Thailand sharpens focus on alternative energy
On the back of improved technology and lower costs, the government in
Thailand could soon boost the renewable energy segment further by revising
upwards the long-term target for its contribution to the electricity
generation mix.
In early March, during cabinet discussions on energy requirements and
long-term supply targets, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha proposed raising
the target contribution from renewables to 40% - a significant increase on
the 33% set out in the Power Development Plan 2015-36 (PDP2015), the
country's blueprint for developing its electricity segment over the next two
decades.
This objective could be feasible due to reductions in production and
installation costs and increased generational efficiencies, which will make
investing in new photovoltaic (PV) capacity more appealing, according to
Poyry, an energy consultancy and engineering firm.
In a report issued in late March, Poyry said Thailand will achieve "grid
parity" - the point at which production costs for solar energy fall to the
same level as those for conventional sources feeding the grid - by the
mid-2020s.
This parity, which does not factor in existing subsidies and will apply to
customers across the industrial, retail and consumer segments, will make PV
more appealing, the study concluded, "potentially leading to a drastic
increase in solar deployment".
Revisiting renewables
An improved bottom line for the solar energy sector, combined with a rise in
private sector demand, could prompt an overhaul of Thailand's energy
roadmap, with a greater emphasis placed on renewable energy.
According to PDP2015, the country's installed capacity requirements will
reach 59,300 MW by 2036.
Under the plan, the government aims to have 33% (19,634 MW) of this capacity
provided through renewable generation sources, in line with its bid to drive
cleaner and better power generation. However, officials have now indicated
that this percentage could be increased.
Speaking at a sustainable energy technology fair on March 8, Areepong
Bhoocha-oom, the chairman of the Electricity Generating Authority of
Thailand (EGAT) and permanent secretary at the Energy Ministry, said that
with building costs down, it made sense to revisit the PDP2015.
"We have met half the renewable power target within only two years and if
the government wants us to increase the proportion of renewable energy it
will not be that hard," Areepong said.
This case for revisiting Thailand's power development plan is supported by
technological advances in the segment which, he added, were reducing the
costs associated with renewable energy.
Longer-term benefits
Any realigning of PDP2015 in favour of renewables will increase investment
opportunities for private sector companies, while encouraging economies of
scale, lowering costs and raising returns. This could boost the prospects
for service providers up and down the sector's development and operational
chain.
"Energy and utilities, in particular, lend themselves well to using business
models to enhance supply, especially given that they are critical
infrastructures for manufacturers and other investors," Areepong told OBG.
Development of the electricity sector, he added, remained closely linked to
that of the broader economy, with higher demand for power fuelled by
economic growth, investments and forward planning, based on extended
estimates of requirements.
"Long-term projections in 20-year cycles are necessary in the power
generation sector because investments in expanding capacity take time to
actualise," he said.
Shifts in demand and improvements in technology and costs will, however,
likely see further revisions to PDP2015 over its lifetime, as Thailand
continues to adapt its utilities provision to meet the country's economic
needs.
More options for investors
It is not only solar PV that is generating more heat among investors;
progress in developing technology and improvements in processes are making
other renewable energy sources increasingly attractive to investors,
according to Cherdsak Wattanavijitkul, president of renewables firm TPC
Power Holding, which operates four biomass plants with another two set to
come online through the Provincial Electricity Authority's
very-small-power-producer scheme.
"While biomass has traditionally been an investment-heavy alternative energy
source, requiring up to BT70m-80m ($2m-2.3m) in investment for every 1 MW
generated, as technological advancements are made and processes are
streamlined, greater generation is possible at the same level of
investment," he told OBG.
Cherdsak also highlighted the speed with which power producers have been
responding to the government's drive to develop alternative energy sources.
"Solar power has been the fastest to develop in Thailand due to relatively
high government tariff incentives when compared to those for wind, waste and
biomass," he said. "However, revisions to feed-in tariff rates point to
biomass as the upcoming energy source being targeted for development."
Biomass has been identified as a key source of energy under PDP2015, set to
account for 5570 MW of generation capacity - well over a quarter of the
total renewables target for 2036 and second only to the 6000 MW planned for
solar.
Any revision of PDP2015 could raise the share of biomass and solar PV
further as input from Thailand's renewables expands, providing greater
opportunities for investors as well as technology and service providers.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/news/thailand-sharpens-focus-alternative-
energy
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Philippines: CH gets 7 proposals for WTE facility
Philippines: CH gets 7 proposals for WTE facility
AT least seven proposals from foreign and local firms for the construction
of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility are being evaluated by the Cebu City
Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB).
Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office consultant Nida Cabrera
explained that the construction of a WTE is one of the requirements for the
rehabilitation of the Inayawan Sanitary Landfill.
Cabrera said that the proponents, some of whom came from China and Yokohama
City in Japan, have submitted their draft reports in the technology and
initial financial components needed to construct the facility.
Those that will pass the SWMB's assessment will be able to pitch their
projects to Mayor Tomas Osmeña, which will then be considered as unsolicited
proposals.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/04/29/ch-gets-7-proposals-wte
-facility-539121
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
AT least seven proposals from foreign and local firms for the construction
of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility are being evaluated by the Cebu City
Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB).
Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office consultant Nida Cabrera
explained that the construction of a WTE is one of the requirements for the
rehabilitation of the Inayawan Sanitary Landfill.
Cabrera said that the proponents, some of whom came from China and Yokohama
City in Japan, have submitted their draft reports in the technology and
initial financial components needed to construct the facility.
Those that will pass the SWMB's assessment will be able to pitch their
projects to Mayor Tomas Osmeña, which will then be considered as unsolicited
proposals.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/04/29/ch-gets-7-proposals-wte
-facility-539121
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Indonesia: new policy scheme and PV projects
Indonesia: new policy scheme and PV projects
Indonesia recently brought in a new renewable energy law that changes the
remuneration tariffs for renewable energy projects, including solar PV
systems. Furthermore, the country's state-owned utility recently signed
agreements for new photovoltaic capacity.
A few weeks ago, Indonesia's government approved the Energy and Mineral
Resources Minister Decree (MD) No. 12/2017, altering the calculation method
for the renewable power projects' feed-in tariff (FIT).
So, whereas before the FITs were set by the government, the MD No.12/2017
allows the FITs to be the result of negotiation between the country's
state-owned power utility PLN and independent power producers (IPPs).
The new law
Specifically, the new law provides a FIT cap based on the electricity supply
costs of the region where the renewable power project is to be developed.
This is the cost state utility PLN needs to generate each kWh in the
region's electricity system and sub-systems.
Indonesia consists of more than 17,500 islands, of which 6,000 are inhabited
and 1,000 are permanently settled. The dispersed geography of the country is
a challenge for electricity production, with costs varying between different
regions and islands.
Thus, when a region has supply costs above the national average, the FIT
will be capped at 85%. If a region has an electricity supply cost lower than
the national average, then the renewable energy project will receive a FIT
equal to the regional cost. This capping mechanism is valid for all types of
renewable energy, apart from geothermal and waste-to-energy plants.
The new law is controversial, however, it is rather obvious that the
government is trying to convince the PLN to sign more PPAs with independent
power investors. Under the old regime, where tariff prices were higher and
fixed, the PLN was unwilling to sign renewable power contracts. The new law
will perhaps lead to a surge of solar PV projects in eastern parts of the
country where electricity supply costs are higher.
250 MW of new PV capacity via Akuo Energy
An example of how quickly Indonesia's renewable energy development moves is
the MoU signed recently between the PLN and Akuo Energy, a French IPP
headquartered in Paris. Based on the MoU, Akuo Energy, which created a
subsidiary in Bali, Indonesia in 2012, will conduct a feasibility study for
a hybrid system (solar PV, wind, energy storage and genset) in Indonesia
with a potential capacity of 500 MW and a total investment US$ 850 million.
Christophe Moyon, of Akuo Energy Indonesia, told pv magazine that of the 500
MW capacity, about 250 MW will be solar PV installations. These projects
will be developed in small to medium islands in Indonesia, with small and
isolated electricity systems, where the grid relies mainly on genset, added
Moyon.
Asked why the hybrid project needs to include genset, Moyon replied that "a
small amount of genset is needed to avoid an over-sized storage capacity in
order to reach the target PPA price that PLN expects in each particular
location."
Meanwhile, the PLN has also signed power purchase agreements to buy
electricity generated from six new solar PV plants to be built in the
country. These are four PV plants of 5 MW each, a 10 MW plant and a 15 MW
plant. The tariff for the projects has not been revealed. PLN did not
immediately respond to requests for information from pv magazine.
Indonesia has a target to provide 23% of its energy mix from renewable
energy sources by 2025. The recent renewable energy activity is encouraging,
however in March the PLN has also signed engineering, procurement and
construction contracts for about 1 GW of fossil fuel-based generation, like
a 650 MW combined-cycle power plant in Bekasi, West Java.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2017/04/28/indonesia-new-policy-scheme-and-pv-pr
ojects/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Indonesia recently brought in a new renewable energy law that changes the
remuneration tariffs for renewable energy projects, including solar PV
systems. Furthermore, the country's state-owned utility recently signed
agreements for new photovoltaic capacity.
A few weeks ago, Indonesia's government approved the Energy and Mineral
Resources Minister Decree (MD) No. 12/2017, altering the calculation method
for the renewable power projects' feed-in tariff (FIT).
So, whereas before the FITs were set by the government, the MD No.12/2017
allows the FITs to be the result of negotiation between the country's
state-owned power utility PLN and independent power producers (IPPs).
The new law
Specifically, the new law provides a FIT cap based on the electricity supply
costs of the region where the renewable power project is to be developed.
This is the cost state utility PLN needs to generate each kWh in the
region's electricity system and sub-systems.
Indonesia consists of more than 17,500 islands, of which 6,000 are inhabited
and 1,000 are permanently settled. The dispersed geography of the country is
a challenge for electricity production, with costs varying between different
regions and islands.
Thus, when a region has supply costs above the national average, the FIT
will be capped at 85%. If a region has an electricity supply cost lower than
the national average, then the renewable energy project will receive a FIT
equal to the regional cost. This capping mechanism is valid for all types of
renewable energy, apart from geothermal and waste-to-energy plants.
The new law is controversial, however, it is rather obvious that the
government is trying to convince the PLN to sign more PPAs with independent
power investors. Under the old regime, where tariff prices were higher and
fixed, the PLN was unwilling to sign renewable power contracts. The new law
will perhaps lead to a surge of solar PV projects in eastern parts of the
country where electricity supply costs are higher.
250 MW of new PV capacity via Akuo Energy
An example of how quickly Indonesia's renewable energy development moves is
the MoU signed recently between the PLN and Akuo Energy, a French IPP
headquartered in Paris. Based on the MoU, Akuo Energy, which created a
subsidiary in Bali, Indonesia in 2012, will conduct a feasibility study for
a hybrid system (solar PV, wind, energy storage and genset) in Indonesia
with a potential capacity of 500 MW and a total investment US$ 850 million.
Christophe Moyon, of Akuo Energy Indonesia, told pv magazine that of the 500
MW capacity, about 250 MW will be solar PV installations. These projects
will be developed in small to medium islands in Indonesia, with small and
isolated electricity systems, where the grid relies mainly on genset, added
Moyon.
Asked why the hybrid project needs to include genset, Moyon replied that "a
small amount of genset is needed to avoid an over-sized storage capacity in
order to reach the target PPA price that PLN expects in each particular
location."
Meanwhile, the PLN has also signed power purchase agreements to buy
electricity generated from six new solar PV plants to be built in the
country. These are four PV plants of 5 MW each, a 10 MW plant and a 15 MW
plant. The tariff for the projects has not been revealed. PLN did not
immediately respond to requests for information from pv magazine.
Indonesia has a target to provide 23% of its energy mix from renewable
energy sources by 2025. The recent renewable energy activity is encouraging,
however in March the PLN has also signed engineering, procurement and
construction contracts for about 1 GW of fossil fuel-based generation, like
a 650 MW combined-cycle power plant in Bekasi, West Java.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2017/04/28/indonesia-new-policy-scheme-and-pv-pr
ojects/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
In support of Duterte's 'build' mantra, Philippines needs more power plants
In support of Duterte's 'build' mantra, Philippines needs more power plants
The crises at the moment are the disturbing yellow alerts in the power
supply of the Luzon Grid due to the onset of the summer months. Disturbing
because the situation means we are in danger of experiencing power outages
due to the fact that a number of large power plants have conked out at the
same time.
The unplanned brown-outs are ostensibly due to thinning power capacity and
the expected surge demand for electricity as temperatures soar from
mid-to-high 30's.
The recent spate of earthquakes that shook several towns in Batangas also
contributed to the unscheduled power interruptions as several power plants
situated in the province were critically damaged.
Brown-outs harm the economy by interrupting business activity. The shortage
of electricity supply also leads to structurally high electricity prices.
The high cost of electricity is a deterrent to foreign investments, and
poses a problem to businesses that are already invested in the country.
Priming up the economy
To entice more local and foreign investments, and further push gross
domestic product growth, President Rodrigo Duterte's economic team earlier
this year announced the government's plan to spend as much as P8 trillion on
infrastructure over the medium term.
Recently, the government formalized the plan by branding the program as
"Dutertenomics" aimed at constructing modern bridges and roads, mega subway
systems, and world-class airports and seaports, adopting the "build, build,
and build" mantra.
The aim is to complete these projects within the term of Duterte. However,
the "elementary" part of the program - as Dr. Watson would say - in order to
"build, build, and build," you need to have "power, power, power."
More plants needed
The concerted efforts of the government and private sector to reduce the
impact of unplanned power issues on consumers and businesses is commendable.
With the recent unscheduled brown-outs due to earthquakes and breakdown of
several power plants, coupled with the grand economic plan of the current
administration to construct large infrastructure, the Philippines needs more
modern, environmentally friendly baseload power plants.
But these are not being built fast enough.
For example, the privatization of state-owned power plants under the
Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) is hobbled by the tedious
documentation of government-owned land on which the plants were built.
A number of crucial coal-fired power plant projects have been met with
lawsuits slapped on them by environmentalists. These have severely crippled
completion timelines.
Delays in the approval process do not only cause setbacks in the development
of these power projects - which takes not only about three to four years to
build - but also pose a threat on energy security, and most importantly
constitute a drag on the nation's economic growth.
As the government plans to construct key infrastructures under the
"Dutertenomics" program to further improve public service, particularly
transportation - either by land, air, and sea - there is dire need to build
more power plants to ensure we have enough power supply to run and operate
these projects.
Streamlining application process to build power plants
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committees on Energy and
Economic Affairs, recognizes that the problem which stymies the country's
economic development is the low power capacity of the Philippines in
general, and some big islands, in particular.
During his first committee hearing looking into "institutionalizing energy
projects as Projects of National Significance," he noted that there are many
big committed and indicative power plants lining up for investment, but they
often face challenges in securing the necessary permits and licenses.
One of the papers he received complained that regulatory permit approval in
Philippine electricity generation showed that on average, "power plant
operators need to secure 162 clearances and 102 permits."
Gatchalian is currently looking into crafting a bill which will prioritize
these big power plants (P3.5 billios or higher in capitalization) for faster
approval process.
Gatchalian is also studying a proposal that would give agencies 30 days to
check documents submitted; if they fail to act on time, it is deemed that
the papers are approved and permits are automatically granted.
Adding to the long and tedious process of securing a permit, the current
situation at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the internal
problems it has, as reported in the papers, within the regulatory body is
causing delays in the approval of agreements between electric cooperatives
and power suppliers. A relative in the electric coop industry during my
recent visit to our province expressed alarm over this. He said in the
dialect, "Damo pa nga brownout an maabot sa aton kun dire dadali-on an
pag-aprobar! (We may have more blackouts, mano, if these are not approved in
time.)"
Gatchalian is also asking the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines
(NGCP) to explain the alleged unnecessary delays in acting on applications
for the construction of new power plants.
He is asking the NGCP to explain the setbacks in the approval process,
noting the extended time it has taken the agency to conduct a grid impact
study (GIS) - a prerequisite for power firms to proceed with the
construction of their power projects.
