million baht.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1121045/pttep-posts-388m-in-net-pro
fit
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
SET-listed PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) has posted a surge in
net profit of US$388 million in the first nine months of the year.
The rise has been attributed to smart spending on projects and cost-cutting
measures that have helped the company to make a profit at a time of low
global oil prices.
President and chief executive Somporn Vongvuthipornchai said the profit in
the first nine months was a reversal from the net loss of $986 million in
the same period of 2015, when an impairment loss of $1.39 billion was
recorded.
The SET-listed company is also in a strong financial position with $3.7
billion cash on hand, ready for new investment opportunities to boost future
production.
The healthy financial position will enable the company to pursue investment
opportunities, with particular focus on production assets or those nearing
the development or production stage in Southeast Asia as well as to expand
investment in exploration projects, such as the recent acquisition of
Sarawak's SK410B project, situated in an area of high potential in Malaysia.
"During the nine-month period, operating cash flow remained healthy at $1.73
billion, adequate to fund capital expenditure in order to maintain the
production level," said Mr Somporn.
For the first nine months, PTTEP reported a total revenue of $3.28 billion,
down from the same period of 2015 due to lower average selling prices as a
result of the slump in global crude prices.
The average selling price was $36 per barrel of oil equivalent, down from
$47.47 per BOE in the previous year.
However, petroleum sales volume stood at 320,600 BOE per day, which remains
on track with the plan to maintain 2016 sales volume on par with 2015.
Regarding cost-cutting measures, the company slashed costs per unit by 23%
in the first nine months from $38.88 per BOE to $29.98, surpassing the
cost-cutting target of 10%.
For the third quarter of 2016 alone, PTTEP reported a net profit of $156
million compared with a net loss of $1.28 billion in the same period last
year.
"PTTEP's operating results in the first nine months of this year saw a
considerable improvement although oil prices are still low. The result
reflects the company's ability to manage controllable factors mainly in
production volume stabilisation and the 'Save to be Safe' cost reduction
campaign," said Mr Somporn.
PTTEP has said it will not be cutting staff numbers even though global oil
prices have remained low for about two years. Keeping the employees will
help the company with its plans to increase sales volume, it said.
The company is developing oil and gas blocks that are due to start operation
in the next 10 years. PTTEP operations cover 39 projects in 12 countries.
PTTEP shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 83 baht,
up 50 satang, in trade worth 589 million baht.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1121045/pttep-posts-388m-in-net-pro
fit
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thailand: TPC Power to raise stake in Siam Power to 50%
Thailand: TPC Power to raise stake in Siam Power to 50%
TPC Power Holding (TPCH), an MAI-listed arm of Thai Polycons Plc, has
announced its plan to buy another 5% stake in Siam Power.
The purchase, worth 8.75 million baht, will increase its share in the
company to 50%, said TPC managing director Cherdsak Wattanavijitkul.
Siam Power has won a 10-year landfill operation concession from the
Nonthaburi authorities covering 137 rai, capable of taking 3 million tonnes
of waste, plus another 818,812 tonnes from nearby public landfills.
Last month TPCH invested in a 45% stake of Siam Power to prepare for a
waste-to-energy plant in Nonthaburi.
Siam Power has filed to bid for the waste-to-energy power plant contract,
which includes a planned application submission date for the associated
power-purchase agreement to be signed next month, Mr Cherdsak said.
The contract is scheduled to be awarded next month, ahead of a formal
signing of an agreement with Nonthaburi Provincial Administration
Organization in March next year to buy electricity generated by the company
at 5.78 baht per unit via the feed-in tariff (FiT) format, he said.
The move came after TPCH in September won a bid for a government contract to
build and operate three biomass power plants with a combined capacity of 26
megawatts, out of an overall 36MW quota set for three provinces in the deep
South.
Siam's project in Nonthaburi is a long-term expansion plan for electricity
production, under which it targets reaching a combined 200MW by 2020, from
142MW currently.
"We are confident in our ability to manage 3.8 million tonnes of waste,
which will give us an opportunity to win the waste-to-energy power plant
contract from Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization," said Mr
Cherdsak.
He said the combined 3.8 million tonnes of waste could be converted into 1.7
million tonnes of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) used for electricity production,
resulting in an RDF reserve for 28 years if power-plant usage comes in at
the expected 60,000 tonnes per year.
TPCH also hopes to sign an agreement for an 80MW hydropower project in Laos
next month, which would take about 1-5 years to complete, he said.
Mr Cherdsak said the company this year expects to double last year's revenue
to 305 million baht, with full operation of three biomass power plants -- at
Chang Raek and Mahachai in Nakhon Si Thammarat, and at Maewong in Nakhon
Sawan -- with a combined output of 30MW and average FiT of 4.54 per unit.
TPCH has 11 power plants under operation with a combined 142MW of
electricity production: 10 biomass plants and one waste-to-energy power
plant.
TPCH shares closed on the yesterday MAI at 18.70 baht, down 30 satang, in
trade worth 140 million baht.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1121033/tpc-power-to-raise-stake-in
-siam-power-to-50-
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
TPC Power Holding (TPCH), an MAI-listed arm of Thai Polycons Plc, has
announced its plan to buy another 5% stake in Siam Power.
The purchase, worth 8.75 million baht, will increase its share in the
company to 50%, said TPC managing director Cherdsak Wattanavijitkul.
Siam Power has won a 10-year landfill operation concession from the
Nonthaburi authorities covering 137 rai, capable of taking 3 million tonnes
of waste, plus another 818,812 tonnes from nearby public landfills.
Last month TPCH invested in a 45% stake of Siam Power to prepare for a
waste-to-energy plant in Nonthaburi.
Siam Power has filed to bid for the waste-to-energy power plant contract,
which includes a planned application submission date for the associated
power-purchase agreement to be signed next month, Mr Cherdsak said.
The contract is scheduled to be awarded next month, ahead of a formal
signing of an agreement with Nonthaburi Provincial Administration
Organization in March next year to buy electricity generated by the company
at 5.78 baht per unit via the feed-in tariff (FiT) format, he said.
The move came after TPCH in September won a bid for a government contract to
build and operate three biomass power plants with a combined capacity of 26
megawatts, out of an overall 36MW quota set for three provinces in the deep
South.