Stalling power plant developments is anti-poor because it jeopardizes the
country's future supply. The absence of a stable power supply is more
expensive for the ordinary Filipinos.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/27/in-support-of-dutertes-build-mantra-ph-need
s-more-power-plants/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The crises at the moment are the disturbing yellow alerts in the power
supply of the Luzon Grid due to the onset of the summer months. Disturbing
because the situation means we are in danger of experiencing power outages
due to the fact that a number of large power plants have conked out at the
same time.
The unplanned brown-outs are ostensibly due to thinning power capacity and
the expected surge demand for electricity as temperatures soar from
mid-to-high 30's.
The recent spate of earthquakes that shook several towns in Batangas also
contributed to the unscheduled power interruptions as several power plants
situated in the province were critically damaged.
Brown-outs harm the economy by interrupting business activity. The shortage
of electricity supply also leads to structurally high electricity prices.
The high cost of electricity is a deterrent to foreign investments, and
poses a problem to businesses that are already invested in the country.
Priming up the economy
To entice more local and foreign investments, and further push gross
domestic product growth, President Rodrigo Duterte's economic team earlier
this year announced the government's plan to spend as much as P8 trillion on
infrastructure over the medium term.
Recently, the government formalized the plan by branding the program as
"Dutertenomics" aimed at constructing modern bridges and roads, mega subway
systems, and world-class airports and seaports, adopting the "build, build,
and build" mantra.
The aim is to complete these projects within the term of Duterte. However,
the "elementary" part of the program - as Dr. Watson would say - in order to
"build, build, and build," you need to have "power, power, power."
More plants needed
The concerted efforts of the government and private sector to reduce the
impact of unplanned power issues on consumers and businesses is commendable.
With the recent unscheduled brown-outs due to earthquakes and breakdown of
several power plants, coupled with the grand economic plan of the current
administration to construct large infrastructure, the Philippines needs more
modern, environmentally friendly baseload power plants.
But these are not being built fast enough.
For example, the privatization of state-owned power plants under the
Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) is hobbled by the tedious
documentation of government-owned land on which the plants were built.
A number of crucial coal-fired power plant projects have been met with
lawsuits slapped on them by environmentalists. These have severely crippled
completion timelines.
Delays in the approval process do not only cause setbacks in the development
of these power projects - which takes not only about three to four years to
build - but also pose a threat on energy security, and most importantly
constitute a drag on the nation's economic growth.
As the government plans to construct key infrastructures under the
"Dutertenomics" program to further improve public service, particularly
transportation - either by land, air, and sea - there is dire need to build
more power plants to ensure we have enough power supply to run and operate
these projects.
Streamlining application process to build power plants
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committees on Energy and
Economic Affairs, recognizes that the problem which stymies the country's
economic development is the low power capacity of the Philippines in
general, and some big islands, in particular.
During his first committee hearing looking into "institutionalizing energy
projects as Projects of National Significance," he noted that there are many
big committed and indicative power plants lining up for investment, but they
often face challenges in securing the necessary permits and licenses.
One of the papers he received complained that regulatory permit approval in
Philippine electricity generation showed that on average, "power plant
operators need to secure 162 clearances and 102 permits."
Gatchalian is currently looking into crafting a bill which will prioritize
these big power plants (P3.5 billios or higher in capitalization) for faster
approval process.
Gatchalian is also studying a proposal that would give agencies 30 days to
check documents submitted; if they fail to act on time, it is deemed that
the papers are approved and permits are automatically granted.
Adding to the long and tedious process of securing a permit, the current
situation at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the internal
problems it has, as reported in the papers, within the regulatory body is
causing delays in the approval of agreements between electric cooperatives
and power suppliers. A relative in the electric coop industry during my
recent visit to our province expressed alarm over this. He said in the
dialect, "Damo pa nga brownout an maabot sa aton kun dire dadali-on an
pag-aprobar! (We may have more blackouts, mano, if these are not approved in
time.)"
Gatchalian is also asking the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines
(NGCP) to explain the alleged unnecessary delays in acting on applications
for the construction of new power plants.
He is asking the NGCP to explain the setbacks in the approval process,
noting the extended time it has taken the agency to conduct a grid impact
study (GIS) - a prerequisite for power firms to proceed with the
construction of their power projects.
Stalling power plant developments is anti-poor because it jeopardizes the
country's future supply. The absence of a stable power supply is more
expensive for the ordinary Filipinos.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/27/in-support-of-dutertes-build-mantra-ph-need
s-more-power-plants/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Yinson Clover secures $1bn FPSO contract in Vietnam
Yinson Clover secures $1bn FPSO contract in Vietnam
Yinson Holdings has secured a $1bn contract from Spanish operator Repsol to
supply and maintain a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO)
facility for the Ca Rong Do oil and gas field located in Block 07/03,
offshore Vietnam.
Yinson said its indirect wholly-owned unit Yinson Clover has signed a
contract with Repsol's Talisman Vietnam 07/03 BV (TLV) for the project. This
follows the receipt of a letter of intent from TLV in January this year.
The contract is for a firm period of ten years. It comes with five yearly
extension options exercisable by the field operator.
As per the requirements under the bid contract, Yinson Clover had inked a
novation agreement with TLV and PetroVietnam Technical Services (PTSC) for
the novation of all rights and liabilities as per the contract to PTSC.
PTSC and Yinson Clover will form a joint venture company to be held 51% by
the former and the remainder by the latter. Once the joint venture comes
into effect, it will sing a bareboat charter contract with PTSC for the
bareboat scope of work under the contract given to Yinson Clover by TLV.
Yinson group executive chairman Lim Han Weng said: "We look forward to
deliver our best to TLV and meeting our obligations under the bareboat
charter contract. This event marks a new milestone for us by adding another
strong contract to the Group's order book.
"Based on Yinson's current track record, we will ensure a successful
execution of the bareboat scope of work under the Contract and expects a
positive contribution to the Group's bottom-line starting from the financial
year ended 31 January 2020."
In another development related to the CRD project, Singapore-based Keppel
FloaTEC has been given a $40m contract to provide engineering and
construction support services for the tension leg wellhead platform.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://drillingandproduction.energy-business-review.com/news/yinson-clover-t
o-deliver-fpso-to-ca-rong-do-field-in-vietnam-270417-5798801
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Yinson Holdings has secured a $1bn contract from Spanish operator Repsol to
supply and maintain a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO)
facility for the Ca Rong Do oil and gas field located in Block 07/03,
offshore Vietnam.
Yinson said its indirect wholly-owned unit Yinson Clover has signed a
contract with Repsol's Talisman Vietnam 07/03 BV (TLV) for the project. This
follows the receipt of a letter of intent from TLV in January this year.
The contract is for a firm period of ten years. It comes with five yearly
extension options exercisable by the field operator.
As per the requirements under the bid contract, Yinson Clover had inked a
novation agreement with TLV and PetroVietnam Technical Services (PTSC) for
the novation of all rights and liabilities as per the contract to PTSC.
PTSC and Yinson Clover will form a joint venture company to be held 51% by
the former and the remainder by the latter. Once the joint venture comes
into effect, it will sing a bareboat charter contract with PTSC for the
bareboat scope of work under the contract given to Yinson Clover by TLV.
Yinson group executive chairman Lim Han Weng said: "We look forward to
deliver our best to TLV and meeting our obligations under the bareboat
charter contract. This event marks a new milestone for us by adding another
strong contract to the Group's order book.
"Based on Yinson's current track record, we will ensure a successful
execution of the bareboat scope of work under the Contract and expects a
positive contribution to the Group's bottom-line starting from the financial
year ended 31 January 2020."
In another development related to the CRD project, Singapore-based Keppel
FloaTEC has been given a $40m contract to provide engineering and
construction support services for the tension leg wellhead platform.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://drillingandproduction.energy-business-review.com/news/yinson-clover-t
o-deliver-fpso-to-ca-rong-do-field-in-vietnam-270417-5798801
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
IFC to invest $60m in solar power firm Jinko Malaysia
IFC to invest $60m in solar power firm Jinko Malaysia
International Finance Corporation (IFC) will invest up to $60 million in
Malaysia's solar power firm Jinko Malaysia to support the firm's technology
investment and related working capital needs at its existing production
facilities in Penang.
Jinko Malaysia, the local arm of China-based JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd, will
use the funds for a $100-million project to upgrade its existing solar cell
production lines to a technology called Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (PERC)
that increases energy conversion and reduces system costs.
The investment from IFC, an arm of The World Bank, will be in two parts -
$40 million of IFC A Loan from IFC's own account and $20 million mobilised
via its Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP), according to an IFC
disclosure.
This is the second investment within a week from IFC in the renewable energy
sector in Asia. Earlier this week, it disclosed a $29 million investment in
renewable energy firm Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (India) Pvt Ltd through
non-convertible debentures.
Jinko Malaysia, which started operations in 2015, manufactures solar energy
cells and modules, and related auxiliary products. It operates solar cell
and module manufacturing facilities with production capacities of 1500 MWp
and 1300 MWp respectively.
Its Chinese parent company JinkoSolar is a company founded in China's
Jiangxi province and is a vertically integrated manufacturer of crystalline
silicon (c-Si) solar modules. Starting with recovered silicon materials,
supplemented by virgin polysilicon, the company produces monocrystalline and
multi-crystalline ingots, wafers, cells, and modules.
The bulk of the modules produced by Jinko are sold internationally. Its
manufacturing facilities are located in the Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces
in southeast China. The company is also increasing manufacturing capacity at
its plants in Malaysia and South Africa.
Meanwhile, IFC is increasingly becoming an important player in the private
investment and venture capital space in Southeast Asia. In an interaction
with DEALSTREETASIA last year, Pravan Malhotra, who leads IFC's investments
in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and clean technology sector, had mentioned
the region was a growing market for the firm.
"Supporting inclusive growth is one of IFC's priorities in the region. We
invest in projects that help create opportunities in all segments of
society," he had said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/ifc-invests-60m-in-solar-power-firm-ji
nko-malaysia-71417/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
International Finance Corporation (IFC) will invest up to $60 million in
Malaysia's solar power firm Jinko Malaysia to support the firm's technology
investment and related working capital needs at its existing production
facilities in Penang.
Jinko Malaysia, the local arm of China-based JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd, will
use the funds for a $100-million project to upgrade its existing solar cell
production lines to a technology called Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (PERC)
that increases energy conversion and reduces system costs.
The investment from IFC, an arm of The World Bank, will be in two parts -
$40 million of IFC A Loan from IFC's own account and $20 million mobilised
via its Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP), according to an IFC
disclosure.
This is the second investment within a week from IFC in the renewable energy
sector in Asia. Earlier this week, it disclosed a $29 million investment in
renewable energy firm Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (India) Pvt Ltd through
non-convertible debentures.
Jinko Malaysia, which started operations in 2015, manufactures solar energy
cells and modules, and related auxiliary products. It operates solar cell
and module manufacturing facilities with production capacities of 1500 MWp
and 1300 MWp respectively.
Its Chinese parent company JinkoSolar is a company founded in China's
Jiangxi province and is a vertically integrated manufacturer of crystalline
silicon (c-Si) solar modules. Starting with recovered silicon materials,
supplemented by virgin polysilicon, the company produces monocrystalline and
multi-crystalline ingots, wafers, cells, and modules.
The bulk of the modules produced by Jinko are sold internationally. Its
manufacturing facilities are located in the Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces
in southeast China. The company is also increasing manufacturing capacity at
its plants in Malaysia and South Africa.
Meanwhile, IFC is increasingly becoming an important player in the private
investment and venture capital space in Southeast Asia. In an interaction
with DEALSTREETASIA last year, Pravan Malhotra, who leads IFC's investments
in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and clean technology sector, had mentioned
the region was a growing market for the firm.
"Supporting inclusive growth is one of IFC's priorities in the region. We
invest in projects that help create opportunities in all segments of
society," he had said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/ifc-invests-60m-in-solar-power-firm-ji
nko-malaysia-71417/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Cusi says Philippines to tap energy investors during ASEAN meetings
Cusi says Philippines to tap energy investors during ASEAN meetings
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Thursday said the Philippines can attract
energy sector investment by seizing the opportunity during meetings and
related events of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this
year, which it chairs.
"Dito sa ASEAN Summit nag-i-invite tayo ng investors in energy. So it is an
opportunity for us to tell our neighbors that there is this development
happening in the Philippines and they can participate," Cusi said on the
sidelines of the Wallace Business Forum in Makati City.
The development is the golden age of infrastructure, an ambitious
infrastructure program of the Duterte administration that is estimated to
cost more than P8.2 trillion.
During the second round of the Dutertenomics Forum on Tuesday, the Energy
chief noted the Philippines needs an additional 43,000 megawatts (MW) of
energy to support the golden age of infrastructure and the 25-year long-term
vision of development.
An estimated $55 billion of investments is needed to cover an initial 17,000
MW and up to $80 billion to fund 26,000 MW more.
"It's open for all, and who can offer the best for the Philippines. Sigurado
naman ako na may papasok diyan," Cusi said.
"In fact, sa August 7-11 we are hosting the Asia Cooperation Dialogue.
Pag-uusapan dito ang energy as the nexus of food, water, and electricity,"
he added.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/608612/cusi-says-philippines-to
-tap-energy-investors-during-asean-meetings/story
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Thursday said the Philippines can attract
energy sector investment by seizing the opportunity during meetings and
related events of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this
year, which it chairs.
"Dito sa ASEAN Summit nag-i-invite tayo ng investors in energy. So it is an
opportunity for us to tell our neighbors that there is this development
happening in the Philippines and they can participate," Cusi said on the
sidelines of the Wallace Business Forum in Makati City.
The development is the golden age of infrastructure, an ambitious
infrastructure program of the Duterte administration that is estimated to
cost more than P8.2 trillion.
During the second round of the Dutertenomics Forum on Tuesday, the Energy
chief noted the Philippines needs an additional 43,000 megawatts (MW) of
energy to support the golden age of infrastructure and the 25-year long-term
vision of development.
An estimated $55 billion of investments is needed to cover an initial 17,000
MW and up to $80 billion to fund 26,000 MW more.
"It's open for all, and who can offer the best for the Philippines. Sigurado
naman ako na may papasok diyan," Cusi said.
"In fact, sa August 7-11 we are hosting the Asia Cooperation Dialogue.
Pag-uusapan dito ang energy as the nexus of food, water, and electricity,"
he added.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/608612/cusi-says-philippines-to
-tap-energy-investors-during-asean-meetings/story
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Gazprom considers gas production on shelf of Thailand and Cambodia
Gazprom considers gas production on shelf of Thailand and Cambodia
PJSC Gazprom considers gas production projects on the continental shelf of
Thailand and Cambodia, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the gas holding,
Vitaly Markelov, said in an interview to the company's corporate magazine.
He explained that it could be a joint project with Thailand's PTT, Rambler
News reports on Thursday.
"In connection with a reduction of gas supplies from Myanmar and fall of the
level of gas production, we discuss options for joint activities in the
exploration and development of gas fields on the shelf of Thailand and
Cambodia. We are considering the possibility of building a strategic
relationship with PTT, including the implementation of joint projects in the
segment of exploration and production in Russia, Thailand, Southeast Asia
and other countries," he said.
As it was previously reported, in May 2016, Gazprom and the Thai national
oil company PTT signed a memorandum of understanding.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://russianconstruction.com/news-1/top-stories/27323-oil-companies-might-
file-a-suit-over-building-demolition-near-pipelines.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
PJSC Gazprom considers gas production projects on the continental shelf of
Thailand and Cambodia, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the gas holding,
Vitaly Markelov, said in an interview to the company's corporate magazine.
He explained that it could be a joint project with Thailand's PTT, Rambler
News reports on Thursday.
"In connection with a reduction of gas supplies from Myanmar and fall of the
level of gas production, we discuss options for joint activities in the
exploration and development of gas fields on the shelf of Thailand and
Cambodia. We are considering the possibility of building a strategic
relationship with PTT, including the implementation of joint projects in the
segment of exploration and production in Russia, Thailand, Southeast Asia
and other countries," he said.
As it was previously reported, in May 2016, Gazprom and the Thai national
oil company PTT signed a memorandum of understanding.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://russianconstruction.com/news-1/top-stories/27323-oil-companies-might-
file-a-suit-over-building-demolition-near-pipelines.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Friday, April 28, 2017
Indonesian court revokes environmental license for the Cirebon coal plant expansion
Indonesian court revokes environmental license for the Cirebon coal plant
expansion
An Indonesian court has ordered the revocation of the environmental permit
for the Cirebon 2 coal-fired power plant.
The project aims to build a 1,000-megawatt coal-fired power plant next to an
existing 600-megawatt facility in Cirebon in the western part of Indonesia's
Java Island. The current power plant and the planned expansion have been the
subject of an ongoing campaign by local and international environmental
activists.
According to an April 19 judgement from the Bandung Administrative Court,
the expansion plan violated the local spatial planning law. Under that law,
project developers PT. Cirebon Energi Prasarana had permission to operate in
one sub-district, Astanajapura.
However, the project plans were also found to cover a second sub-district,
Mundu, which is zoned for other purposes, Indonesian Forum for the
Environment (WALHI) explained in an April 20 press statement.
"This is an important judgement which shows the failure of the local
government to respect an approvals process designed to protect the lives and
livelihoods of people in the surrounding area," added Wahyu Widianto,
campaign manager of WALHI West Java.
Without an environmental permit, the project should not be allowed to
continue. However, the developers can appeal the ruling within 14 days of
its issuance.
Although it is still not final, the verdict marks a significant victory for
activists who have long been fighting coal-power developments in Cirebon.
Dozen of residents from the affected sub-districts gathered at the Bandung
courthouse to hear the verdict and, later, to celebrate the news.
They claim the existing plant has had negative health impacts due to air
pollution and has already harmed the livelihoods of fisherman, farmers and
salt-makers in the area.
Since the 600-megawatt plant opened five years ago, life in Cirebon has
become increasingly precarious, 70-year old Astanajapura sub-district
resident Jusmadi told Mongabay-Indonesia. Fish are more difficult to find,
rice crops suffer from air pollution, and fishponds don't always produce
fish, said Jusmadi, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.
Villagers fear adding an additional 1,000-megawatts of capacity will have
even greater impact on them.
The project has been the focus of numerous demonstrations, including a May
2016 protest in which environmental activists climbed machinery used to
unload fuel being shipped into the plant, hanging protest banners and
blocking the supply of coal.
The expansion plans for Cirebon are also the subject of a civil case, which
alleges that local officials did not satisfy all legal and procedural
requirements before clearing the project's environmental impact assessment,
known locally as an AMDAL. Among other issues, the suit alleges that the
AMDAL and environmental permit were issued without legally required
consultations with affected communities, WALHI said.
Despite the controversy over the project, financing plans have continued to
move forward. On April 18, the day before the court ruling, a consortium of
international financers led by the state-owned Japan Bank for International
Cooperation (JBIC) committed to providing the project $1.74 billion in
funding.
"Signing the loan agreement on day before the court decision shows a total
disrespect for Indonesian laws and even could be seen as an attempt to
influence the court. Therefore, JBIC now must drop all financing plans for
Cirebon 2," WALHI campaigner Dwi Sawung said in a press statement.
Japanese environmental groups - including Friends of the Earth Japan, Japan
Center for a Sustainable Environment and Society, Kiko Network and 350.org
Japan - have also called on JBIC to withdraw financing for the project.
"We express our strong and serious objection against JBIC's premature
decision to finance Cirebon 2, which prioritises the company's profit over
the local people's rights, whilst ignoring a judicial decision in the host
country and in contravention of its own guidelines," the NGOs wrote in an
April 19 joint statement.
Sensitive to both climate change concerns and public pressure, multilateral
and Western lenders have increasingly backed away from funding coal plants.
Meanwhile, Asian financial institutions like the JBIC have become
increasingly important funders for such projects. In Indonesia, JBIC has
also come under scrutiny for its role in financing the Tanjung Jati B and
Batang coal-fired power plants.
JBIC did not respond to an emailed request for comments.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.eco-business.com/news/indonesian-court-revokes-environmental-lice
nse-for-the-cirebon-coal-plant-expansion/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Dail
y%20Digest%2028042017&utm_content=Daily%20Digest%2028042017+CID_f0ed0a9e8935
f2e8e6422300a9062ce8&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
expansion
An Indonesian court has ordered the revocation of the environmental permit
for the Cirebon 2 coal-fired power plant.
The project aims to build a 1,000-megawatt coal-fired power plant next to an
existing 600-megawatt facility in Cirebon in the western part of Indonesia's
Java Island. The current power plant and the planned expansion have been the
subject of an ongoing campaign by local and international environmental
activists.
According to an April 19 judgement from the Bandung Administrative Court,
the expansion plan violated the local spatial planning law. Under that law,
project developers PT. Cirebon Energi Prasarana had permission to operate in
one sub-district, Astanajapura.
However, the project plans were also found to cover a second sub-district,
Mundu, which is zoned for other purposes, Indonesian Forum for the
Environment (WALHI) explained in an April 20 press statement.
"This is an important judgement which shows the failure of the local
government to respect an approvals process designed to protect the lives and
livelihoods of people in the surrounding area," added Wahyu Widianto,
campaign manager of WALHI West Java.
Without an environmental permit, the project should not be allowed to
continue. However, the developers can appeal the ruling within 14 days of
its issuance.
Although it is still not final, the verdict marks a significant victory for
activists who have long been fighting coal-power developments in Cirebon.
Dozen of residents from the affected sub-districts gathered at the Bandung
courthouse to hear the verdict and, later, to celebrate the news.
They claim the existing plant has had negative health impacts due to air
pollution and has already harmed the livelihoods of fisherman, farmers and
salt-makers in the area.
Since the 600-megawatt plant opened five years ago, life in Cirebon has
become increasingly precarious, 70-year old Astanajapura sub-district
resident Jusmadi told Mongabay-Indonesia. Fish are more difficult to find,
rice crops suffer from air pollution, and fishponds don't always produce
fish, said Jusmadi, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.
Villagers fear adding an additional 1,000-megawatts of capacity will have
even greater impact on them.
The project has been the focus of numerous demonstrations, including a May
2016 protest in which environmental activists climbed machinery used to
unload fuel being shipped into the plant, hanging protest banners and
blocking the supply of coal.
The expansion plans for Cirebon are also the subject of a civil case, which
alleges that local officials did not satisfy all legal and procedural
requirements before clearing the project's environmental impact assessment,
known locally as an AMDAL. Among other issues, the suit alleges that the
AMDAL and environmental permit were issued without legally required
consultations with affected communities, WALHI said.
Despite the controversy over the project, financing plans have continued to
move forward. On April 18, the day before the court ruling, a consortium of
international financers led by the state-owned Japan Bank for International
Cooperation (JBIC) committed to providing the project $1.74 billion in
funding.
"Signing the loan agreement on day before the court decision shows a total
disrespect for Indonesian laws and even could be seen as an attempt to
influence the court. Therefore, JBIC now must drop all financing plans for
Cirebon 2," WALHI campaigner Dwi Sawung said in a press statement.
Japanese environmental groups - including Friends of the Earth Japan, Japan
Center for a Sustainable Environment and Society, Kiko Network and 350.org
Japan - have also called on JBIC to withdraw financing for the project.
"We express our strong and serious objection against JBIC's premature
decision to finance Cirebon 2, which prioritises the company's profit over
the local people's rights, whilst ignoring a judicial decision in the host
country and in contravention of its own guidelines," the NGOs wrote in an
April 19 joint statement.
Sensitive to both climate change concerns and public pressure, multilateral
and Western lenders have increasingly backed away from funding coal plants.
Meanwhile, Asian financial institutions like the JBIC have become
increasingly important funders for such projects. In Indonesia, JBIC has
also come under scrutiny for its role in financing the Tanjung Jati B and
Batang coal-fired power plants.
JBIC did not respond to an emailed request for comments.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.eco-business.com/news/indonesian-court-revokes-environmental-lice
nse-for-the-cirebon-coal-plant-expansion/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Dail
y%20Digest%2028042017&utm_content=Daily%20Digest%2028042017+CID_f0ed0a9e8935
f2e8e6422300a9062ce8&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Vietnam: EVN told to propose realistic tariffs
Vietnam: EVN told to propose realistic tariffs
Deputy Prime Minister Vương Đình Huệ has asked the national power company, Electricity of Việt Nam (EVN), to propose tariffs based on true production costs this year.
The move aims to ensure EVN's profits and create favourable conditions to attract investment in renewable enegies, and at the same time to curb inflation, Huệ told EVN representatives in Hà Nội on Wednesday.
EVN should also clarify the results of its restructuring process of the past few years and its upcoming plans, including privatisation, divestment, building a competitive power generation market, human resources and technologies, he added.
EVN calculations show that its total production costs this year are expected to increase to more than VNĐ7.2 trillion (US$316.7 million) due to the fluctuation of coal, gas and oil prices.
EVN general director, Đặng Hoàng An, said earlier this year that some input costs, especially coal, have increased continuously since 2015 but have not been calculated into electricity prices. Coal prices which rose 7 per cent from December 2016accounted for over VNĐ4.7 trillion of the total price increase.
However, EVN says it has set in motion a range of plans to knock off costs of about VNĐ3 trillion from the projected increase. Last year, total revenue reached VNĐ278 trillion, posting a 14 per cent year-on-year increase. All units reported profits in 2016.
The deputy PM asked the group to focus on balancing capital every year in the 2017-20 period to save at least 10 per cent a year.
The ministry, EVN and relevant agencies plan to complete the privatisation process of Power Generation Corporations in the third quarter of the year. The group is requested to review loss-making projects to ensure investment flows for its production and business. Modern technologies should be applied to reduce labour costs, electricity losses and increasing transparency in the power price calculation.
Dương Quang Thành, EVN's chairman, said it would apply automation at all units, especially power transmission and distribution.
The Central Power Corporation has cut about 1,000 people from its payroll by installing two million electronic metres.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article: http://www.vir.com.vn/evn-told-to-propose-realistic-tariffs.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Deputy Prime Minister Vương Đình Huệ has asked the national power company, Electricity of Việt Nam (EVN), to propose tariffs based on true production costs this year.
The move aims to ensure EVN's profits and create favourable conditions to attract investment in renewable enegies, and at the same time to curb inflation, Huệ told EVN representatives in Hà Nội on Wednesday.
EVN should also clarify the results of its restructuring process of the past few years and its upcoming plans, including privatisation, divestment, building a competitive power generation market, human resources and technologies, he added.
EVN calculations show that its total production costs this year are expected to increase to more than VNĐ7.2 trillion (US$316.7 million) due to the fluctuation of coal, gas and oil prices.
EVN general director, Đặng Hoàng An, said earlier this year that some input costs, especially coal, have increased continuously since 2015 but have not been calculated into electricity prices. Coal prices which rose 7 per cent from December 2016accounted for over VNĐ4.7 trillion of the total price increase.
However, EVN says it has set in motion a range of plans to knock off costs of about VNĐ3 trillion from the projected increase. Last year, total revenue reached VNĐ278 trillion, posting a 14 per cent year-on-year increase. All units reported profits in 2016.
The deputy PM asked the group to focus on balancing capital every year in the 2017-20 period to save at least 10 per cent a year.
The ministry, EVN and relevant agencies plan to complete the privatisation process of Power Generation Corporations in the third quarter of the year. The group is requested to review loss-making projects to ensure investment flows for its production and business. Modern technologies should be applied to reduce labour costs, electricity losses and increasing transparency in the power price calculation.
Dương Quang Thành, EVN's chairman, said it would apply automation at all units, especially power transmission and distribution.
The Central Power Corporation has cut about 1,000 people from its payroll by installing two million electronic metres.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article: http://www.vir.com.vn/evn-told-to-propose-realistic-tariffs.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thailand: Seven things to look for in a private power purchase deal
Thailand: Seven things to look for in a private power purchase deal
As the costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels decrease, new business
opportunities are emerging. In addition to the traditional model of
independent power producers establishing large-scale generating facilities
to sell electricity directly to public utilities, a new dynamic model of
direct electricity selling is beginning to take shape.
Solar PV panels can be installed on roofs to supply electricity directly to
a building's occupants, bypassing the need for a local electricity utility.
Under a contract between private parties, the customer and power producer
negotiate directly on the cost of the electricity supplied. The resulting
increase in competition has the potential to reduce energy costs across the
market.
Typically, the electricity seller will remain the owner of the solar panels,
the inverter and other components of the generating system. As the seller
will be financing the installation of the system, the purchaser can sign up
with minimal initial costs.
The principal contractual document governing the relationship between the
seller and purchaser is the power purchase agreement (PPA). These are
traditionally executed between independent power producers (IPP) and a
utility such as the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), the Metropolitan
Electricity Authority (MEA) or the Electricity Generating Authority of
Thailand (Egat).
The PPAs with public utilities generally do not allow for much negotiation
on the part of an IPP. But with rooftop solar installations, both the seller
and the purchaser are private parties, meaning there is greater room for
flexibility.
Here are seven issues that both parties should be aware of from the outset:
1. Ownership of the facilities: Ideally, the purchaser will be the owner of
both the building and the land. However, if the purchaser is leasing the
property, it is important to ensure that installation of the system will not
violate the lease agreement, or will not result in the system becoming
attached to the building as a permanent fixture. If the building and/or land
are being leased, the term of the lease should also be confirmed in order to
ensure that installation of the system will be economical for the seller.
2. Minimum purchase requirements: The purchaser should ideally be required
to purchase a minimum amount of electricity each month, failing which, it
will still be required to compensate the seller. This "take or pay" model is
optimal for ensuring financial predictability for the seller and its
financiers. The purchaser should ensure that its minimum commitments are not
excessive and can easily be managed in light of anticipated future use.
3. Clear lines between force majeure and events of default: A key issue to
consider is how to address changes to the environment that are beyond the
control of the purchaser. For example, if the purchaser's neighbour to the
south erects a tall building, trees or other obstructions, the solar PV
system may be rendered worthless. The PPA should clearly outline whether the
purchaser is entitled to terminate the agreement in such circumstances.
4. Ownership of the system: Since the seller will retain ownership of the
system, it will want to affix conspicuous markings on all equipment to
ensure that its ownership interests are clear. The PPA should contain a
clause that requires the purchaser to assist the seller in the event the
seller wishes to register its ownership interests at any government
agencies. Furthermore, the PPA should contain covenants on the part of the
purchaser that it will take no actions that will result in the system being
deemed a fixture.
5. Mortgages and encumbrances: The seller must be aware if the land and/or
building on which the panels will be placed has been mortgaged.
Additionally, the PPA may contain a negative covenant on the part of the
purchaser not to mortgage the building, or an undertaking to notify the
seller in the event it does so. The seller's lenders may consider securing
their loans to the seller by taking the solar PV system as collateral.
6. Regulatory environment: As this is a new area of business, the regulatory
framework is still evolving. The purchaser and seller must stay apprised of
new rules and regulations promulgated by the Energy Regulatory Commission,
and the PPA must envision how new rules affecting the transaction will be
addressed.
7. Payment terms: Delayed payment by the purchaser should ideally result in
automatic interest payments being levied. It will not be in the seller's
best interests to terminate the agreement immediately in the event of
non-payment; however, the purchaser must have a clear disincentive to delay
making its regular payments.
Private PPAs for solar PV systems are still in their infancy in Thailand,
and best practices will continue to develop. It is important that both
purchasers and sellers of electricity are aware of the legal risks involved
when negotiating PPAs and have taken all appropriate steps to maximise their
bargaining position.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1240150/seven-things-to-look-for-in
-a-private-power-purchase-deal
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
As the costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels decrease, new business
opportunities are emerging. In addition to the traditional model of
independent power producers establishing large-scale generating facilities
to sell electricity directly to public utilities, a new dynamic model of
direct electricity selling is beginning to take shape.
Solar PV panels can be installed on roofs to supply electricity directly to
a building's occupants, bypassing the need for a local electricity utility.
Under a contract between private parties, the customer and power producer
negotiate directly on the cost of the electricity supplied. The resulting
increase in competition has the potential to reduce energy costs across the
market.
Typically, the electricity seller will remain the owner of the solar panels,
the inverter and other components of the generating system. As the seller
will be financing the installation of the system, the purchaser can sign up
with minimal initial costs.
The principal contractual document governing the relationship between the
seller and purchaser is the power purchase agreement (PPA). These are
traditionally executed between independent power producers (IPP) and a
utility such as the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), the Metropolitan
Electricity Authority (MEA) or the Electricity Generating Authority of
Thailand (Egat).