Siam's project in Nonthaburi is a long-term expansion plan for electricity
production, under which it targets reaching a combined 200MW by 2020, from
142MW currently.
"We are confident in our ability to manage 3.8 million tonnes of waste,
which will give us an opportunity to win the waste-to-energy power plant
contract from Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization," said Mr
Cherdsak.
He said the combined 3.8 million tonnes of waste could be converted into 1.7
million tonnes of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) used for electricity production,
resulting in an RDF reserve for 28 years if power-plant usage comes in at
the expected 60,000 tonnes per year.
TPCH also hopes to sign an agreement for an 80MW hydropower project in Laos
next month, which would take about 1-5 years to complete, he said.
Mr Cherdsak said the company this year expects to double last year's revenue
to 305 million baht, with full operation of three biomass power plants -- at
Chang Raek and Mahachai in Nakhon Si Thammarat, and at Maewong in Nakhon
Sawan -- with a combined output of 30MW and average FiT of 4.54 per unit.
TPCH has 11 power plants under operation with a combined 142MW of
electricity production: 10 biomass plants and one waste-to-energy power
plant.
TPCH shares closed on the yesterday MAI at 18.70 baht, down 30 satang, in
trade worth 140 million baht.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1121033/tpc-power-to-raise-stake-in
-siam-power-to-50-
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Vietnam, Russia seek closer petroleum cooperation
Vietnam, Russia seek closer petroleum cooperation
The Vietnamese Government always creates the most favourable conditions for
petroleum firms of Vietnam and Russia to step up cooperation, Deputy Prime
Minister Trinh Dinh Dung told visiting General Director of Russia's
Zarubezhneft oil and gas company Sergei I Kudryasov.
At a reception for the Russian guest in Hanoi on October 27, the deputy PM
said cooperation in oil and gas production has formed one of the main,
effective sectors of bilateral relations and brought huge revenues to both
countries' budget.
According to the leader, the two countries have recorded productive
cooperation in the oil and gas field, with projects operated by Russian oil
and gas firms in Vietnam, especially joint ventures between Zarubezhneft and
the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) - Vietsovpetro in
Vietnam and Rusvietpetro in Russia. These contributed to bolstering the
Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
He suggested closer links between Zarubezhneft and P etroVietnam in order to
seek to cut expense and improve the efficiency of their joint ventures, and
intensify technology renovation, towards maximising the efficiency of
operating oilfields.
For his part, Sergei I Kudryasov said cooperative projects between his firm
and PVN has been implemented effectively as planned by the two sides.
The joint ventures will continue expanding more exploitation areas in the
coming time.
While thanking Governments for their specific policies to tackle
difficulties facing the oil and gas joint ventures in recent time, he
proposed the Vietnamese side to do more to resolve remaining difficulties.
At the meeting, Deputy PM Dung assigned the Ministry of Industry and Trade
and the PVN to closely cooperate with Zarubezhneft and the two nations'
relevant ministries and sectors, thus promoting stronger links between
Vietnamese and Russian petroleum companies.
Established on June 19, 1981, Vietsovpetro is one of the leading firms in
exploiting oil and gas on Vietnam's continental shelf. It exploited 220
million tonnes of crude oil as of July this year, raking in over 74 billion
USD.
As of December 31, 2015, Rusvietpetro, which was formed on December 15,
2009, pumped over 13 million tonnes of crude oil, earning more than 5
billion USD.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
https://www.vietmaz.com/2016/10/vietnam-russia-seek-closer-petroleum-coopera
tion/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+vietmaz+%2
8VietMaz%29
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The Vietnamese Government always creates the most favourable conditions for
petroleum firms of Vietnam and Russia to step up cooperation, Deputy Prime
Minister Trinh Dinh Dung told visiting General Director of Russia's
Zarubezhneft oil and gas company Sergei I Kudryasov.
At a reception for the Russian guest in Hanoi on October 27, the deputy PM
said cooperation in oil and gas production has formed one of the main,
effective sectors of bilateral relations and brought huge revenues to both
countries' budget.
According to the leader, the two countries have recorded productive
cooperation in the oil and gas field, with projects operated by Russian oil
and gas firms in Vietnam, especially joint ventures between Zarubezhneft and
the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) - Vietsovpetro in
Vietnam and Rusvietpetro in Russia. These contributed to bolstering the
Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
He suggested closer links between Zarubezhneft and P etroVietnam in order to
seek to cut expense and improve the efficiency of their joint ventures, and
intensify technology renovation, towards maximising the efficiency of
operating oilfields.
For his part, Sergei I Kudryasov said cooperative projects between his firm
and PVN has been implemented effectively as planned by the two sides.
The joint ventures will continue expanding more exploitation areas in the
coming time.
While thanking Governments for their specific policies to tackle
difficulties facing the oil and gas joint ventures in recent time, he
proposed the Vietnamese side to do more to resolve remaining difficulties.
At the meeting, Deputy PM Dung assigned the Ministry of Industry and Trade
and the PVN to closely cooperate with Zarubezhneft and the two nations'
relevant ministries and sectors, thus promoting stronger links between
Vietnamese and Russian petroleum companies.
Established on June 19, 1981, Vietsovpetro is one of the leading firms in
exploiting oil and gas on Vietnam's continental shelf. It exploited 220
million tonnes of crude oil as of July this year, raking in over 74 billion
USD.
As of December 31, 2015, Rusvietpetro, which was formed on December 15,
2009, pumped over 13 million tonnes of crude oil, earning more than 5
billion USD.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
https://www.vietmaz.com/2016/10/vietnam-russia-seek-closer-petroleum-coopera
tion/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+vietmaz+%2
8VietMaz%29
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
NTU Singapore to build an offshore integrated system of renewable energy sources
NTU Singapore to build an offshore integrated system of renewable energy
sources
Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) is building an offshore
system that will integrate multiple renewable energy sources such as solar,
wind, tidal, diesel, and power-to-gas technologies.
The region's first large-scale offshore power grid system, it will have four
hybrid microgrids, occupying over 64,000 sq metres of land or roughly about
eight soccer fields. The system will be built at Semakau Landfill which is
managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA). It will have over 3,000
sq. metres of photovoltaic (PV) panels, including energy storage systems
that are already in operation.
The deployment of the first hybrid microgrid was announced today by Mr
Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources at the
Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES) held at the Sands Expo and Convention
Centre, Marina Bay Sands.