The PPAs with public utilities generally do not allow for much negotiation
on the part of an IPP. But with rooftop solar installations, both the seller
and the purchaser are private parties, meaning there is greater room for
flexibility.
Here are seven issues that both parties should be aware of from the outset:
1. Ownership of the facilities: Ideally, the purchaser will be the owner of
both the building and the land. However, if the purchaser is leasing the
property, it is important to ensure that installation of the system will not
violate the lease agreement, or will not result in the system becoming
attached to the building as a permanent fixture. If the building and/or land
are being leased, the term of the lease should also be confirmed in order to
ensure that installation of the system will be economical for the seller.
2. Minimum purchase requirements: The purchaser should ideally be required
to purchase a minimum amount of electricity each month, failing which, it
will still be required to compensate the seller. This "take or pay" model is
optimal for ensuring financial predictability for the seller and its
financiers. The purchaser should ensure that its minimum commitments are not
excessive and can easily be managed in light of anticipated future use.
3. Clear lines between force majeure and events of default: A key issue to
consider is how to address changes to the environment that are beyond the
control of the purchaser. For example, if the purchaser's neighbour to the
south erects a tall building, trees or other obstructions, the solar PV
system may be rendered worthless. The PPA should clearly outline whether the
purchaser is entitled to terminate the agreement in such circumstances.
4. Ownership of the system: Since the seller will retain ownership of the
system, it will want to affix conspicuous markings on all equipment to
ensure that its ownership interests are clear. The PPA should contain a
clause that requires the purchaser to assist the seller in the event the
seller wishes to register its ownership interests at any government
agencies. Furthermore, the PPA should contain covenants on the part of the
purchaser that it will take no actions that will result in the system being
deemed a fixture.
5. Mortgages and encumbrances: The seller must be aware if the land and/or
building on which the panels will be placed has been mortgaged.
Additionally, the PPA may contain a negative covenant on the part of the
purchaser not to mortgage the building, or an undertaking to notify the
seller in the event it does so. The seller's lenders may consider securing
their loans to the seller by taking the solar PV system as collateral.
6. Regulatory environment: As this is a new area of business, the regulatory
framework is still evolving. The purchaser and seller must stay apprised of
new rules and regulations promulgated by the Energy Regulatory Commission,
and the PPA must envision how new rules affecting the transaction will be
addressed.
7. Payment terms: Delayed payment by the purchaser should ideally result in
automatic interest payments being levied. It will not be in the seller's
best interests to terminate the agreement immediately in the event of
non-payment; however, the purchaser must have a clear disincentive to delay
making its regular payments.
Private PPAs for solar PV systems are still in their infancy in Thailand,
and best practices will continue to develop. It is important that both
purchasers and sellers of electricity are aware of the legal risks involved
when negotiating PPAs and have taken all appropriate steps to maximise their
bargaining position.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1240150/seven-things-to-look-for-in
-a-private-power-purchase-deal
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Cambodia: Renewables start to gain traction
Cambodia: Renewables start to gain traction
Solar power is slowly gaining momentum in Cambodia as a viable source of
electricity for the country's growing energy needs, though stakeholders are
anxious to see a real government commitment to establish a beneficial
regulatory framework.
Speaking at a forum organised by EuroCham yesterday, private sector players
called on the government to incorporate green business strategies and back
solar proposals such as a net metering tariff.
Tin Ponlok, secretary-general of the Cambodia National Council for
Sustainable Development, said that the government vowed to pay more
attention to the solar industry, but urged the international community to
"level the playing field" by increasing access to technology, especially for
developing countries.
Nevertheless, Arnaud Ayral, regional business development director for
Cleantech, said that Cambodia's solar capacity continues to grow despite
numerous challenges.
"Right now it is just happening but Cambodia has a huge momentum and a huge
amount of interest [in solar]," he said. "Estimates differ between 10 or 20
megawatts of solar that are already operational in the country."
Ayral added that the primary challenges for wide-scale solar adoption hinged
on financial backing, government support and long-term planning.
"It remains a long-term commitment, whether you invest yourself or whether
you get someone else to do it for you, you are looking at 10 years or more
in terms of length," he said. "So if you are not sure if you are going to
continue to operate your plant in five years, it is going to be difficult."
One successful sign for solar adoption was an announcement early this week
that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was providing funding for Cambodia's
only planned solar farm, lending $9.2 million to Singapore-based Sunseap
Group for its 10-megawatt facility in Bavet.
Shuji Hashizume, the lead project officer at the ADB for the loan, told The
Post that renewable energy projects of that scale require high upfront
capital costs before they can become viable - something that traditional
financial institutions are unwilling to take on.
"To ensure a competitive tariff for the benefit of the consumers and the
country, and for the project developers to enjoy reasonable return from
their investments at the same time, it is important that they have access to
competitive, long-term financing," he said.
"This remains scarce in an emerging country like Cambodia since
international commercial banks are reluctant due to perceived high political
risks [while] the local banking sector is underdeveloped and their funding
costs are high."
The Bavet solar farm, which has already secured a power purchasing agreement
with the state-run Electricite du Cambodge (EdC), faced numerous
uncertainties after Sunseap won the initial bid last year. According to
Hashizume, additional funding was needed to create new framework agreements.
"There was no established template for a power purchase agreement, so the
project sponsor had to negotiate with the EdC to ensure the PPA is
bankable," he said. "These all come with additional associated fees and
resources which they would not have needed in a more established market with
precedent projects."
The $9.2 million concessional loan is supported by the Canadian Climate Fund
for the Private Sector in Asia and co-financed by France's BRED Bank.
Jean-Christophe Levens, head of corporate structured finance Asia at BRED
Bank, said that the public-private partnership represented a diversification
of financial lending in the Kingdom.
"In Cambodia, we are slowly starting to see the development of more complex
and sophisticated products, of which project and structured finance is one
of them," he said. "This financing is also good for us because it allows us
to reach out to a more diversified number of industries."
Levens said solar offered good potential for investment in Cambodia, adding
other similar energy projects are in the pipeline. He noted that the
involvement of the ADB and the EdC alongside other international
shareholders helped to mitigate the risks of financing the nascent renewable
energy market.
"For us, the decision to finance solar projects in Cambodia makes sense, due
to the requirements of the country in energy, even more in clean energy," he
said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/renewables-start-gain-traction?utm_sou
rce=Phnompenh+Post+Main+List&utm_campaign=c34798a4cb-20170428&utm_medium=ema
il&utm_term=0_690109a91f-c34798a4cb-45529029
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Solar power is slowly gaining momentum in Cambodia as a viable source of
electricity for the country's growing energy needs, though stakeholders are
anxious to see a real government commitment to establish a beneficial
regulatory framework.
Speaking at a forum organised by EuroCham yesterday, private sector players
called on the government to incorporate green business strategies and back
solar proposals such as a net metering tariff.
Tin Ponlok, secretary-general of the Cambodia National Council for
Sustainable Development, said that the government vowed to pay more
attention to the solar industry, but urged the international community to
"level the playing field" by increasing access to technology, especially for
developing countries.
Nevertheless, Arnaud Ayral, regional business development director for
Cleantech, said that Cambodia's solar capacity continues to grow despite
numerous challenges.
"Right now it is just happening but Cambodia has a huge momentum and a huge
amount of interest [in solar]," he said. "Estimates differ between 10 or 20
megawatts of solar that are already operational in the country."
Ayral added that the primary challenges for wide-scale solar adoption hinged
on financial backing, government support and long-term planning.
"It remains a long-term commitment, whether you invest yourself or whether
you get someone else to do it for you, you are looking at 10 years or more
in terms of length," he said. "So if you are not sure if you are going to
continue to operate your plant in five years, it is going to be difficult."
One successful sign for solar adoption was an announcement early this week
that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was providing funding for Cambodia's
only planned solar farm, lending $9.2 million to Singapore-based Sunseap
Group for its 10-megawatt facility in Bavet.
Shuji Hashizume, the lead project officer at the ADB for the loan, told The
Post that renewable energy projects of that scale require high upfront
capital costs before they can become viable - something that traditional
financial institutions are unwilling to take on.
"To ensure a competitive tariff for the benefit of the consumers and the
country, and for the project developers to enjoy reasonable return from
their investments at the same time, it is important that they have access to
competitive, long-term financing," he said.
"This remains scarce in an emerging country like Cambodia since
international commercial banks are reluctant due to perceived high political
risks [while] the local banking sector is underdeveloped and their funding
costs are high."
The Bavet solar farm, which has already secured a power purchasing agreement
with the state-run Electricite du Cambodge (EdC), faced numerous
uncertainties after Sunseap won the initial bid last year. According to
Hashizume, additional funding was needed to create new framework agreements.
"There was no established template for a power purchase agreement, so the
project sponsor had to negotiate with the EdC to ensure the PPA is
bankable," he said. "These all come with additional associated fees and
resources which they would not have needed in a more established market with
precedent projects."
The $9.2 million concessional loan is supported by the Canadian Climate Fund
for the Private Sector in Asia and co-financed by France's BRED Bank.
Jean-Christophe Levens, head of corporate structured finance Asia at BRED
Bank, said that the public-private partnership represented a diversification
of financial lending in the Kingdom.
"In Cambodia, we are slowly starting to see the development of more complex
and sophisticated products, of which project and structured finance is one
of them," he said. "This financing is also good for us because it allows us
to reach out to a more diversified number of industries."
Levens said solar offered good potential for investment in Cambodia, adding
other similar energy projects are in the pipeline. He noted that the
involvement of the ADB and the EdC alongside other international
shareholders helped to mitigate the risks of financing the nascent renewable
energy market.
"For us, the decision to finance solar projects in Cambodia makes sense, due
to the requirements of the country in energy, even more in clean energy," he
said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/renewables-start-gain-traction?utm_sou
rce=Phnompenh+Post+Main+List&utm_campaign=c34798a4cb-20170428&utm_medium=ema
il&utm_term=0_690109a91f-c34798a4cb-45529029
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Vietnam: PVN and GAZPROM extend the Cooperation in gas power sector
Vietnam: PVN and GAZPROM extend the Cooperation in gas power sector
Recently, in Moscow , Gazprom CEOMr. Alexey Miller and PVN CEO Mr. Nguyen Vu
Truong Son had a working meeting on bilateral cooperation in petroleum
exploitation in Vietnam and Russia as well as the joining perspective
cooperation in gas power development and LNG transportation means.
Gazprom has participated in developing Hai Thach - Moc Tinh gas field since
2003 so far with a total amount of 6.6 billion cubic meters. In 2016, two
sides exploited 2 billion cubic meters from this field as planed and
completed 5 year drilling program with drilling 16 wells in petroleum fields
of Vietnam as committed.
Hai Thach - Moc Tinh field belongs to 05-2 and 05-3 lots on Vietnam
continental shelf operated by PVN Bien Dong Petroleum Operating Company
(BDPOC). Representative of Gazprom in this project is Gazprom International,
a company specializing to implement the petroleum projects outside the
Russian territory.
In the world energy market, Gazprom is not only a potential exporter but
also a reliable and stable energy supplier.
In the meeting two sides also compared notes on geological exploratory
progress at 112 and 129 - 130 lots on Vietnam continental shelf, developing
Nagumanovskoye oil-gas-condensate and Severo - Purovskoye gas-condensate
projects in Russia, as well as the joining perspective cooperation in gas
power development and LNG transportation means.
Gazprom is a largest group of Russia participating in world energy market,
considerably contributing to global energy stability and security.
The specific characteristic of Gazprom is that it is both a producer and a
supplier of energy resources with the large reserves, modern infrastructures
and broad gas pipeline system.
Thanks to geographic position of Russia, Gazprom is still able to become an
energy bridge between European and Asian markets and a supplier of transit
gas transporting service from the other gas producers.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://nangluongvietnam.vn/news/en/oil-and-gas/pvn-and-gazprom-extend-the-co
operation-in-gas-power-sector.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Recently, in Moscow , Gazprom CEOMr. Alexey Miller and PVN CEO Mr. Nguyen Vu
Truong Son had a working meeting on bilateral cooperation in petroleum
exploitation in Vietnam and Russia as well as the joining perspective
cooperation in gas power development and LNG transportation means.
Gazprom has participated in developing Hai Thach - Moc Tinh gas field since
2003 so far with a total amount of 6.6 billion cubic meters. In 2016, two
sides exploited 2 billion cubic meters from this field as planed and
completed 5 year drilling program with drilling 16 wells in petroleum fields
of Vietnam as committed.
Hai Thach - Moc Tinh field belongs to 05-2 and 05-3 lots on Vietnam
continental shelf operated by PVN Bien Dong Petroleum Operating Company
(BDPOC). Representative of Gazprom in this project is Gazprom International,
a company specializing to implement the petroleum projects outside the
Russian territory.
In the world energy market, Gazprom is not only a potential exporter but
also a reliable and stable energy supplier.
In the meeting two sides also compared notes on geological exploratory
progress at 112 and 129 - 130 lots on Vietnam continental shelf, developing
Nagumanovskoye oil-gas-condensate and Severo - Purovskoye gas-condensate
projects in Russia, as well as the joining perspective cooperation in gas
power development and LNG transportation means.
Gazprom is a largest group of Russia participating in world energy market,
considerably contributing to global energy stability and security.
The specific characteristic of Gazprom is that it is both a producer and a
supplier of energy resources with the large reserves, modern infrastructures
and broad gas pipeline system.
Thanks to geographic position of Russia, Gazprom is still able to become an
energy bridge between European and Asian markets and a supplier of transit
gas transporting service from the other gas producers.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://nangluongvietnam.vn/news/en/oil-and-gas/pvn-and-gazprom-extend-the-co
operation-in-gas-power-sector.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Philippines: Meralco unit subsidiary seen closing P100-B loan soon
Philippines: Meralco unit subsidiary seen closing P100-B loan soon
A subsidiary of Manila Electric Co. is in the final stages of choosing
arrangers for a P100-billion loan that would bankroll the planned
1,200-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Quezon province.
Meralco touts the facility that will be run by Atimonan One Energy Inc.
(A1E) as the Philippines' first "ultra supercritical" coal-fired power
plant.
According to the Brussels-based nonprofit GreenFacts Initiative, an ultra
supercritical power plant operates at temperatures and pressures above the
critical point of water, where there is no difference between water gas and
liquid water.
GreenFacts-whose avowed mission is to provide nonexperts with unbiased,
factual content of complex scientific consensus reports on health and the
environment-said this made such power plants more efficient than
conventional coal-fired plants.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://business.inquirer.net/228414/meralco-unit-subsidiary-seen-closing-p10
0-b-loan-soon
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
A subsidiary of Manila Electric Co. is in the final stages of choosing
arrangers for a P100-billion loan that would bankroll the planned
1,200-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Quezon province.
Meralco touts the facility that will be run by Atimonan One Energy Inc.
(A1E) as the Philippines' first "ultra supercritical" coal-fired power
plant.
According to the Brussels-based nonprofit GreenFacts Initiative, an ultra
supercritical power plant operates at temperatures and pressures above the
critical point of water, where there is no difference between water gas and
liquid water.
GreenFacts-whose avowed mission is to provide nonexperts with unbiased,
factual content of complex scientific consensus reports on health and the
environment-said this made such power plants more efficient than
conventional coal-fired plants.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://business.inquirer.net/228414/meralco-unit-subsidiary-seen-closing-p10
0-b-loan-soon
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
GE hands over Southeast Asia's single largest ultra-supercritical power unit to Malaysia
GE hands over Southeast Asia's single largest ultra-supercritical power unit
to Malaysia
US energy giant GE has just announced the handover of the 1,000MW Manjung 4
power plant to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the largest electricity utility
in Malaysia, following two years of successful commercial operation.
GE was the EPC contractor together with its consortium partner CMC
Engineering for the power plant and it successfully delivered the project on
time and within budget.
Located in the Manjung complex in the state of Perak, TNB Manjung 4 is
Southeast Asia's first ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant and a
critical part of Malaysia's energy diversification policy.
Manjung 4 is the single largest unit in Southeast Asia and produces enough
electricity to power nearly two million households.
Manjung 4 was built in four years and commenced commercial operations on
April 14, 2015. Using GE's ultra-supercritical combustion technology, the
plant can generate electricity with lower emissions up to 10 per cent more
efficiently than the global average of coal fired power plants.
Each additional percentage point in efficiency reduces carbon dioxide
emissions by 2 per cent, as well as lowering plant operating and overall
lifecycle costs.
During its operation, Manjung 4 has met or exceeded original performance
commitments to deliver more value to TNB.
In addition to its incredible efficiency, the plant has also achieved
extremely high availability, particularly during the second year of
operation.
The plant has achieved 94.5 per cent availability in its first two years of
operation, exceeding its target rate while allowing TNB to reliably deliver
full base load to the grid.
"The energy demands of Southeast Asia are growing and coal remains a vital
part of the energy mix. By bringing reliable, affordable, and efficient
solutions to the Manjung 4 plant, we have proven that coal can continue to
play an essential role in meeting the region's growing energy needs reliably
and sustainably," said Andreas Lusch, president and CEO, GE Steam Power
Systems.
"Manjung 4 represents the latest step in the evolution of coal-powered
plants and demonstrates the potential for ultra-supercritical technology to
lower emissions while responding to growing energy demands across Southeast
Asia," Lusch added.
Manjung 4 has sophisticated environmental control technology to
significantly reduce SO2 and NOx emissions up to 70 per cent compared to
other Manjung units.
GE's Seawater Flue Gas Desulfurisation (FGD) system achieves more than 90
per cent SO2 removal, setting Manjung 4 at 200mg/Nm3, significantly below
World Bank standards of 750 mg/Nm3.
Acknowledging its world-class EPC capabilities that enable power producers
such as TNB to deliver on both their power and environmental commitments
within a very dynamic industry, GE Steam Power Systems received awards from
Asian Power and International Project Management Association for this
project.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.vir.com.vn/ge-hands-over-southeast-asias-single-largest-ultra-sup
ercritical-power-unit-to-malaysia.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
to Malaysia
US energy giant GE has just announced the handover of the 1,000MW Manjung 4
power plant to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the largest electricity utility
in Malaysia, following two years of successful commercial operation.
GE was the EPC contractor together with its consortium partner CMC
Engineering for the power plant and it successfully delivered the project on
time and within budget.
Located in the Manjung complex in the state of Perak, TNB Manjung 4 is
Southeast Asia's first ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant and a
critical part of Malaysia's energy diversification policy.
Manjung 4 is the single largest unit in Southeast Asia and produces enough
electricity to power nearly two million households.
Manjung 4 was built in four years and commenced commercial operations on
April 14, 2015. Using GE's ultra-supercritical combustion technology, the
plant can generate electricity with lower emissions up to 10 per cent more
efficiently than the global average of coal fired power plants.
Each additional percentage point in efficiency reduces carbon dioxide
emissions by 2 per cent, as well as lowering plant operating and overall
lifecycle costs.
During its operation, Manjung 4 has met or exceeded original performance
commitments to deliver more value to TNB.
In addition to its incredible efficiency, the plant has also achieved
extremely high availability, particularly during the second year of
operation.
The plant has achieved 94.5 per cent availability in its first two years of
operation, exceeding its target rate while allowing TNB to reliably deliver
full base load to the grid.
"The energy demands of Southeast Asia are growing and coal remains a vital
part of the energy mix. By bringing reliable, affordable, and efficient
solutions to the Manjung 4 plant, we have proven that coal can continue to
play an essential role in meeting the region's growing energy needs reliably
and sustainably," said Andreas Lusch, president and CEO, GE Steam Power
Systems.
"Manjung 4 represents the latest step in the evolution of coal-powered
plants and demonstrates the potential for ultra-supercritical technology to
lower emissions while responding to growing energy demands across Southeast
Asia," Lusch added.
Manjung 4 has sophisticated environmental control technology to
significantly reduce SO2 and NOx emissions up to 70 per cent compared to
other Manjung units.
GE's Seawater Flue Gas Desulfurisation (FGD) system achieves more than 90
per cent SO2 removal, setting Manjung 4 at 200mg/Nm3, significantly below
World Bank standards of 750 mg/Nm3.
Acknowledging its world-class EPC capabilities that enable power producers
such as TNB to deliver on both their power and environmental commitments
within a very dynamic industry, GE Steam Power Systems received awards from
Asian Power and International Project Management Association for this
project.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.vir.com.vn/ge-hands-over-southeast-asias-single-largest-ultra-sup
ercritical-power-unit-to-malaysia.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Myanmar: Yangon Power Company Readies Budget for System Improvements
Myanmar: Yangon Power Company Readies Budget for System Improvements
The Yangon Electricity Supply Corp (YESC) will spend Ks 17,618.473 million
on power distribution in fiscal 2017-18.
The regional government will implement the projects with loans from the
Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the Japanese International
Cooperation Agency.
In an bid to upgrade the power distribution system, YESC will carry out the
construction of sub-power stations, transformers and power grids and the
hiring of consultants in five townships in Yangon, with Ks 9,038.31 million
from an ADB loan.
The projects for the installation of power grids will be implemented with Ks
3,557.74 million gained from a loan from Japanese agency.
The World Bank will grant a loan of Ks 5022.420 million for the installation
of power grids and transformers so as to electrify villages within a
two-mile radius of power grids.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://consult-myanmar.com/2017/04/27/yangon-power-company-readies-budget-f
or-system-improvements/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The Yangon Electricity Supply Corp (YESC) will spend Ks 17,618.473 million
on power distribution in fiscal 2017-18.
The regional government will implement the projects with loans from the
Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the Japanese International
Cooperation Agency.
In an bid to upgrade the power distribution system, YESC will carry out the
construction of sub-power stations, transformers and power grids and the
hiring of consultants in five townships in Yangon, with Ks 9,038.31 million
from an ADB loan.
The projects for the installation of power grids will be implemented with Ks
3,557.74 million gained from a loan from Japanese agency.
The World Bank will grant a loan of Ks 5022.420 million for the installation
of power grids and transformers so as to electrify villages within a
two-mile radius of power grids.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://consult-myanmar.com/2017/04/27/yangon-power-company-readies-budget-f
or-system-improvements/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Philippines: Meralco profits surge by 6% at P4.6B for Q1
Philippines: Meralco profits surge by 6% at P4.6B for Q1
EDC retiring $100 M of Sinagpore Exchange-Listed Notes
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) concluded its business operations with a 6%
gain, amounting up to P4.6B flat of core net income for the first quarter of
2017.
This update is slightly higher than 2016's Q1 P4.59B, said Meralco Chief
Finance Officer Betty Siy-Yap.
However, sales are consistently low as volume grew only 2.6% to 9.317
gigawatt per hour (GWh). According to Meralco President and Chief Executive
Officer Oscar Reyes, the quarter's slow growth is due to a number of
constraints including "(a) cooler temperature, the leap year effect, and the
effect of higher inflation, prices and retail rates which affect the
customers' ability to spend."
The energy provider cited that the recorded cooler temperature of 26.6
degrees celsius first three months in the year affected its lukewarm sales,
specifically in residential volume where the average retail price is P7.84
per kWh higher.
At the same time, the leap year absence brought in lower energy sales of
approximately 100 GWh.
The first quarter also saw Meralco's increase in electric revenues, which
are up by 12% with an average distribution rate of P1.40 per kilowatt-hour
(kWh), Business World reports.
Furthermore, Meralco sees growth opportunities through its expansion in
consumer base thanks to the additional spending backed by OFW remittances
and the sustained economic growth of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
industry.
In line with this, Meralco's net profits soared to 5.9% with from P4.55B to
P4.82B.
"Despite global growth and geopolitical uncertainties, we remain confident
that the domestic economy will continue to expand at the current pace, or
potentially faster, as new drivers weigh in, such as more
government/public-private partnership projects with more bilateral funding
from regional powerhouses," said Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan in a
statement.
"Meralco will continue to focus on the resultant growth opportunities for
its core electricity distribution business and on sustained operational
excellence, mindful of business and technology disruptors emerging in the
power industry. In respect of these, we will be engaged in a continuing
effort to get businesses and regulators aligned with these developments," he
added.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://powerphilippines.com/2017/04/26/meralco-profits-surge-6-46-q1/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
EDC retiring $100 M of Sinagpore Exchange-Listed Notes
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) concluded its business operations with a 6%
gain, amounting up to P4.6B flat of core net income for the first quarter of
2017.
This update is slightly higher than 2016's Q1 P4.59B, said Meralco Chief
Finance Officer Betty Siy-Yap.
However, sales are consistently low as volume grew only 2.6% to 9.317
gigawatt per hour (GWh). According to Meralco President and Chief Executive
Officer Oscar Reyes, the quarter's slow growth is due to a number of
constraints including "(a) cooler temperature, the leap year effect, and the
effect of higher inflation, prices and retail rates which affect the
customers' ability to spend."
The energy provider cited that the recorded cooler temperature of 26.6
degrees celsius first three months in the year affected its lukewarm sales,
specifically in residential volume where the average retail price is P7.84
per kWh higher.
At the same time, the leap year absence brought in lower energy sales of
approximately 100 GWh.
The first quarter also saw Meralco's increase in electric revenues, which
are up by 12% with an average distribution rate of P1.40 per kilowatt-hour
(kWh), Business World reports.
Furthermore, Meralco sees growth opportunities through its expansion in
consumer base thanks to the additional spending backed by OFW remittances
and the sustained economic growth of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
industry.
In line with this, Meralco's net profits soared to 5.9% with from P4.55B to
P4.82B.
"Despite global growth and geopolitical uncertainties, we remain confident
that the domestic economy will continue to expand at the current pace, or
potentially faster, as new drivers weigh in, such as more
government/public-private partnership projects with more bilateral funding
from regional powerhouses," said Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan in a
statement.
"Meralco will continue to focus on the resultant growth opportunities for
its core electricity distribution business and on sustained operational
excellence, mindful of business and technology disruptors emerging in the
power industry. In respect of these, we will be engaged in a continuing
effort to get businesses and regulators aligned with these developments," he
added.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://powerphilippines.com/2017/04/26/meralco-profits-surge-6-46-q1/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Vietnam: Stricter fuel standards cause headache to major oil refineries
Vietnam: Stricter fuel standards cause headache to major oil refineries
Stricter fuel standards cause headache to major oil refineries, vietnam
economy, business news, vn news, vietnamnet bridge, english news, Vietnam
news, news Vietnam, vietnamnet news, vn news, Vietnam net news, Vietnam
latest news, Vietnam reaking news
Major fuel trading businesses were recently required to supply diesel oil
level 4 (Euro 4 standard) to the market no later than on January 1, 2018, a
move which put Vietnam's two existing refineries-Dung Quat and Nghi Son-into
a tight spot.
The two refineries need more time to upgrade their facilities to reach the
required standards.
Dung Quat, Vietnam's first oil refinery based in the central province of
Quang Ngai, had its initial investment project approved in 1997 and revised
plan approved in 2005.
At the time the technical blueprint was approved, the products made by Dung
Quat were ensured to meet or surpass contemporary quality requirements.
The first batch of products came out in February 2009 and the facility was
ready for commercial operation from May 2010, with products strictly meeting
Vietnamese quality standard requirements.
In September 2001, following the enactment of the prime ministerial Decision
49/2011/QD-TTg (Decision 49) which requires the supply of Euro 4 fuel
products to the market starting from January 2017, Dung Quat has set to
upgrading and expanding its production lines.
For a combination of factors, its targets for quality improvement and
capacity expansion have yet to be fully completed.
Dung Quat's upgrade and expansion project was scheduled for completion in
2022.
A recent report by domestic state-owned fuel giant and Dung Quat's
management authority PetroVietnam stated that even when the upgrade and
expansion was finalised, Dung Quat could only produce and supply petrol and
diesel oil meeting Euro 2 standards.
With the current production capacity of 2.48 million tonnes of petrol and
2.33 million tonnes of diesel oil per year, Dung Quat can satisfy only part
of the local fuel demand.
Nghi Son complex (NSRP), based in the north-central province of Thanh Hoa,
has run into similar difficulties.
NSRP's investment project was approved in April 2008 and its master
technical design was approved in December 2009.
The bidding process took place in March 2009. This means all important steps
for the project's deployment were implemented before the enactment of Decree
49.
According to the blueprint, the products made by NSRP will met or surpass
existing quality requirements. The oil refinery is to begin test-runs and
market its first batch of products within this year.
Once operational, NSRP will be producing 1.47 million tonnes of common
diesel oil and 2.2 million tonnes of top-grade diesel oil per year.
Both Dung Quat and Nghi Son oil refineries will have a large part of their
production falling short of Euro 4 standards, making it hard for these two
oil refineries to satisfy the recent requirements on Euro 4 standards.
Earlier, Notice 398/TB-VPCP dated December 2016 of the Government Office
stipulated that passenger cars and buses with diesel engines shall be
applied Euro 4 emission standards from January 1, 2018, while the deadline
for trucks with diesel engines will be extended to 2022.
Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung, however, via Document 436 TTg-CN
dated March 2017, asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to require major
fuel trading businesses to work out a plan ensuring the supply and
distribution of Euro 4 and 5 fuel products in the market to meet the
requirements of Decision 49.
Right in this year's fourth quarter, these firms must improve infrastructure
conditions and other commercial factors to be able to supply Euro 4 diesel
oil to the market no later than January 1, 2018.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/177305/stricter-fuel-standards-cau
se-headache-to-major-oil-refineries.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Stricter fuel standards cause headache to major oil refineries, vietnam
economy, business news, vn news, vietnamnet bridge, english news, Vietnam
news, news Vietnam, vietnamnet news, vn news, Vietnam net news, Vietnam
latest news, Vietnam reaking news
Major fuel trading businesses were recently required to supply diesel oil
level 4 (Euro 4 standard) to the market no later than on January 1, 2018, a
move which put Vietnam's two existing refineries-Dung Quat and Nghi Son-into
a tight spot.
The two refineries need more time to upgrade their facilities to reach the
required standards.
Dung Quat, Vietnam's first oil refinery based in the central province of
Quang Ngai, had its initial investment project approved in 1997 and revised
plan approved in 2005.
At the time the technical blueprint was approved, the products made by Dung
Quat were ensured to meet or surpass contemporary quality requirements.
The first batch of products came out in February 2009 and the facility was
ready for commercial operation from May 2010, with products strictly meeting
Vietnamese quality standard requirements.
In September 2001, following the enactment of the prime ministerial Decision
49/2011/QD-TTg (Decision 49) which requires the supply of Euro 4 fuel
products to the market starting from January 2017, Dung Quat has set to
upgrading and expanding its production lines.
For a combination of factors, its targets for quality improvement and
capacity expansion have yet to be fully completed.
Dung Quat's upgrade and expansion project was scheduled for completion in
2022.
A recent report by domestic state-owned fuel giant and Dung Quat's
management authority PetroVietnam stated that even when the upgrade and
expansion was finalised, Dung Quat could only produce and supply petrol and
diesel oil meeting Euro 2 standards.
With the current production capacity of 2.48 million tonnes of petrol and
2.33 million tonnes of diesel oil per year, Dung Quat can satisfy only part
of the local fuel demand.
Nghi Son complex (NSRP), based in the north-central province of Thanh Hoa,
has run into similar difficulties.
NSRP's investment project was approved in April 2008 and its master
technical design was approved in December 2009.
The bidding process took place in March 2009. This means all important steps
for the project's deployment were implemented before the enactment of Decree
49.
According to the blueprint, the products made by NSRP will met or surpass
existing quality requirements. The oil refinery is to begin test-runs and
market its first batch of products within this year.
Once operational, NSRP will be producing 1.47 million tonnes of common
diesel oil and 2.2 million tonnes of top-grade diesel oil per year.
Both Dung Quat and Nghi Son oil refineries will have a large part of their
production falling short of Euro 4 standards, making it hard for these two
oil refineries to satisfy the recent requirements on Euro 4 standards.
Earlier, Notice 398/TB-VPCP dated December 2016 of the Government Office
stipulated that passenger cars and buses with diesel engines shall be
applied Euro 4 emission standards from January 1, 2018, while the deadline
for trucks with diesel engines will be extended to 2022.
Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung, however, via Document 436 TTg-CN
dated March 2017, asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to require major
fuel trading businesses to work out a plan ensuring the supply and
distribution of Euro 4 and 5 fuel products in the market to meet the
requirements of Decision 49.