"I am happy to announce that the first microgrid has just been deployed and
it will enable the National Environment Agency (NEA) to power its
infrastructure on Semakau Landfill using electricity generated through
zero-carbon means. The use of energy storage and microgrid control
technologies will allow the landfill to reduce its reliance on diesel-based
power and transition towards renewable energy. I am also pleased to share
that REIDS will deploy 3 further microgrids on Semakau Landfill to test the
interoperability of various microgrid solutions."
Once all four hybrid microgrids are fully built, they are expected to
produce stable and consistent power in the megawatt (MW) range, suitable for
small islands, isolated villages, and emergency power supplies.
It will also produce energy amounting to the equivalent of the average
energy consumption of 250 4-room HDB flats for a year. Fish hatcheries and
nurseries located at Semakau Landfill will be among the first to be powered.
Harnessing nature's power
Built under the Renewable Energy Integration Demonstrator-Singapore (REIDS)
initiative led by NTU, the hybrid power grid system will test the
integration of solar, wind, tidal-current, diesel, energy storage and
power-to-gas technologies and ensure these energy sources operate well
together.
NTU Chief of Staff and Vice-President (Research) Prof Lam Khin Yong said
"The deployment of this first hybrid microgrid is a big leap towards
low-carbon electricity production for the nation and the region. As a global
leader in sustainability research, NTU is proud to champion this
ground-breaking initiative and lead Singapore's charge in developing
practical renewable energy solutions."
NTU Singapore to build an offshore integrated system of renewable energy
sources
The first in the region, NTU's large-scale offshore microgrid system will
occupy over 64,000 sq meters of land or roughly about eight soccer fields,
integrating multiple renewable energy sources. Credit: NTU Singapore
Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and NEA, NTU's
REIDS initiative will also facilitate the development and commercialisation
of microgrid technologies suited for a tropical island.
Mr Goh Chee Kiong, Executive Director of Cleantech at EDB said, "Singapore
has identified microgrids as a key growth area for the clean energy
industry. REIDS is the largest microgrid R&D platform in Southeast Asia and
therefore is instrumental to Singapore's ambition to achieve a global
leadership position in microgrids and serve the regional markets. Since its
launch in 2014, the REIDS platform has been successful in attracting leading
solution providers and regional adopters to develop, demonstrate and export
microgrid solutions from Singapore."
Mr Ronnie Tay, Chief Executive Officer of NEA, said, "The REIDS project will
lead to innovative sustainable energy solutions that will help to address
climate change. The National Environment Agency (NEA) is very pleased to
support this landmark effort to explore the integration of renewable energy
into micro-grid solutions."
Managed by NTU's Energy Research Institute (ERI@N), the REIDS initiative is
expected to attract $20 million worth of projects over the next five years,
in addition to the initial $10 million investment in infrastructure at the
landfill.
Spearheading offshore microgrid solutions with strong industry support
REIDS has attracted investments from top energy and microgrid companies
which aim to co-develop such solutions to serve the growing market in
Southeast Asia.
The four microgrid systems will be developed by ENGIE, GE Grid Solutions, LS
Industrial Solutions (LSIS) and Schneider Electric. Other partners include
Accenture, Class NK, DLRE, Renewable Energy Corporation (REC), Trina Solar.
LSIS and Sony were also announced as partners today at ACES 2016.
The REIDS platform will pave the way for similar technologies to be
developed and exported to serve the numerous remote communities in Southeast
Asia and beyond. It has already attracted the interest of regional adopters
such as island communities and utilities.
For instance, Bawah Island, an Indonesian island in the South China Sea, and
Meralco, the largest electric distribution company in the Philippines, will
partner REIDS to develop offshore microgrid projects.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://phys.org/news/2016-10-ntu-singapore-offshore-renewable-energy.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
sources
Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) is building an offshore
system that will integrate multiple renewable energy sources such as solar,
wind, tidal, diesel, and power-to-gas technologies.
The region's first large-scale offshore power grid system, it will have four
hybrid microgrids, occupying over 64,000 sq metres of land or roughly about
eight soccer fields. The system will be built at Semakau Landfill which is
managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA). It will have over 3,000
sq. metres of photovoltaic (PV) panels, including energy storage systems
that are already in operation.
The deployment of the first hybrid microgrid was announced today by Mr
Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources at the
Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES) held at the Sands Expo and Convention
Centre, Marina Bay Sands.
"I am happy to announce that the first microgrid has just been deployed and
it will enable the National Environment Agency (NEA) to power its
infrastructure on Semakau Landfill using electricity generated through
zero-carbon means. The use of energy storage and microgrid control
technologies will allow the landfill to reduce its reliance on diesel-based
power and transition towards renewable energy. I am also pleased to share
that REIDS will deploy 3 further microgrids on Semakau Landfill to test the
interoperability of various microgrid solutions."
Once all four hybrid microgrids are fully built, they are expected to
produce stable and consistent power in the megawatt (MW) range, suitable for
small islands, isolated villages, and emergency power supplies.
It will also produce energy amounting to the equivalent of the average
energy consumption of 250 4-room HDB flats for a year. Fish hatcheries and
nurseries located at Semakau Landfill will be among the first to be powered.
Harnessing nature's power
Built under the Renewable Energy Integration Demonstrator-Singapore (REIDS)
initiative led by NTU, the hybrid power grid system will test the
integration of solar, wind, tidal-current, diesel, energy storage and
power-to-gas technologies and ensure these energy sources operate well
together.
NTU Chief of Staff and Vice-President (Research) Prof Lam Khin Yong said
"The deployment of this first hybrid microgrid is a big leap towards
low-carbon electricity production for the nation and the region. As a global
leader in sustainability research, NTU is proud to champion this
ground-breaking initiative and lead Singapore's charge in developing
practical renewable energy solutions."
NTU Singapore to build an offshore integrated system of renewable energy
sources
The first in the region, NTU's large-scale offshore microgrid system will
occupy over 64,000 sq meters of land or roughly about eight soccer fields,
integrating multiple renewable energy sources. Credit: NTU Singapore
Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and NEA, NTU's
REIDS initiative will also facilitate the development and commercialisation
of microgrid technologies suited for a tropical island.