Right in this year's fourth quarter, these firms must improve infrastructure
conditions and other commercial factors to be able to supply Euro 4 diesel
oil to the market no later than January 1, 2018.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/177305/stricter-fuel-standards-cau
se-headache-to-major-oil-refineries.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thailand: Egat looks to ride renewable wave
Thailand: Egat looks to ride renewable wave
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) plans to overhaul
its long-term business strategy to tap into the rising renewable energy
trend, says its chairman of the board.
The plan is due to be discussed by the company's executives next weekend,
said chairman Areepong Bhoocha-oom.
Egat, which is focused on generating power mostly from fossil resources,
will start diversifying into other energy fields and businesses, he said.
Mr Areepong, who is also the energy permanent secretary, said the global
power-generating trend is shifting to renewables, starting from Europe and
North America, with more countries turning away from fossil fuels.
"Some global oil firms like PTT Plc have diversified into petroleum
exploration and production, mining and power storage," he said. Egat also
needs to adjust its business strategy to keep up in a changing world.
Last month, Egat announced plans to develop renewable power. The state
enterprise aims to have 2,000 megawatts of renewable power-generating
capacity by 2036, up from the 513MW currently supplied by its domestic
hydroelectric power plants.
Egat's plan to focus more on renewable energy would represent a big change
in the sector, which has mostly been developed by private firms over the
past two decades, with the rest being bought from a hydroelectric power
plant in neighbouring Laos, Mr Areepong said.
Power generators are attempting to make renewables their primary source of
energy to consistently meet the energy needs of the state, he said. For
instance, some private power firms will use biogas or biomass resources to
help secure power from solar farms, allowing them to generate energy at
night.
Energy policymakers are planning to switch to using firm power purchasing
agreements, which require power companies to consistently supply energy to
the grid. The Energy Regulatory Commission is to open auctions soon for
renewable power development and operations to investors, mostly for small
power producers and very small power producers.
Egat's long-term overhaul will involve subsidiaries such as Ratchaburi
Electricity Generating Holding Plc, Electricity Generating Plc and Egat-i
Co, Mr Areepong said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1239314/egat-looks-to-ride-renewabl
e-wave
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) plans to overhaul
its long-term business strategy to tap into the rising renewable energy
trend, says its chairman of the board.
The plan is due to be discussed by the company's executives next weekend,
said chairman Areepong Bhoocha-oom.
Egat, which is focused on generating power mostly from fossil resources,
will start diversifying into other energy fields and businesses, he said.
Mr Areepong, who is also the energy permanent secretary, said the global
power-generating trend is shifting to renewables, starting from Europe and
North America, with more countries turning away from fossil fuels.
"Some global oil firms like PTT Plc have diversified into petroleum
exploration and production, mining and power storage," he said. Egat also
needs to adjust its business strategy to keep up in a changing world.
Last month, Egat announced plans to develop renewable power. The state
enterprise aims to have 2,000 megawatts of renewable power-generating
capacity by 2036, up from the 513MW currently supplied by its domestic
hydroelectric power plants.
Egat's plan to focus more on renewable energy would represent a big change
in the sector, which has mostly been developed by private firms over the
past two decades, with the rest being bought from a hydroelectric power
plant in neighbouring Laos, Mr Areepong said.
Power generators are attempting to make renewables their primary source of
energy to consistently meet the energy needs of the state, he said. For
instance, some private power firms will use biogas or biomass resources to
help secure power from solar farms, allowing them to generate energy at
night.
Energy policymakers are planning to switch to using firm power purchasing
agreements, which require power companies to consistently supply energy to
the grid. The Energy Regulatory Commission is to open auctions soon for
renewable power development and operations to investors, mostly for small
power producers and very small power producers.
Egat's long-term overhaul will involve subsidiaries such as Ratchaburi
Electricity Generating Holding Plc, Electricity Generating Plc and Egat-i
Co, Mr Areepong said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1239314/egat-looks-to-ride-renewabl
e-wave
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
PetroVietnam, foreign firms win license to build $1.27 bln gas pipeline
PetroVietnam, foreign firms win license to build $1.27 bln gas pipeline
A subsidiary of state oil and gas group PetroVietnam has secured a license
to invest $1.27 billion in a natural gas pipeline in southern Vietnam with
foreign partners, making it the country's biggest foreign investment project
to be granted official approval so far this year.
The license for the Block B - O Mon pipeline in Kien Giang Province was
granted on April 20 to a joint venture between PV Gas and "a Japanese
investor", the central Foreign Investment Agency said in a monthly report on
Wednesday, without naming the foreign investor.
PetroVietnam has identified the foreign partner as Japan's Mitsui Oil
Exploration Co, but also said Thailand's PTT Exploration and Production
(PTTEP) would be a partner on the project.
The project is the biggest new investment pledge in Vietnam to receive
government approval so far in 2017, while Samsung's injection of $2.5
billion into its Samsung Display Vietnam factory in March is the largest
additional funding for an existing FDI project, based on data from the
investment agency.
Last year, the Southeast Asian country, which has one of the world's fastest
growing economies, received a record high $15.8 billion in foreign direct
investment inflow.
In March 2010, PV Gas, the country's biggest listed energy firm, signed a
cooperation contract with U.S. Chevron Corp, Japan's Mitsui Oil Exploration
Co and Thailand's PTTEP to build the 431-kilometer (270 mile) pipeline. It
is designed to take natural gas from Block B off the southern coast to two
power complexes in Kien Giang and Can Tho City, both in the Mekong Delta.
The gas pipeline is expected to deliver 20.3 million cubic meters of natural
gas per day to power plants in the two locations, with total capacity of
3,660 Megawatts.
In June 2015, PetroVietnam took over Chevron's stake in the gas pipeline as
well as in Block B after the two failed to reach an agreement over gas
prices.
In April 2016, PetroVietnam revived the giant gas project, planning to
invest $6.8 billion by 2040 to construct a central processing platform, 46
wellhead and hub platforms, about 750 wells and a floating storage and
offloading vessel, the group said.
PetroVietnam said the natural gas supplied to power plants in the Mekong
Delta will help reduce the country's demand for foreign exchange to import
oil products and liquefied petroleum gas.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.vietmaz.com/2017/04/petrovietnam-foreign-firms-win-license-to-bu
ild-1-27-bln-gas-pipeline/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campai
gn=Feed%3A+vietmaz+%28VietMaz%29
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
A subsidiary of state oil and gas group PetroVietnam has secured a license
to invest $1.27 billion in a natural gas pipeline in southern Vietnam with
foreign partners, making it the country's biggest foreign investment project
to be granted official approval so far this year.
The license for the Block B - O Mon pipeline in Kien Giang Province was
granted on April 20 to a joint venture between PV Gas and "a Japanese
investor", the central Foreign Investment Agency said in a monthly report on
Wednesday, without naming the foreign investor.
PetroVietnam has identified the foreign partner as Japan's Mitsui Oil
Exploration Co, but also said Thailand's PTT Exploration and Production
(PTTEP) would be a partner on the project.
The project is the biggest new investment pledge in Vietnam to receive
government approval so far in 2017, while Samsung's injection of $2.5
billion into its Samsung Display Vietnam factory in March is the largest
additional funding for an existing FDI project, based on data from the
investment agency.
Last year, the Southeast Asian country, which has one of the world's fastest
growing economies, received a record high $15.8 billion in foreign direct
investment inflow.
In March 2010, PV Gas, the country's biggest listed energy firm, signed a
cooperation contract with U.S. Chevron Corp, Japan's Mitsui Oil Exploration
Co and Thailand's PTTEP to build the 431-kilometer (270 mile) pipeline. It
is designed to take natural gas from Block B off the southern coast to two
power complexes in Kien Giang and Can Tho City, both in the Mekong Delta.
The gas pipeline is expected to deliver 20.3 million cubic meters of natural
gas per day to power plants in the two locations, with total capacity of
3,660 Megawatts.
In June 2015, PetroVietnam took over Chevron's stake in the gas pipeline as
well as in Block B after the two failed to reach an agreement over gas
prices.
In April 2016, PetroVietnam revived the giant gas project, planning to
invest $6.8 billion by 2040 to construct a central processing platform, 46
wellhead and hub platforms, about 750 wells and a floating storage and
offloading vessel, the group said.
PetroVietnam said the natural gas supplied to power plants in the Mekong
Delta will help reduce the country's demand for foreign exchange to import
oil products and liquefied petroleum gas.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.vietmaz.com/2017/04/petrovietnam-foreign-firms-win-license-to-bu
ild-1-27-bln-gas-pipeline/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campai
gn=Feed%3A+vietmaz+%28VietMaz%29
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
BCPG to invest in Indonesia geothermal power
BCPG to invest in Indonesia geothermal power
RENEWABLE-POWER company BCPG plans to invest in geothermal power business in
Indonesia through acquisition of equity in Singapore-based Star Energy Group
Holdings, with total power production capacity equivalent to 995 megawatts.
BCPG expects the sale and purchase process to be completed this quarter,
after which the projects will realise profits immediately.
BCPG president Bundit Sapianchai said that on Tuesday, the board of
directors gave its approval for the company to enter an agreement to invest
in geothermal power in Indonesia, subject to the final approval from BCPG's
shareholders.
Through the investment, BCPG will hold indirect equity in three geothermal
projects with total power-production capacity equivalent to 182MW.
The equity details are 20 per cent in the 347MW Wayang Windu Power Plant
(227MW of which is already in operation), 17.3 per cent in Salak Power
Plant, with a total production capacity of 377MW equivalent of electricity
and steam, and 17.3 per cent in Darajat Power Plant, with a total production
capacity of 271MW equivalent of electricity and steam. The latter two are
already in commercial operation.
All the projects have long-term feed-in-tariff contracts with Indonesia's
state-owned power company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN).
BCPG plans to invest US$357.5 million (about Bt12.3 billion) in this
project. Funds will be raised from the company's cash flow, and from loans
for which many leading financial institutions have already expressed
interest.
An extraordinary shareholders' general meeting will be held on June 13 to
seek final investment approval from the company's shareholders.
"We strongly believe that the investment will help enhance BCPG's long-term
stability and is in line with BCPG's business-growth strategy to diversify
into other forms of renewable energy and into other countries, in addition
to solar and wind power businesses in Thailand, Japan and the Philippines,"
Bundit said.
"As a leading company in renewable business from Thailand, BCPG is keen to
invest in geothermal energy, which is a stable resource with continuous
around-the-clock supply.
"Moreover, BCPG can also leverage the expertise in exploration and
production business of our parent company, Bangchak Corporation.
"With this investment, BCPG's total [production capacity] will be over
600MW. If we were to make calculations based on the fact that the investment
money and production capacity of geothermal power is three times that of
solar power, I think we can safely say that we will have a total production
capacity of almost 1,000MW of solar power equivalent."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/corporate/30313463?utm_source=
feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Nationmultimediacom-Busines
s+%28NationMultimedia.com+-+Business%29
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
RENEWABLE-POWER company BCPG plans to invest in geothermal power business in
Indonesia through acquisition of equity in Singapore-based Star Energy Group
Holdings, with total power production capacity equivalent to 995 megawatts.
BCPG expects the sale and purchase process to be completed this quarter,
after which the projects will realise profits immediately.
BCPG president Bundit Sapianchai said that on Tuesday, the board of
directors gave its approval for the company to enter an agreement to invest
in geothermal power in Indonesia, subject to the final approval from BCPG's
shareholders.
Through the investment, BCPG will hold indirect equity in three geothermal
projects with total power-production capacity equivalent to 182MW.
The equity details are 20 per cent in the 347MW Wayang Windu Power Plant
(227MW of which is already in operation), 17.3 per cent in Salak Power
Plant, with a total production capacity of 377MW equivalent of electricity
and steam, and 17.3 per cent in Darajat Power Plant, with a total production
capacity of 271MW equivalent of electricity and steam. The latter two are
already in commercial operation.
All the projects have long-term feed-in-tariff contracts with Indonesia's
state-owned power company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN).
BCPG plans to invest US$357.5 million (about Bt12.3 billion) in this
project. Funds will be raised from the company's cash flow, and from loans
for which many leading financial institutions have already expressed
interest.
An extraordinary shareholders' general meeting will be held on June 13 to
seek final investment approval from the company's shareholders.
"We strongly believe that the investment will help enhance BCPG's long-term
stability and is in line with BCPG's business-growth strategy to diversify
into other forms of renewable energy and into other countries, in addition
to solar and wind power businesses in Thailand, Japan and the Philippines,"
Bundit said.
"As a leading company in renewable business from Thailand, BCPG is keen to
invest in geothermal energy, which is a stable resource with continuous
around-the-clock supply.
"Moreover, BCPG can also leverage the expertise in exploration and
production business of our parent company, Bangchak Corporation.
"With this investment, BCPG's total [production capacity] will be over
600MW. If we were to make calculations based on the fact that the investment
money and production capacity of geothermal power is three times that of
solar power, I think we can safely say that we will have a total production
capacity of almost 1,000MW of solar power equivalent."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/corporate/30313463?utm_source=
feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Nationmultimediacom-Busines
s+%28NationMultimedia.com+-+Business%29
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Vietnam: Green Growth Strategy stirs up local power mix
Vietnam: Green Growth Strategy stirs up local power mix
The Vietnamese power sector is making strides in a more sustainable
direction, but it will need help from all businesses to truly go green
Photo: Le Toan
State-run Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) has just adopted a resolution on
developing solar photovoltaic (PV) power, in an aim to generate more power
for the country's fast-approaching need. If this bold move manifests into
action, EVN will be the first state-owned firm in Vietnam to develop
renewable energy.
From the past till now, EVN and the state-run giants PetroVietnam and
Vinacomin have mainly produced power from coal, with some hydropower plants
thrown in.
But in the near future, EVN will develop two solar PV power projects, with
one on the land of Tri An Hydropower Plant in the southern province of Dong
Nai, and another on the water surface of Da Mi Hydropower Plant in the
south-central province of Binh Thuan.
In addition, EVN has worked with Ninh Thuan authorities on constructing a
200-megawatt (MW) solar PV plant on an area of 400 hectares in the
south-central province's Ninh Phuoc district, with an investment of about
VND8 trillion ($363.64 million). This project is scheduled to commence
construction next year and become operational in 2019.
EVN's other solar PV power projects will be developed in localities with big
solar potential, such as the Central Highlands, south-central, and southern
regions. These projects will also be located in areas near EVN's existing
electricity sources, on the water surface of EVN's hydroelectricity
reservoirs, and also on the land of the firm's hydropower plants.
This is aimed at helping these projects reduce construction costs and
conveniently connect with national power grids.
In line with the development strategy of Vietnam's power industry and Green
Growth Strategy (GGS), passed by the prime minister in September 2012, EVN's
upcoming renewable projects will be among many other privately-owned
coal-fired and renewable power projects that the country is developing. All
of which will supply more electricity to Vietnam, which is now suffering
from energy shortages.
Power mix
Vietnam's current reliance on fossil fuels cause great amounts of
environmental pollution, but GGS shows how the future can become more
sustainable, green, and clean. GGS proposes to phase out fossil fuel
subsidies and reinforce renewable energy development. Under GGS, the
government mandates that "national energy security must be ensured with the
development of assorted energy sources" and that "new renewable energy
sources are encouraged for development".
To support GGS, Vietnam adopted the Renewable Energy Development Strategy
(REDS) in November 2015 and the revised Power Development Plan VII (PDP)
(2011-2020, with a vision to 2030) in March 2016. These policies reduce the
projected coal imports for power generation in 2030. REDS sets
hydroelectricity and renewable energy targets for biomass, wind, and solar
PV electricity production through 2020, 2030, and (tentatively) 2050.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) reported that Vietnam's power
consumption grew 11 per cent during the period during 2011-2014, and is
expected to grow 9.1 per cent during 2016-2020.
The US Trade and Development Agency cited EVN estimates that that around
$123.8 billion will need to be channeled into national power system
development over the next two decades. Spending would average $6.8 billion
per year.
In the 2013-2015 period, this amount averaged nearly $5 billion per year. Of
this, 66.6 per cent was spent on power plants and the remaining 33.4 per
cent on network development.
In order to meet this big demand for power, the Vietnamese government has
chosen to develop coal-fired power plants despite possible environmental
risks, while also pursuing renewable energy development. In the revised PDP
VII, coal remains the most important future power source by far and an
ambitious programme of coal-based power development remains in place. The
adjusted coal targets still require completion of nearly 100 coal-fired
power units within several new and existing coal power plants between 2016
and 2030. These nearly 100 units are listed in Decision No.428/QD-TTg issued
on March 18, 2016.
Also under the plan, renewable energy would make up 6 per cent of total
annual electricity production in 2030, including biomass and wind-based
power, but coal-based power would be by far the dominant source with 56.4
per cent.
Coal-fired power
Currently, Vietnam has 19 coal-fired power plants. The government has
announced plans to build another 14 plants of this type in the Mekong Delta
by 2030, adding a total capacity of about 18 gigawatts (GW) to the southern
power grid. On April 12, Japanese energy firm J-Power came to the central
province of Quang Ngai to work with local authorities about its plan to
build a coal-fired power plant in the province's Dung Quat Economic Zone.
Jahana Takashi, director of the International Development Business
Department of J-Power Electricity, said the firm wants the local government
to allow it to conduct a site survey and make a pre-feasibility study for
the project.
The project will include two stages. In the first stage, the project will
have a total capacity of 2.4GW, going online in 2028. In the second stage,
the plant will add 2GW of capacity, going online in 2030. Coal used for the
plant will be imported from Australia, Russia, and Indonesia. It may also be
locally sourced. This project has received a nod from the local authorities.
Singapore's Sembcorp Development also plans to construct a 1.2GW coal-fired
plant under a 25-year build-operate-transfer model in this province.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), coal-based
power will make up over half of Vietnam's power mix by 2030. The main
reasons for these plans are that Vietnam needs a large amount of power to
support its economic growth; Vietnam has substantial coal reserves; and coal
is seen as a cheap source of power. In addition, Vietnam lacks the public
financial capital for expansion of its power supply, and international
private financiers and equipment and construction companies remain
interested in investing in coal-fired power plants in Vietnam.
"But all these reasons can be challenged," said a UNDP report on Vietnam's
power mix.
According to UNDP, national energy security is deteriorating as increased
fossil fuel imports are required to meet the rising energy demand. Vietnam
is becoming a net importer of coal. By 2030, Vietnam targets a total
electricity production capacity of 146.8GW, of which 75GW is forecast to be
supplied by coal-fired plants, according to the UNDP report.
"Reducing the rate of growth in domestic energy use, combined with the
expansion of domestic, renewable energy sources, will significantly reduce
Vietnam's dependency on international energy markets and thereby enhance
national energy security. This is also an opportunity for Vietnam to adjust
its future power development plans, which rely heavily on imported coal,"
said another UNDP report on Vietnam's green growth and fossil fuel policies.
Renewables
According to MoIT, in parallel to the development of coal power, the
government is calling on investors to invest more in renewable energy, such
as wind power, solar power, and biomass power. Vietnam has great potential
to develop these types of energy.
Over the past few years, only 7MW of solar PV capacity has been installed in
Vietnam, with around 2MW drawn from rooftop solar arrays, though dozens of
foreign investors have come to Vietnam in search of investment into
renewable energy projects.
According to UNDP, the future of electricity supply in Vietnam can be
strongly based on renewable energy. This would help limit the country's
growing dependency on energy imports, including coal imports.
For example, recently in Ninh Thuan, Singapore's Nexif Energy worked with
authorities on several wind and solar power projects in the province. These
projects have received the thumbs-up from the authorities. It is expected
that the investor will officially submit their investment proposals to the
province in the near future.
Earlier this month, Singapore's Sinenergy Holdings inked a memorandum of
understanding with the government of Ninh Thuan for a 300MW solar power
plant in combination with high-tech agricultural production in Ninh Phuoc
district. The 832ha, VND7.92 trillion ($360 million) project will annually
produce over 550 million kWh per year. It is expected that the project will
commence construction in February 2018 and begin operation in July 2019.
Also in Ninh Thuan, local company Thien Tan Group is co-operating with US
firm Black & Veatch Group to make a feasibility study for implementing a $2
billion, 1GW solar power project. Also in this province, Canadian company
CMX Renewable Energy planned to construct a 250ha, 150MW solar power plant
worth $150 million. In the nearby province of Binh Thuan, US-based ACO
Investment Group also expressed an interest in building a 50MW solar power
farm.
"Vietnam has sufficient indigenous energy resources to meet all its energy
needs, from natural gas, renewable energy, and investment in energy
efficiency," Gavin Smith, director of the Clean Development Fund at Dragon
Capital Management Limited, told VIR.
The fund has invested in solar, small hydro, waste, and clean water
projects.
"Vietnam has excellent onshore wind resources in Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan,
abundant solar resources are available throughout southern Vietnam. The
future of waste heat recovery from plants like cement, steel, and fertiliser
plants could be very great," Smith said.
According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Foreign Investment
Agency, currently Vietnam has about 110 foreign-invested electricity and gas
projects, of which 16 are in the clean energy sector with total registered
capital of $778 million. Of this, $577 million is for wind power, $137.38
million is for solar power, and the remaining is for biomass power.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.vir.com.vn/green-growth-strategy-stirs-up-local-power-mix.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The Vietnamese power sector is making strides in a more sustainable
direction, but it will need help from all businesses to truly go green
Photo: Le Toan
State-run Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) has just adopted a resolution on
developing solar photovoltaic (PV) power, in an aim to generate more power
for the country's fast-approaching need. If this bold move manifests into
action, EVN will be the first state-owned firm in Vietnam to develop
renewable energy.
From the past till now, EVN and the state-run giants PetroVietnam and
Vinacomin have mainly produced power from coal, with some hydropower plants
thrown in.
But in the near future, EVN will develop two solar PV power projects, with
one on the land of Tri An Hydropower Plant in the southern province of Dong
Nai, and another on the water surface of Da Mi Hydropower Plant in the
south-central province of Binh Thuan.
In addition, EVN has worked with Ninh Thuan authorities on constructing a
200-megawatt (MW) solar PV plant on an area of 400 hectares in the
south-central province's Ninh Phuoc district, with an investment of about
VND8 trillion ($363.64 million). This project is scheduled to commence
construction next year and become operational in 2019.
EVN's other solar PV power projects will be developed in localities with big
solar potential, such as the Central Highlands, south-central, and southern
regions. These projects will also be located in areas near EVN's existing
electricity sources, on the water surface of EVN's hydroelectricity
reservoirs, and also on the land of the firm's hydropower plants.
This is aimed at helping these projects reduce construction costs and
conveniently connect with national power grids.
In line with the development strategy of Vietnam's power industry and Green
Growth Strategy (GGS), passed by the prime minister in September 2012, EVN's
upcoming renewable projects will be among many other privately-owned
coal-fired and renewable power projects that the country is developing. All
of which will supply more electricity to Vietnam, which is now suffering
from energy shortages.
Power mix
Vietnam's current reliance on fossil fuels cause great amounts of
environmental pollution, but GGS shows how the future can become more
sustainable, green, and clean. GGS proposes to phase out fossil fuel
subsidies and reinforce renewable energy development. Under GGS, the
government mandates that "national energy security must be ensured with the
development of assorted energy sources" and that "new renewable energy
sources are encouraged for development".
To support GGS, Vietnam adopted the Renewable Energy Development Strategy
(REDS) in November 2015 and the revised Power Development Plan VII (PDP)
(2011-2020, with a vision to 2030) in March 2016. These policies reduce the
projected coal imports for power generation in 2030. REDS sets
hydroelectricity and renewable energy targets for biomass, wind, and solar
PV electricity production through 2020, 2030, and (tentatively) 2050.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) reported that Vietnam's power
consumption grew 11 per cent during the period during 2011-2014, and is
expected to grow 9.1 per cent during 2016-2020.
The US Trade and Development Agency cited EVN estimates that that around
$123.8 billion will need to be channeled into national power system
development over the next two decades. Spending would average $6.8 billion
per year.
In the 2013-2015 period, this amount averaged nearly $5 billion per year. Of
this, 66.6 per cent was spent on power plants and the remaining 33.4 per
cent on network development.
In order to meet this big demand for power, the Vietnamese government has
chosen to develop coal-fired power plants despite possible environmental
risks, while also pursuing renewable energy development. In the revised PDP
VII, coal remains the most important future power source by far and an
ambitious programme of coal-based power development remains in place. The
adjusted coal targets still require completion of nearly 100 coal-fired
power units within several new and existing coal power plants between 2016
and 2030. These nearly 100 units are listed in Decision No.428/QD-TTg issued
on March 18, 2016.
Also under the plan, renewable energy would make up 6 per cent of total
annual electricity production in 2030, including biomass and wind-based
power, but coal-based power would be by far the dominant source with 56.4
per cent.
Coal-fired power
Currently, Vietnam has 19 coal-fired power plants. The government has
announced plans to build another 14 plants of this type in the Mekong Delta
by 2030, adding a total capacity of about 18 gigawatts (GW) to the southern
power grid. On April 12, Japanese energy firm J-Power came to the central
province of Quang Ngai to work with local authorities about its plan to
build a coal-fired power plant in the province's Dung Quat Economic Zone.
Jahana Takashi, director of the International Development Business
Department of J-Power Electricity, said the firm wants the local government
to allow it to conduct a site survey and make a pre-feasibility study for
the project.
The project will include two stages. In the first stage, the project will
have a total capacity of 2.4GW, going online in 2028. In the second stage,
the plant will add 2GW of capacity, going online in 2030. Coal used for the
plant will be imported from Australia, Russia, and Indonesia. It may also be
locally sourced. This project has received a nod from the local authorities.
Singapore's Sembcorp Development also plans to construct a 1.2GW coal-fired
plant under a 25-year build-operate-transfer model in this province.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), coal-based
power will make up over half of Vietnam's power mix by 2030. The main
reasons for these plans are that Vietnam needs a large amount of power to
support its economic growth; Vietnam has substantial coal reserves; and coal
is seen as a cheap source of power. In addition, Vietnam lacks the public
financial capital for expansion of its power supply, and international
private financiers and equipment and construction companies remain
interested in investing in coal-fired power plants in Vietnam.
"But all these reasons can be challenged," said a UNDP report on Vietnam's
power mix.
According to UNDP, national energy security is deteriorating as increased
fossil fuel imports are required to meet the rising energy demand. Vietnam
is becoming a net importer of coal. By 2030, Vietnam targets a total
electricity production capacity of 146.8GW, of which 75GW is forecast to be
supplied by coal-fired plants, according to the UNDP report.
"Reducing the rate of growth in domestic energy use, combined with the
expansion of domestic, renewable energy sources, will significantly reduce
Vietnam's dependency on international energy markets and thereby enhance
national energy security. This is also an opportunity for Vietnam to adjust
its future power development plans, which rely heavily on imported coal,"
said another UNDP report on Vietnam's green growth and fossil fuel policies.
Renewables
According to MoIT, in parallel to the development of coal power, the
government is calling on investors to invest more in renewable energy, such
as wind power, solar power, and biomass power. Vietnam has great potential
to develop these types of energy.
Over the past few years, only 7MW of solar PV capacity has been installed in
Vietnam, with around 2MW drawn from rooftop solar arrays, though dozens of
foreign investors have come to Vietnam in search of investment into
renewable energy projects.
According to UNDP, the future of electricity supply in Vietnam can be
strongly based on renewable energy. This would help limit the country's
growing dependency on energy imports, including coal imports.
For example, recently in Ninh Thuan, Singapore's Nexif Energy worked with
authorities on several wind and solar power projects in the province. These
projects have received the thumbs-up from the authorities. It is expected
that the investor will officially submit their investment proposals to the
province in the near future.
Earlier this month, Singapore's Sinenergy Holdings inked a memorandum of
understanding with the government of Ninh Thuan for a 300MW solar power
plant in combination with high-tech agricultural production in Ninh Phuoc
district. The 832ha, VND7.92 trillion ($360 million) project will annually
produce over 550 million kWh per year. It is expected that the project will
commence construction in February 2018 and begin operation in July 2019.
Also in Ninh Thuan, local company Thien Tan Group is co-operating with US
firm Black & Veatch Group to make a feasibility study for implementing a $2
billion, 1GW solar power project. Also in this province, Canadian company
CMX Renewable Energy planned to construct a 250ha, 150MW solar power plant
worth $150 million. In the nearby province of Binh Thuan, US-based ACO
Investment Group also expressed an interest in building a 50MW solar power
farm.
"Vietnam has sufficient indigenous energy resources to meet all its energy
needs, from natural gas, renewable energy, and investment in energy
efficiency," Gavin Smith, director of the Clean Development Fund at Dragon
Capital Management Limited, told VIR.
The fund has invested in solar, small hydro, waste, and clean water
projects.
"Vietnam has excellent onshore wind resources in Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan,
abundant solar resources are available throughout southern Vietnam. The
future of waste heat recovery from plants like cement, steel, and fertiliser
plants could be very great," Smith said.
According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Foreign Investment
Agency, currently Vietnam has about 110 foreign-invested electricity and gas
projects, of which 16 are in the clean energy sector with total registered
capital of $778 million. Of this, $577 million is for wind power, $137.38
million is for solar power, and the remaining is for biomass power.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.vir.com.vn/green-growth-strategy-stirs-up-local-power-mix.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
US and Indonesia celebrate launch of Jakarta waste-to-bioethanol project
US and Indonesia celebrate launch of Jakarta waste-to-bioethanol project
The first US-Indonesia municipal waste-to-bioproducts project, known as
JababECO, is officially underway after US vice president Mike Pence
participated in a ceremony in Jakarta celebrating the signing of multiple
Memorandums of Understanding.
Indonesian vice president Jusuf Kalla, Greenbelt Resources CEO Darren Eng
and Jababeka Infrastruktur director Tjahjadi Rahardja were also in
attendance at the ceremony, part of an event showcasing $10 billion (EUR 9.3
billion) of trade deals between the US and Indonesia.
The municipal waste-to-bioproducts plant will process food waste into
bioproducts such as bioethanol, animal feed, fertiliser and distilled water.
Over five years, the plant will have a cumulative product sales value of $6
billion (EUR 5.6 billion), using local waste resources to make locally sold
bioproducts.
"Our technology was specifically developed to address local municipal waste
needs, a tremendous challenge in growing cities like Jakarta," said Darren
Eng in a press release. "We're excited for this opportunity and believe that
out of this project, we can create a new model of municipal waste management
for cities across the country and around the world."
When complete, JababECO will produce approximately 500,000 gallons (2.3
million litres) of bioethanol as well as protein concentrate to be used as
liquid fertiliser and animal feed.
Setyono Djuandi Darmono, chairman and founder of Jababeka & Co believes his
company is breaking new ground in dealing with Indonesia and Jakarta's waste
management challenges. "We're building cities of the future that create
interconnected communities through the latest and most promising
technologies from waste water management to fiber optics to sustainable
energy," Darmono explains. "New cities need new and innovative approaches to
growth challenges and we believe Greenbelt Resource's JababECO technology
will prove to be an ideal local waste solution for our cities' local needs."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12205/us_and_indonesia_celebrate_launc
h_of_jakarta_wastetobioethanol_project/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The first US-Indonesia municipal waste-to-bioproducts project, known as
JababECO, is officially underway after US vice president Mike Pence
participated in a ceremony in Jakarta celebrating the signing of multiple
Memorandums of Understanding.
Indonesian vice president Jusuf Kalla, Greenbelt Resources CEO Darren Eng
and Jababeka Infrastruktur director Tjahjadi Rahardja were also in
attendance at the ceremony, part of an event showcasing $10 billion (EUR 9.3
billion) of trade deals between the US and Indonesia.
The municipal waste-to-bioproducts plant will process food waste into
bioproducts such as bioethanol, animal feed, fertiliser and distilled water.
Over five years, the plant will have a cumulative product sales value of $6
billion (EUR 5.6 billion), using local waste resources to make locally sold
bioproducts.
"Our technology was specifically developed to address local municipal waste
needs, a tremendous challenge in growing cities like Jakarta," said Darren
Eng in a press release. "We're excited for this opportunity and believe that
out of this project, we can create a new model of municipal waste management
for cities across the country and around the world."
When complete, JababECO will produce approximately 500,000 gallons (2.3
million litres) of bioethanol as well as protein concentrate to be used as
liquid fertiliser and animal feed.