Mr Goh Chee Kiong, Executive Director of Cleantech at EDB said, "Singapore
has identified microgrids as a key growth area for the clean energy
industry. REIDS is the largest microgrid R&D platform in Southeast Asia and
therefore is instrumental to Singapore's ambition to achieve a global
leadership position in microgrids and serve the regional markets. Since its
launch in 2014, the REIDS platform has been successful in attracting leading
solution providers and regional adopters to develop, demonstrate and export
microgrid solutions from Singapore."
Mr Ronnie Tay, Chief Executive Officer of NEA, said, "The REIDS project will
lead to innovative sustainable energy solutions that will help to address
climate change. The National Environment Agency (NEA) is very pleased to
support this landmark effort to explore the integration of renewable energy
into micro-grid solutions."
Managed by NTU's Energy Research Institute (ERI@N), the REIDS initiative is
expected to attract $20 million worth of projects over the next five years,
in addition to the initial $10 million investment in infrastructure at the
landfill.
Spearheading offshore microgrid solutions with strong industry support
REIDS has attracted investments from top energy and microgrid companies
which aim to co-develop such solutions to serve the growing market in
Southeast Asia.
The four microgrid systems will be developed by ENGIE, GE Grid Solutions, LS
Industrial Solutions (LSIS) and Schneider Electric. Other partners include
Accenture, Class NK, DLRE, Renewable Energy Corporation (REC), Trina Solar.
LSIS and Sony were also announced as partners today at ACES 2016.
The REIDS platform will pave the way for similar technologies to be
developed and exported to serve the numerous remote communities in Southeast
Asia and beyond. It has already attracted the interest of regional adopters
such as island communities and utilities.
For instance, Bawah Island, an Indonesian island in the South China Sea, and
Meralco, the largest electric distribution company in the Philippines, will
partner REIDS to develop offshore microgrid projects.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://phys.org/news/2016-10-ntu-singapore-offshore-renewable-energy.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Indonesia: National Electricity Day - Tapping renewable potential
Indonesia: National Electricity Day - Tapping renewable potential
Indonesia is very rich in renewable resources, including solar and wind
power, hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy and biomass. All are relatively
easy and promising to be tapped for generating power plants.
State-owned electricity company PLN has envisioned in its road map of power
plant development called Business Plan for Power Provision (RUPTL) for the
period of 2015-2019 to build a part of its power plant projects based on the
renewable energy resources. It is in line with the government's target of
realizing 23 percent of its energy mix from renewable resources in 2025.
Perhaps the most promising ones are the solar power plant (PLTS) and the
wind power plants. Both can be developed independently without reliance on
power grids in remote areas. Both can also be combined to complement each
other to deal with weather conditions in certain areas across the country.
Due to its development of technology, the PLTS has become more effective and
efficient as a renewable source of power. In terms of regulation, the Energy
and Mineral Resources Ministry will soon issue Ministerial Regulation No.
19/2016 on the purchase of power from PLTS by PLN.
On the sidelines of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's foreign visit to Europe
several months ago, PLN signed the Framework Agreement with Savills of the
UK and NV VOGT Singapore Pte Ltd. on cooperation to build several PLTS in
several areas of eastern Indonesia with a total capacity of 150 MW.
In terms of geothermal potential, Indonesia has the third-largest potential
in the world after the US and the Philippines with a total reserve of 29,994
MW. But of the total, only around 4 percent has been utilized until now.
PLN is now seeking to increase its geothermal power plants with a number of
acquisition plans, including the planned acquisition of Pertamina Geothermal
Energy (PGE) and two geothermal projects owned by Chevron.
PLN has generated 4,200 MW from hydropower plants and planned to add another
2,000 MW from hydropower plants until the year 2019.
In developing biomass and bioenergy, PLN has completed several biodiesel and
biomass projects by using trees and other plants or city waste, palm oil
waste and other agricultural wastes. With the right policy designed by the
government, bioenergy and biomass can be expected to significantly support
power generation in Indonesia.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/10/27/national-electricity-day-tappi
ng-renewable-potential.html?utm_campaign=SUN+Newsletter&utm_source=hs_email&
utm_medium=email&utm_content=36567416&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_6KF8tR5ODs5jZ4bKs_uy5T
urj2W0Uohjjm_zhxQRuYNKPxArqEG8g4EbEJiNy1sBfgjfrGRnqkLyTG8S4HwvW4bMWKA&_hsmi=
36567416
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Indonesia is very rich in renewable resources, including solar and wind
power, hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy and biomass. All are relatively
easy and promising to be tapped for generating power plants.
State-owned electricity company PLN has envisioned in its road map of power
plant development called Business Plan for Power Provision (RUPTL) for the
period of 2015-2019 to build a part of its power plant projects based on the
renewable energy resources. It is in line with the government's target of
realizing 23 percent of its energy mix from renewable resources in 2025.
Perhaps the most promising ones are the solar power plant (PLTS) and the
wind power plants. Both can be developed independently without reliance on
power grids in remote areas. Both can also be combined to complement each
other to deal with weather conditions in certain areas across the country.
Due to its development of technology, the PLTS has become more effective and
efficient as a renewable source of power. In terms of regulation, the Energy
and Mineral Resources Ministry will soon issue Ministerial Regulation No.
19/2016 on the purchase of power from PLTS by PLN.
On the sidelines of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's foreign visit to Europe
several months ago, PLN signed the Framework Agreement with Savills of the
UK and NV VOGT Singapore Pte Ltd. on cooperation to build several PLTS in
several areas of eastern Indonesia with a total capacity of 150 MW.
In terms of geothermal potential, Indonesia has the third-largest potential
in the world after the US and the Philippines with a total reserve of 29,994
MW. But of the total, only around 4 percent has been utilized until now.
PLN is now seeking to increase its geothermal power plants with a number of
acquisition plans, including the planned acquisition of Pertamina Geothermal
Energy (PGE) and two geothermal projects owned by Chevron.
PLN has generated 4,200 MW from hydropower plants and planned to add another
2,000 MW from hydropower plants until the year 2019.
In developing biomass and bioenergy, PLN has completed several biodiesel and
biomass projects by using trees and other plants or city waste, palm oil
waste and other agricultural wastes. With the right policy designed by the
government, bioenergy and biomass can be expected to significantly support
power generation in Indonesia.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/10/27/national-electricity-day-tappi
ng-renewable-potential.html?utm_campaign=SUN+Newsletter&utm_source=hs_email&
utm_medium=email&utm_content=36567416&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_6KF8tR5ODs5jZ4bKs_uy5T
urj2W0Uohjjm_zhxQRuYNKPxArqEG8g4EbEJiNy1sBfgjfrGRnqkLyTG8S4HwvW4bMWKA&_hsmi=
36567416
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Feed-in-tariffs to rise as Vietnam desires sustainability
Feed-in-tariffs to rise as Vietnam desires sustainability
VIR that the new price for wind power could be raised to 9 cents per
kilowatt-hour from the current 7.8 cent/kWh.
"With this new price, wind power is going to be more feasible to many
investors," the official said, declining to be named.
The current feed-in-tariff (FiT) for wind power released in 2011 does not
meet the expectations of wind power investors. They complain that this FiT
is too low to provide any profits, and is too little to guarantee banks
loans, ultimately resulting in the delay of several wind power projects.
To encourage investment in renewable energy projects, MoIT has also
submitted the first draft on incentives for solar power projects to the
prime minister.
Under the draft, the ministry proposed a set FiT of 11.2 cents/kWh for solar
power. This level is higher than the current tariff set for wind power
plants (7.8 cents/kWh), biogas plants (7.28), and waste-to-power plants
(10.05).
Debates over FiTs for wind and solar power plants are intensifying, as MoIT
is in the process of revising the support mechanisms granted to wind and
solar power projects.
According to MoIT sources, the time to apply the new price of wind and
solar power may be late 2016, which would ease concerns of Thien Tan Group
as this private firm's 19.2 megawatt solar power plant in central Quang Ngai
province is expected to connect to the grid in late 2016.
Huynh Van Lap, chairman of Thien Tan Group, told VIR in a previous interview
that the project's connection date depends on the government-set FiTs. "How
do we sell a product if there is no price?" he said.
Thien Tan Group stated that a compromise could still make undertaking solar
projects a worthwhile endeavour.
Nguyen Duc Cuong, head of MoIT's Institute of Energy, said currently, there
is no detailed regulatory framework for solar power generation projects in
Vietnam, and the upcoming decision may be considered an incredibly important
step for solar power development in the country. "A greater understanding of
the involved regulations would help to attract more investors to this type
of renewable energy."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.vir.com.vn/feed-in-tariffs-to-rise-as-vietnam-desires-sustainabil
ity.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
VIR that the new price for wind power could be raised to 9 cents per
kilowatt-hour from the current 7.8 cent/kWh.
"With this new price, wind power is going to be more feasible to many
investors," the official said, declining to be named.
The current feed-in-tariff (FiT) for wind power released in 2011 does not
meet the expectations of wind power investors. They complain that this FiT
is too low to provide any profits, and is too little to guarantee banks
loans, ultimately resulting in the delay of several wind power projects.
To encourage investment in renewable energy projects, MoIT has also
submitted the first draft on incentives for solar power projects to the
prime minister.
Under the draft, the ministry proposed a set FiT of 11.2 cents/kWh for solar
power. This level is higher than the current tariff set for wind power
plants (7.8 cents/kWh), biogas plants (7.28), and waste-to-power plants
(10.05).
Debates over FiTs for wind and solar power plants are intensifying, as MoIT
is in the process of revising the support mechanisms granted to wind and
solar power projects.
According to MoIT sources, the time to apply the new price of wind and
solar power may be late 2016, which would ease concerns of Thien Tan Group
as this private firm's 19.2 megawatt solar power plant in central Quang Ngai
province is expected to connect to the grid in late 2016.
Huynh Van Lap, chairman of Thien Tan Group, told VIR in a previous interview
that the project's connection date depends on the government-set FiTs. "How
do we sell a product if there is no price?" he said.
Thien Tan Group stated that a compromise could still make undertaking solar
projects a worthwhile endeavour.
Nguyen Duc Cuong, head of MoIT's Institute of Energy, said currently, there
is no detailed regulatory framework for solar power generation projects in
Vietnam, and the upcoming decision may be considered an incredibly important
step for solar power development in the country. "A greater understanding of
the involved regulations would help to attract more investors to this type
of renewable energy."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.vir.com.vn/feed-in-tariffs-to-rise-as-vietnam-desires-sustainabil
ity.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Pertamina (Indonesia) plans 42% rise in crude oil production in 2017
Pertamina (Indonesia) plans 42% rise in crude oil production in 2017
Indonesia's state-owned oil company Pertamina aims to increase its crude oil
production by 42% in 2017, from a target of 308,000 bbl/d in 2016 to 438,000
bbl/d. The bulk (more than 100,000 bbl/d) would come from mergers and
acquisitions outside Indonesia, such as Russia (agreement with Rosneft
signed in October 2016), Iran and Iraq. The group already produces around
79,000 bbl/d of crude oil overseas and plans to invest up to US$2bn in 2016
to buy into energy projects in Indonesia and abroad (Russia, Iraq, Saudi
Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Gabon, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan).
Where gas is concerned, Pertamina aims to raise gas production by 17%, from
1.95 bcf/d (55 mcm/d or 20 bcm/year) in 2015 to 2.28 bcf/d (64 mcm/d or 23.5
bcm/year) in 2017.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.enerdata.net/enerdatauk/press-and-publication/energy-news-001/per
tamina-indonesia-plans-42-rise-crude-oil-production-2017_38720.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Indonesia's state-owned oil company Pertamina aims to increase its crude oil
production by 42% in 2017, from a target of 308,000 bbl/d in 2016 to 438,000
bbl/d. The bulk (more than 100,000 bbl/d) would come from mergers and
acquisitions outside Indonesia, such as Russia (agreement with Rosneft
signed in October 2016), Iran and Iraq. The group already produces around
79,000 bbl/d of crude oil overseas and plans to invest up to US$2bn in 2016
to buy into energy projects in Indonesia and abroad (Russia, Iraq, Saudi
Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Gabon, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan).
Where gas is concerned, Pertamina aims to raise gas production by 17%, from
1.95 bcf/d (55 mcm/d or 20 bcm/year) in 2015 to 2.28 bcf/d (64 mcm/d or 23.5
bcm/year) in 2017.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.enerdata.net/enerdatauk/press-and-publication/energy-news-001/per
tamina-indonesia-plans-42-rise-crude-oil-production-2017_38720.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Philippines: GBPC sets sights on more waste-to-energy projects
Philippines: GBPC sets sights on more waste-to-energy projects
Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC), majority owned by Pangilinan-led Metro
Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), is setting its sights on more
waste-to-energy projects of at least 55 megawatts (MW) in Bacolod and in
Batangas.
MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan said GBPC is looking for new renewable
energy (RE) opportunities particularly in the Visayas.
"[This is in] respect to our sugar mills, waste-to-energy using bagasse
principally, and we're looking into other ways for energy [like] municipal
waste," he said.
So far, GBPC sees opportunities for two waste-to-energy projects with two
sugar mills in Bacolod and one in Batangas.
"The two other mills [in Bacolod] are smaller, maybe around 20 to 25 MW. But
the one in Batangas is bigger at around 35 MW," Pangilinan said.
Currently, the company is working on a 40-MW biomass facility in partnership
with sugar miller Roxas Holdings Inc. (RHI).
The biomass plant, which will be located in the premises of RHI's Central
Azucarera de la Carlota Inc., is being designed by Finnish consulting and
engineering firm Pöyry Energy Inc.
Targeted for completion in the third quarter of 2017, its output is targeted
to be under the feed-in tariff (FIT) for biomass, which has an allocation
target of 250 MW and a FIT rate of P6.63 per kilowatt hour (kwh).
GBPC earlier announced its target of doubling its existing capacity by 2021.
Currently, it has an aggregate capacity of 852 MW from its coal and diesel
powered generating plants.
It said bulk of the additional capacity will come from the planned 670 MW
coal plant in La Union, its first power plant in Luzon.
GBPC is a leading power supplier in the Visayas which is now controlled by
the Pangilinan Group after MPIC acquired a 56 percent stake for P22.06
billion last May as part of the strategic alliance formed with tycoon George
Ty's GT Capital Holdings Inc.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.philstar.com/business/2016/10/27/1637576/gbpc-sets-sights-more-wa
ste-energy-projects
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC), majority owned by Pangilinan-led Metro
Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), is setting its sights on more
waste-to-energy projects of at least 55 megawatts (MW) in Bacolod and in
Batangas.
MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan said GBPC is looking for new renewable
energy (RE) opportunities particularly in the Visayas.
"[This is in] respect to our sugar mills, waste-to-energy using bagasse
principally, and we're looking into other ways for energy [like] municipal
waste," he said.
So far, GBPC sees opportunities for two waste-to-energy projects with two
sugar mills in Bacolod and one in Batangas.
"The two other mills [in Bacolod] are smaller, maybe around 20 to 25 MW. But
the one in Batangas is bigger at around 35 MW," Pangilinan said.
Currently, the company is working on a 40-MW biomass facility in partnership
with sugar miller Roxas Holdings Inc. (RHI).
The biomass plant, which will be located in the premises of RHI's Central
Azucarera de la Carlota Inc., is being designed by Finnish consulting and
engineering firm Pöyry Energy Inc.
Targeted for completion in the third quarter of 2017, its output is targeted
to be under the feed-in tariff (FIT) for biomass, which has an allocation
target of 250 MW and a FIT rate of P6.63 per kilowatt hour (kwh).
GBPC earlier announced its target of doubling its existing capacity by 2021.
Currently, it has an aggregate capacity of 852 MW from its coal and diesel
powered generating plants.
It said bulk of the additional capacity will come from the planned 670 MW
coal plant in La Union, its first power plant in Luzon.
GBPC is a leading power supplier in the Visayas which is now controlled by
the Pangilinan Group after MPIC acquired a 56 percent stake for P22.06
billion last May as part of the strategic alliance formed with tycoon George
Ty's GT Capital Holdings Inc.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.philstar.com/business/2016/10/27/1637576/gbpc-sets-sights-more-wa
ste-energy-projects
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
LSIS wins license for renewable energy-powered island project in Singapore
LSIS wins license for renewable energy-powered island project in Singapore
LSIS has won a license to establish a renewable energy-powered island in
Singapore, raising its global profile as an independent microgrid operator.
Under the project, the Seoul-based energy solutions and electrical equipment
manufacturer will provide its energy management system (EMS), energy storage
system (ESS) and solar- or wind-powered renewable energy solutions for
Singapore's southern island of Semakau.
The microgrid is often dubbed a combination of next-generation energy
technology, as it requires renewable energy sources and the ESS. Renowned
energy systems operators here and abroad are pushing for the next growth
areas amid growing calls for a more sustainable supply of electricity.
The recent achievement came as part of the government of Singapore's
renewable energy integration demonstrator (REIDS) project under which LSIS,
along with GE-Alstom and Schneider, will establish four separate microgrid
sectors and connect them into a single, small-scale power network.
The REIDS project will last four years, including a pilot test. The
government of Singapore and LSIS will share the cost of its operation, the
company said.
"The growth potential for the Southeast Asian market is massive, with
Indonesia consisting of some 17,000 islands and the Philippines comprising
some 7,000 islands," LSIS Vice President Kim Won-il said after signing a
memorandum of understanding with Kristen Sadler, research director at the
Energy Research Institute (ERI) that oversees the project.
The island is hot and humid year round, which is not favorable for
establishing large-scale electricity networks.
LSIS said this means that the island is the optimum venue to test an
independent microgrid operation and other ESS. Expectations are that the
REIDS will help the operators improve their technological expertise, as this
is the first project to connect various microgrids into a unified network
system, it added.
This is not the first time that the company has won a license for other
microgrid contracts. In February 2010, the company led the Korean
government-led microgrid project for three years, demonstrating its
electricity management systems on the nation's southernmost island of
Marado.
Meanwhile, in recent years the company has focused on raising awareness of
the massive potential of microgrid systems, with its Chairman Koo Ja-kyun
delivering a keynote address at last year's Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF)
about the importance of energy-independent microgrid systems as an
alternative for various Asian countries ― such as Indonesia and the
Philippines ― which consists of large numbers of islands.
He said electric power management is the key challenge for sustainable
growth of Asian countries, as they are growing rapidly in population and
technological infrastructure.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2016/10/133_216883.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
LSIS has won a license to establish a renewable energy-powered island in
Singapore, raising its global profile as an independent microgrid operator.