Setyono Djuandi Darmono, chairman and founder of Jababeka & Co believes his
company is breaking new ground in dealing with Indonesia and Jakarta's waste
management challenges. "We're building cities of the future that create
interconnected communities through the latest and most promising
technologies from waste water management to fiber optics to sustainable
energy," Darmono explains. "New cities need new and innovative approaches to
growth challenges and we believe Greenbelt Resource's JababECO technology
will prove to be an ideal local waste solution for our cities' local needs."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://biofuels-news.com/display_news/12205/us_and_indonesia_celebrate_launc
h_of_jakarta_wastetobioethanol_project/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Japan to provide Vietnam with clean coal tech
Japan to provide Vietnam with clean coal tech
Japan's coal enterprises are ready to transfer clean coal technology to
Vietnam's firms to reduce emissions and enhance efficiency in the
electricity sector, said Noboru Aoki, head of the environment division at
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation.
He spoke on April 25 at a Hanoi seminar organised by the Vietnam Ministry of
Industry and Trade (MoIT) in collaboration with Japan's Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry (METI), designed to enhance trade and cooperation in the
coal sector.
Deputy Director General of the MoIT General Department of Energy Phuong
Hoang Kim said that Vietnam and Japan carried out many joint activities in
the field of coal, from mining to processing and use of this resource in
recent years.
Japan is actively supporting Vietnam in the study and application of
advanced coal technologies, such as coal-fired blending technology, and high
efficiency electric power generation technology with low emission rates.
In addition, Japan helps Vietnam use environmental technologies, for
example, sharing experience in the operation, maintenance of thermal power
plants and the handling of ashes.
Such supportive activities are necessary for Vietnam to meet the country's
increasing energy demand, as well as achieving sustainable development and
protection of the environment.
For now and the foreseeable future, coal-fired thermal power plants play a
significant role in Vietnam's power supply.
However, meeting increased demand for electricity to serve the people and
socio-economic development must also ensure environmental protection and
respond to climate change.
In addition to discussing technical issues, participants had an opportunity
to visit models of high-efficiency clean coal and environmentally friendly
thermal power equipment introduced by a number of Japanese enterprises.
Nevertheless, coal-fired power plants raise concerns about environmental
impacts as well as the need to reduce greenhouse effects in keeping with
international commitments. Therefore, Japan's companies with their advanced
clean coal technologies can fully adapt to environmental issues and transfer
these technologies to Vietnam, Noboru added.
The workshop also raised a number of topics for participants to discuss,
including high efficiency electricity generation technology, process
technology and environmental monitoring.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Science_Technology/2017/4/124261/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Japan's coal enterprises are ready to transfer clean coal technology to
Vietnam's firms to reduce emissions and enhance efficiency in the
electricity sector, said Noboru Aoki, head of the environment division at
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation.
He spoke on April 25 at a Hanoi seminar organised by the Vietnam Ministry of
Industry and Trade (MoIT) in collaboration with Japan's Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry (METI), designed to enhance trade and cooperation in the
coal sector.
Deputy Director General of the MoIT General Department of Energy Phuong
Hoang Kim said that Vietnam and Japan carried out many joint activities in
the field of coal, from mining to processing and use of this resource in
recent years.
Japan is actively supporting Vietnam in the study and application of
advanced coal technologies, such as coal-fired blending technology, and high
efficiency electric power generation technology with low emission rates.
In addition, Japan helps Vietnam use environmental technologies, for
example, sharing experience in the operation, maintenance of thermal power
plants and the handling of ashes.
Such supportive activities are necessary for Vietnam to meet the country's
increasing energy demand, as well as achieving sustainable development and
protection of the environment.
For now and the foreseeable future, coal-fired thermal power plants play a
significant role in Vietnam's power supply.
However, meeting increased demand for electricity to serve the people and
socio-economic development must also ensure environmental protection and
respond to climate change.
In addition to discussing technical issues, participants had an opportunity
to visit models of high-efficiency clean coal and environmentally friendly
thermal power equipment introduced by a number of Japanese enterprises.
Nevertheless, coal-fired power plants raise concerns about environmental
impacts as well as the need to reduce greenhouse effects in keeping with
international commitments. Therefore, Japan's companies with their advanced
clean coal technologies can fully adapt to environmental issues and transfer
these technologies to Vietnam, Noboru added.
The workshop also raised a number of topics for participants to discuss,
including high efficiency electricity generation technology, process
technology and environmental monitoring.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Science_Technology/2017/4/124261/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Cambodia: Lack of Incentives Leaves Low-Carbon Energy in Question
Cambodia: Lack of Incentives Leaves Low-Carbon Energy in Question
Cambodia's possible pursuit of lower carbon-emitting energy sources appears
to have waned after government officials this week cited a lack of
incentives and higher-priority energy goals, a stance that a researcher and
an activist respectively said was "short-sighted' and the "wrong decision."
In a study published earlier this month, researchers said Cambodia currently
has a "unique window of opportunity" to invest in environmentally friendly
energy sources due to its limited energy infrastructure.
Yet plans to build a new 150-megawatt, coal-fired electrical plant in Preah
Sihanouk province, and expand an existing plant from 50 MW to 185 MW, have
cast doubt on that opportunity translating into action, said Furqan Asif,
the study's lead author.
Mr. Asif, a doctoral candidate at Canada's Ottawa University, wrote in an
email on Wednesday that the government's shift toward coal, the fossil fuel
with the highest carbon content, is "paving the way for carbon 'lock in'
and, in essence, committing the country to increased carbon emissions."
Mr. Asif's comments came as Victor Jona, director of the Mines and Energy
Ministry's energy department, met with representatives from U.S. company
General Electric (GE) at the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh on Wednesday to sign
a partnership deal for the new coal-fired plant, according to a media
release.
The release said that GE would provide steam turbine systems and an
electrostatic precipitator for the plant, which is due to go online in 2019.
A memorandum of understanding to build a national carbon emissions
monitoring unit was also signed.
"The Sihanoukville plant will play an important role in helping Cambodia
meet its high priority energy goals," Mr. Jona said in the release.
Mr. Jona later confirmed that increasing energy capacity and improving
energy security were the highest priority goals when making a decision about
energy projects, not carbon emissions.
Coal overtook hydropower for the first time in 2015 as the country's leading
source of electricity, according to Cambodia National Energy Statistics
2016. That year, Cambodia's two coal-fired plants produced 2,376 gigawatt
hours of electricity, almost a threefold increase from the 863 megawatt
hours produced the year before.
Tin Ponlok, secretary-general of the National Council for Sustainable
Development, said there was a lack of incentive to cut emissions due to the
low price of global carbon credits, which is the mechanism by which
countries can exchange an unused allowance of carbon emissions for cash.
"There's big uncertainty in carbon credit as there has been a big crash in
the global price," Mr. Ponlok said.
Cambodia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) plan, initiated by the
government's ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change last
year, in theory commits the country to reducing emissions by 3,100 gigatons
of "carbon dioxide equivalent" by 2030.
Mr. Ponlok said, however, that the NDC was voluntary and had no enforcement
mechanism, making the Paris Agreement non-binding.
Alex Gonzalez-Davidson, co-founder of the NGO Mother Nature, said in an
email on Tuesday that the government had an overall lack of desire to look
at any renewable sources of energy other than "destructive" hydropower dams,
which have previously raised alarm from environmentalist groups over their
ecological impact and effect on rural communities.
"The Cambodian government has never had any desire, nor ability, to keep its
word in helping reduce carbon emissions," Mr. Gonzalez-Davidson said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.cambodiadaily.com/business/lack-of-incentives-leaves-low-carbon-
energy-in-question-128689/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Cambodia's possible pursuit of lower carbon-emitting energy sources appears
to have waned after government officials this week cited a lack of
incentives and higher-priority energy goals, a stance that a researcher and
an activist respectively said was "short-sighted' and the "wrong decision."
In a study published earlier this month, researchers said Cambodia currently
has a "unique window of opportunity" to invest in environmentally friendly
energy sources due to its limited energy infrastructure.
Yet plans to build a new 150-megawatt, coal-fired electrical plant in Preah
Sihanouk province, and expand an existing plant from 50 MW to 185 MW, have
cast doubt on that opportunity translating into action, said Furqan Asif,
the study's lead author.
Mr. Asif, a doctoral candidate at Canada's Ottawa University, wrote in an
email on Wednesday that the government's shift toward coal, the fossil fuel
with the highest carbon content, is "paving the way for carbon 'lock in'
and, in essence, committing the country to increased carbon emissions."
Mr. Asif's comments came as Victor Jona, director of the Mines and Energy
Ministry's energy department, met with representatives from U.S. company
General Electric (GE) at the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh on Wednesday to sign
a partnership deal for the new coal-fired plant, according to a media
release.
The release said that GE would provide steam turbine systems and an
electrostatic precipitator for the plant, which is due to go online in 2019.
A memorandum of understanding to build a national carbon emissions
monitoring unit was also signed.
"The Sihanoukville plant will play an important role in helping Cambodia
meet its high priority energy goals," Mr. Jona said in the release.
Mr. Jona later confirmed that increasing energy capacity and improving
energy security were the highest priority goals when making a decision about
energy projects, not carbon emissions.
Coal overtook hydropower for the first time in 2015 as the country's leading
source of electricity, according to Cambodia National Energy Statistics
2016. That year, Cambodia's two coal-fired plants produced 2,376 gigawatt
hours of electricity, almost a threefold increase from the 863 megawatt
hours produced the year before.
Tin Ponlok, secretary-general of the National Council for Sustainable
Development, said there was a lack of incentive to cut emissions due to the
low price of global carbon credits, which is the mechanism by which
countries can exchange an unused allowance of carbon emissions for cash.
"There's big uncertainty in carbon credit as there has been a big crash in
the global price," Mr. Ponlok said.
Cambodia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) plan, initiated by the
government's ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change last
year, in theory commits the country to reducing emissions by 3,100 gigatons
of "carbon dioxide equivalent" by 2030.
Mr. Ponlok said, however, that the NDC was voluntary and had no enforcement
mechanism, making the Paris Agreement non-binding.
Alex Gonzalez-Davidson, co-founder of the NGO Mother Nature, said in an
email on Tuesday that the government had an overall lack of desire to look
at any renewable sources of energy other than "destructive" hydropower dams,
which have previously raised alarm from environmentalist groups over their
ecological impact and effect on rural communities.
"The Cambodian government has never had any desire, nor ability, to keep its
word in helping reduce carbon emissions," Mr. Gonzalez-Davidson said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.cambodiadaily.com/business/lack-of-incentives-leaves-low-carbon-
energy-in-question-128689/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Philippines: Foreign firms express interest to operate Bataan nuclear plant
Philippines: Foreign firms express interest to operate Bataan nuclear plant
The Philippines is getting offers from foreign groups to operate the Bataan
Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), including a Chinese firm that is ready to assess
the mothballed facility, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.
Cusi declined to name the Chinese company, but said there are already
discussions with Beijing on the matter.
Cusi said the "Chinese company engaged in nuclear" wants to "assess" the
country's potential to produce nuclear power. In particular, it cited the
31-year-old BNPP. "In fact, they are interested even to operate [BNPP],"
Cusi added.
The energy chief said this is the kind of offer that he wants to receive
from other countries.
"I'm looking at other countries to do it, operate it. Instead of giving us
grant, this is what they should do. I already talked to the Chinese
ambassador to have it assessed," said Cusi, adding that "other countries are
also interested".
The 620-megawatt (MW) BNPP is the country's first and only attempt at
nuclear-power development. It was supposed to be the
first of two nuclear plants to be built in the northern province of Bataan.
It was also the first nuclear power plant in Southeast Asia, and was
identified as a solution to the 1973 oil crisis that had adversely affected
the global economy, including that of the Philippines.
The project, however, was mothballed in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster
in 1986. But clamor for the reopening of the BNPP was revived during the
power crisis in the 1990s, as well as when oil prices were skyrocketing in
2007.
During these periods, Cusi said, the Department of Energy (DOE) actually
came close to reconsidering nuclear power as a potential energy source for
the country. But then, the Fukushima nuclear-plant incident happened in
2011, creating global panic and concerns about the safety and integrity of
nuclear plants.
During the recently concluded Sevnth Annual Meeting of the Nuclear Energy
Cooperation Subsector Network, a prefeasibility study unveiled that many
Asean member-countries are in favor of tapping nuclear energy for peaceful
or commercial use. The three-day summit was hosted by the Philippines, with
the DOE as the lead agency.
Nuclear energy is being seen by Asean members as a long-term source of
power, according to the study conducted by the Asean Center for Energy and
Asean-Canada Nuclear and Radiological Program.
Energy Undersecretary Jess Posadas underscored the need for regional and
international cooperation to advance the use of civilian nuclear energy in
the Asean region.
"The meeting was timely, as it afforded the Philippines insights while it
tries to develop and formulate its national position on nuclear energy,"
Posadas said.
Posadas added that the Philippines will need a kind of energy that will
power the economic development resulting from the P8.9 trillion worth of
investments in infrastructure in the next five years.
Nuclear power has the potential of meeting such huge energy demand,
according to Posadas, as he noted that 1 gram of uranium is equivalent to
1.8 million cubic meters of oil and 3 million grams of coal. "Nuclear energy
would last longer than other fuels," Posadas said.
"The Philippines has always viewed nuclear energy as a long-term option for
power generation that will provide supply security, stability and
reliability. Should this be the path that the country will take, nuclear
further diversifies our existing generation mix comprised of coal, natural
gas, geothermal, hydropower, oil, wind, biomass and solar," he said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/foreign-firms-express-interest-to-operate-b
ataan-nuclear-plant/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The Philippines is getting offers from foreign groups to operate the Bataan
Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), including a Chinese firm that is ready to assess
the mothballed facility, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.
Cusi declined to name the Chinese company, but said there are already
discussions with Beijing on the matter.
Cusi said the "Chinese company engaged in nuclear" wants to "assess" the
country's potential to produce nuclear power. In particular, it cited the
31-year-old BNPP. "In fact, they are interested even to operate [BNPP],"
Cusi added.
The energy chief said this is the kind of offer that he wants to receive
from other countries.
"I'm looking at other countries to do it, operate it. Instead of giving us
grant, this is what they should do. I already talked to the Chinese
ambassador to have it assessed," said Cusi, adding that "other countries are
also interested".
The 620-megawatt (MW) BNPP is the country's first and only attempt at
nuclear-power development. It was supposed to be the
first of two nuclear plants to be built in the northern province of Bataan.
It was also the first nuclear power plant in Southeast Asia, and was
identified as a solution to the 1973 oil crisis that had adversely affected
the global economy, including that of the Philippines.
The project, however, was mothballed in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster
in 1986. But clamor for the reopening of the BNPP was revived during the
power crisis in the 1990s, as well as when oil prices were skyrocketing in
2007.
During these periods, Cusi said, the Department of Energy (DOE) actually
came close to reconsidering nuclear power as a potential energy source for
the country. But then, the Fukushima nuclear-plant incident happened in
2011, creating global panic and concerns about the safety and integrity of
nuclear plants.
During the recently concluded Sevnth Annual Meeting of the Nuclear Energy
Cooperation Subsector Network, a prefeasibility study unveiled that many
Asean member-countries are in favor of tapping nuclear energy for peaceful
or commercial use. The three-day summit was hosted by the Philippines, with
the DOE as the lead agency.
Nuclear energy is being seen by Asean members as a long-term source of
power, according to the study conducted by the Asean Center for Energy and
Asean-Canada Nuclear and Radiological Program.
Energy Undersecretary Jess Posadas underscored the need for regional and
international cooperation to advance the use of civilian nuclear energy in
the Asean region.
"The meeting was timely, as it afforded the Philippines insights while it
tries to develop and formulate its national position on nuclear energy,"
Posadas said.
Posadas added that the Philippines will need a kind of energy that will
power the economic development resulting from the P8.9 trillion worth of
investments in infrastructure in the next five years.
Nuclear power has the potential of meeting such huge energy demand,
according to Posadas, as he noted that 1 gram of uranium is equivalent to
1.8 million cubic meters of oil and 3 million grams of coal. "Nuclear energy
would last longer than other fuels," Posadas said.
"The Philippines has always viewed nuclear energy as a long-term option for
power generation that will provide supply security, stability and
reliability. Should this be the path that the country will take, nuclear
further diversifies our existing generation mix comprised of coal, natural
gas, geothermal, hydropower, oil, wind, biomass and solar," he said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/foreign-firms-express-interest-to-operate-b
ataan-nuclear-plant/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
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