Under the project, the Seoul-based energy solutions and electrical equipment
manufacturer will provide its energy management system (EMS), energy storage
system (ESS) and solar- or wind-powered renewable energy solutions for
Singapore's southern island of Semakau.
The microgrid is often dubbed a combination of next-generation energy
technology, as it requires renewable energy sources and the ESS. Renowned
energy systems operators here and abroad are pushing for the next growth
areas amid growing calls for a more sustainable supply of electricity.
The recent achievement came as part of the government of Singapore's
renewable energy integration demonstrator (REIDS) project under which LSIS,
along with GE-Alstom and Schneider, will establish four separate microgrid
sectors and connect them into a single, small-scale power network.
The REIDS project will last four years, including a pilot test. The
government of Singapore and LSIS will share the cost of its operation, the
company said.
"The growth potential for the Southeast Asian market is massive, with
Indonesia consisting of some 17,000 islands and the Philippines comprising
some 7,000 islands," LSIS Vice President Kim Won-il said after signing a
memorandum of understanding with Kristen Sadler, research director at the
Energy Research Institute (ERI) that oversees the project.
The island is hot and humid year round, which is not favorable for
establishing large-scale electricity networks.
LSIS said this means that the island is the optimum venue to test an
independent microgrid operation and other ESS. Expectations are that the
REIDS will help the operators improve their technological expertise, as this
is the first project to connect various microgrids into a unified network
system, it added.
This is not the first time that the company has won a license for other
microgrid contracts. In February 2010, the company led the Korean
government-led microgrid project for three years, demonstrating its
electricity management systems on the nation's southernmost island of
Marado.
Meanwhile, in recent years the company has focused on raising awareness of
the massive potential of microgrid systems, with its Chairman Koo Ja-kyun
delivering a keynote address at last year's Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF)
about the importance of energy-independent microgrid systems as an
alternative for various Asian countries ― such as Indonesia and the
Philippines ― which consists of large numbers of islands.
He said electric power management is the key challenge for sustainable
growth of Asian countries, as they are growing rapidly in population and
technological infrastructure.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2016/10/133_216883.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thailand offers long-term PV promise, but uncertainty over short term
Thailand offers long-term PV promise, but uncertainty over short term
2,623 MW of free-field installations (solar farms), while solar rooftops
account for 130 MW
Rooftop FITs range from 6.85 baht/kWh for residential arrays to 6.01
baht/kWh for large commercial projects, over periods of 25 years
Thailand is Southeast Asia's leading solar market, with 2.75GW of
installations by the third quarter of 2016, according to the Energy
Regulatory Commission (ERC).
However, while the country is an attractive opportunity - the government is
targeting 6 GW of cumulative PV installations by 2036 - muddled policies
have complicated the short-term investment outlook.
"There's opportunity in Thailand. It's simmering at the moment, but
ultimately there will be another rush," says James Munro, Bangkok-based
project manager for Modern Energy Management, noting that the government is
still figuring out how to support development. "There's going to be another
wave in the foreseeable future."
That said, annual PV installations have risen steadily over the past five
years, with capacity additions spiking to a record 722 MW in 2015, up 252 MW
from a year earlier. Thailand also boasts a formidable solar resource,
ranging from an annual average of 1200-1400 kWh/sqm, at level with Southern
Spain and Italy.
Stable Regime
And the political instability that has long plagued Thailand - most recently
culminating in a 2014 military coup - does not present a threat to foreign
investment.
Christopher Osborne, partner at international law firm Watson Farley &
Williams (Thailand), agrees that the current military junta should not scare
off foreign investors.
"It is a non-issue. Thai politics has been in a state of turmoil for decades
and this has not led to business instability in the energy sector," he
explains. "We have seen greater political risk in Spain, where the
government retrospectively cancelled renewable energy incentives."
And Thailand offers a mature, transparent and competitive project finance
market. It is arguably the most advanced in Southeast Asia for solar at this
point, in terms of lender experience and risk comfort, with non-recourse
financing available from numerous institutions, including Kasikornbank.
Utility-Scale Uncertainty
Ground-mount projects account for 95.3% of the capacity that has been
installed thus far. Such arrays were initially built under a generous
"adder" scheme, introduced in 2011. However, Bangkok decided to scrap the
program at the end of 2015, in response to declining PV system costs.
The only way for developers to build utility-scale projects now is in
collaboration with government entities and agricultural cooperatives, under
a program launched in 2014 with an initial target of 800 MW, for projects up
to 5 MW in size. However, the introduction of the scheme was repeatedly
delayed, resulting in the allocation of just 281.32 MW of capacity earlier
this year. And as much as half of that capacity may not be built, due to a
lack of clarity over the structure of the private-public partnerships.
Since its introduction, Bangkok has divided the program into two phases,
with the second tranche to support the development of 519 MW at a feed-in
tariff rate of 5.66 baht/kWh over 25 years, to make up for the shortfall of
the initial roll-out. Applications for the second phase will be launched by
early 2017, with projects to be completed by June 2018. Despite the
program's shortcomings, investor interest remains high. "There is strong
demand among both Thai and international developers," says Osborne.
It is likely that utility-scale PV will contribute towards the government's
long-term renewables targets, given Thailand's proven PV resources.
He advises investors to focus on the scheme for the next two years, by which
time power-purchase agreements (PPAs) for ground-mount arrays may open up
again, beyond the scope of the government's current program.
Yet the scheme remains fraught with uncertainty, with industry observers
complaining that it has encouraged a "race to the bottom," as developers
succumb to the concessions demanded by the cooperatives, much like reverse
auctions can lead to margins so thin that projects become unviable.
"The framework also doesn't come with details on how communities can get
involved or benefit," laments Dr. Sopitsuda Tongsopit, a researcher at
Chulalongkorn University's Energy Research Institute.
Bangkok says it may eventually introduce an auction process for
utility-scale PV, but Tongsopit believes this probably won't happen until
the full 800 MW from the current scheme has been built. She says developers
should consider the program for now, but warns that more subsidies will be
unlikely in the future.
Recent developments do not suggest rolling out utility-scale solar is an
immediate policy priority, which may be linked to recent lower global gas
prices.
Phil Napier-Moore, lead energy advisor at Mott MacDonald, partly attributes
the currently sluggish development of the utility-scale market to the
government's use of renewables as a hedge against future import prices for
liquid natural gas, rather than for environmental motivations.
Rooftop Focus
Another more immediate investment opportunity is the rooftop segment. The
government has already subsidized two rounds of development, but interest in
commercial projects - driven in part by recent legal changes that allow
developers to sell electricity to consumers - has far exceeded bids for
residential arrays.
Under a new pilot scheme, the government is now trying to encourage the
installation of rooftop PV for self-consumption purposes, rather than
feeding electricity to the grid, with the aim of eventually introducing
net-metering.
Thomas Chrometzka, director of renewable energy at GIZ Thailand, argues that
incentives are probably not needed for commercial rooftop, as developers are
already negotiating private PPAs for such installations.
However, the outlook for residential rooftop remains uncertain under the
government's pilot scheme.
"We have our doubts," Chrometzka says, noting that excess electricity fed
back into the grid is not compensated under the program. "We were a bit
disappointed as we recommended the government to go for a net-metering
system and to not focus on this small-scale stuff."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.solarplaza.com/channels/markets/11624/thailand-offers-long-term-p
v-promise-uncertainty-over-short-term/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
2,623 MW of free-field installations (solar farms), while solar rooftops
account for 130 MW
Rooftop FITs range from 6.85 baht/kWh for residential arrays to 6.01
baht/kWh for large commercial projects, over periods of 25 years
Thailand is Southeast Asia's leading solar market, with 2.75GW of
installations by the third quarter of 2016, according to the Energy
Regulatory Commission (ERC).
However, while the country is an attractive opportunity - the government is
targeting 6 GW of cumulative PV installations by 2036 - muddled policies
have complicated the short-term investment outlook.
"There's opportunity in Thailand. It's simmering at the moment, but
ultimately there will be another rush," says James Munro, Bangkok-based
project manager for Modern Energy Management, noting that the government is
still figuring out how to support development. "There's going to be another
wave in the foreseeable future."
That said, annual PV installations have risen steadily over the past five
years, with capacity additions spiking to a record 722 MW in 2015, up 252 MW
from a year earlier. Thailand also boasts a formidable solar resource,
ranging from an annual average of 1200-1400 kWh/sqm, at level with Southern
Spain and Italy.
Stable Regime
And the political instability that has long plagued Thailand - most recently
culminating in a 2014 military coup - does not present a threat to foreign
investment.
Christopher Osborne, partner at international law firm Watson Farley &
Williams (Thailand), agrees that the current military junta should not scare
off foreign investors.
"It is a non-issue. Thai politics has been in a state of turmoil for decades
and this has not led to business instability in the energy sector," he
explains. "We have seen greater political risk in Spain, where the
government retrospectively cancelled renewable energy incentives."
And Thailand offers a mature, transparent and competitive project finance
market. It is arguably the most advanced in Southeast Asia for solar at this
point, in terms of lender experience and risk comfort, with non-recourse
financing available from numerous institutions, including Kasikornbank.
Utility-Scale Uncertainty
Ground-mount projects account for 95.3% of the capacity that has been
installed thus far. Such arrays were initially built under a generous
"adder" scheme, introduced in 2011. However, Bangkok decided to scrap the
program at the end of 2015, in response to declining PV system costs.
The only way for developers to build utility-scale projects now is in
collaboration with government entities and agricultural cooperatives, under
a program launched in 2014 with an initial target of 800 MW, for projects up
to 5 MW in size. However, the introduction of the scheme was repeatedly
delayed, resulting in the allocation of just 281.32 MW of capacity earlier
this year. And as much as half of that capacity may not be built, due to a
lack of clarity over the structure of the private-public partnerships.
Since its introduction, Bangkok has divided the program into two phases,
with the second tranche to support the development of 519 MW at a feed-in
tariff rate of 5.66 baht/kWh over 25 years, to make up for the shortfall of
the initial roll-out. Applications for the second phase will be launched by
early 2017, with projects to be completed by June 2018. Despite the
program's shortcomings, investor interest remains high. "There is strong
demand among both Thai and international developers," says Osborne.
It is likely that utility-scale PV will contribute towards the government's
long-term renewables targets, given Thailand's proven PV resources.
He advises investors to focus on the scheme for the next two years, by which
time power-purchase agreements (PPAs) for ground-mount arrays may open up
again, beyond the scope of the government's current program.
Yet the scheme remains fraught with uncertainty, with industry observers
complaining that it has encouraged a "race to the bottom," as developers
succumb to the concessions demanded by the cooperatives, much like reverse
auctions can lead to margins so thin that projects become unviable.
"The framework also doesn't come with details on how communities can get
involved or benefit," laments Dr. Sopitsuda Tongsopit, a researcher at
Chulalongkorn University's Energy Research Institute.
Bangkok says it may eventually introduce an auction process for
utility-scale PV, but Tongsopit believes this probably won't happen until
the full 800 MW from the current scheme has been built. She says developers
should consider the program for now, but warns that more subsidies will be
unlikely in the future.
Recent developments do not suggest rolling out utility-scale solar is an
immediate policy priority, which may be linked to recent lower global gas
prices.
Phil Napier-Moore, lead energy advisor at Mott MacDonald, partly attributes
the currently sluggish development of the utility-scale market to the
government's use of renewables as a hedge against future import prices for
liquid natural gas, rather than for environmental motivations.
Rooftop Focus
Another more immediate investment opportunity is the rooftop segment. The
government has already subsidized two rounds of development, but interest in
commercial projects - driven in part by recent legal changes that allow
developers to sell electricity to consumers - has far exceeded bids for
residential arrays.
Under a new pilot scheme, the government is now trying to encourage the
installation of rooftop PV for self-consumption purposes, rather than
feeding electricity to the grid, with the aim of eventually introducing
net-metering.
Thomas Chrometzka, director of renewable energy at GIZ Thailand, argues that
incentives are probably not needed for commercial rooftop, as developers are
already negotiating private PPAs for such installations.
However, the outlook for residential rooftop remains uncertain under the
government's pilot scheme.
"We have our doubts," Chrometzka says, noting that excess electricity fed
back into the grid is not compensated under the program. "We were a bit
disappointed as we recommended the government to go for a net-metering
system and to not focus on this small-scale stuff."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Ref:
http://www.solarplaza.com/channels/markets/11624/thailand-offers-long-term-p
v-promise-uncertainty-over-short-term/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
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