Philippines: WESM to be launched today in Mindanao
Some 11 years since its establishment in Luzon and over six years since
taking a foothold in the Visayas, the Wholesale Electricity Spot (WESM) will
come to Mindanao today, June 28.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi waxed optimistic with the establishment of
WESM Mindanao, saying it "signals the start of a competitive electricity
market in the region whose costing is very transparent."
He said that the provision of more reliable and competitive supply that
results in more affordable power to consumers in the region is in line with
the Duterte administration's thrust to vastly improve Mindanao's economy and
the quality of life of its people.
"WESM facilitates a transparent electricity market with which Mindanao power
generators will have an avenue to trade un-contracted power supply," said
Cusi.
"It will provide consumers more sources of electricity to choose from,
increasing their chances of lower-priced energy," he added.
The launch of WESM Mindano is set at SMX Lanang in Davao City.
The Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 mandated the
Department of Energy (DOE) to establish WESM as a venue for trading
electricity as a commodity.
WESM started commercial operations in the Luzon grid in June 2006 and in
December of 2010 in the Visayas grid, while the intricacies of the Mindanao
power industry delayed the establishment of WESM Mindanao.
WESM Mindanao will be operated by the Philippine Electricity Market
Corporation (PEMC), a non-stock, non-profit corporation which also operates
the Luzon and Visayas WESMs.
"WESM Mindanao will enable a transparent and fair mechanism to bring in more
competition, more investors and a sustainable business climate that will
eventually redound to empowering consumers from Mindanao of their power of
choice," said Cusi.
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Link to Original Article:
http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1351498700136
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Laos: Sekong Expects Over 100 Households Electrified by Year's End
Laos: Sekong Expects Over 100 Households Electrified by Year's End
More than 100 families in 10 villages of the newly relocated Kaleum district
in Sekong Province are expected to have access to electricity by the end of
this year.
Currently, there are 121 villages with access to electricity. Meanwhile, 174
families in nine villages have access to solar power. Over 15,000 households
are electrified in Sekong Province.
In the first six months of this year, Sekong province imported over 10
million KWh of electricity worth 5.77 billion kip (US$ 702,280) from Vietnam
and resold it to Champasack and Saravan provinces.
The province said that it had an ambitious plan to ensure the last six
months of 2017 witness the power production of the Houay Lamphanh Yai
Hydropower project reaching over 226 million KWh to ensure sufficient power
for consumption in the province and fetching over 118 billion kip
(approximately US$ 14.362 million) from power sales.
Owned by EDL and EPC, the Houay Lamphanh Gnai Hydropower project is located
in Thanteng district, about 40 km west of the Sekong River.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article: http://kpl.gov.la/En/Detail.aspx?id=25728
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
More than 100 families in 10 villages of the newly relocated Kaleum district
in Sekong Province are expected to have access to electricity by the end of
this year.
Currently, there are 121 villages with access to electricity. Meanwhile, 174
families in nine villages have access to solar power. Over 15,000 households
are electrified in Sekong Province.
In the first six months of this year, Sekong province imported over 10
million KWh of electricity worth 5.77 billion kip (US$ 702,280) from Vietnam
and resold it to Champasack and Saravan provinces.
The province said that it had an ambitious plan to ensure the last six
months of 2017 witness the power production of the Houay Lamphanh Yai
Hydropower project reaching over 226 million KWh to ensure sufficient power
for consumption in the province and fetching over 118 billion kip
(approximately US$ 14.362 million) from power sales.
Owned by EDL and EPC, the Houay Lamphanh Gnai Hydropower project is located
in Thanteng district, about 40 km west of the Sekong River.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article: http://kpl.gov.la/En/Detail.aspx?id=25728
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
ADB turns the spotlight on solar power for Cambodia
ADB turns the spotlight on solar power for Cambodia
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a collaboration with
Cambodia's state electricity provider to set up a 100-megawatt national
solar-park programme that when completed would represent the largest solar
production capacity in the country.
The ADB signed an agreement with Electricite du Cambodge (EdC) on Tuesday
under which the regional development finance institution will carry out a
feasibility study for the programme and develop a public-private partnership
(PPP) framework, it said in a press release. The ADB will then seek private
sector partners for the construction and operation of the solar park as well
as provide concessional loans for the project.
"The 100 megawatt (MW) solar power park programme will be implemented in two
phases, the first phase is around 30 MW to be followed by a second phase of
70 MW," the release said. "This project will also help in developing a
template for solar PPPs in Cambodia and, potentially, in other parts of
neighbouring Southeast Asia."
An ADB representative said yesterday that the development bank and the EdC
had yet to determine whether the two stages of the solar-park programme
would be built on a single site, or in separate locations.
"The cost estimate of the 100 MW is not certain at this time," the
representative said. "The costs of solar projects are coming down rapidly
and the expectation is Cambodia can take advantage of the lower project
costs in terms of the lower delivered cost of power."
Earlier this year, ADB partnered on a separate solar project in Cambodia,
providing a $9.2 million loan to Singapore-based Sunseap Group to build a 10
MW solar farm in Bavet. The project, which also saw investment from France's
BRED Bank and is set to come online later this year, was billed as the
largest planned project of its kind to date in Cambodia.
Victor Jona, board chairman of the EdC, said the new solar projects were
part of Cambodia's strategy to diversify its energy production and increase
energy security by adopting more renewable energy sources.
"This can bring a lot of green energy to the system as it is very
environmentally friendly," he said. "In the future we can combine all these
sources, coal, hydropower, oil and solar, to increase domestic electricity
supply, although we want to use less oil because of the high costs of
electricity production."
Jona could not give a cost for the project, but said that 1 megawatt
capacity might cost around $1.2 million, though the project's size could
bring unit costs down further. He said the EdC would conduct its own
feasibility study before moving forward with the project.
Cyril Monteiller, general secretary of the Solar Energy Association of
Cambodia, said the ADB project was made possible by the decreasing costs of
solar energy, but also the willingness of the Cambodian government to pursue
renewable methods of energy production.
"We are happy to see that solar energy is moving forward in Cambodia and to
see that the government and the ADB are putting measures in place to create
more solar production capacity in the country," he said. "The decrease in
the cost of solar makes it possible to consider using solar because it is
now becoming competitive relative to other energy sources."
Monteiller said large projects such as this one represent a major leap
forward for solar energy in Cambodia, which relies heavily on fossil fuels
for its domestic energy production.
"We think it is very important to have large projects such as this one to
really make solar part of the energy mix in this country," he said. "But
this does not mean we should stop focusing on smaller projects, particularly
rooftop solar, and today we see that this is not part of the government's
strategy."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/adb-turns-spotlight-solar-power-cambod
ia?utm_source=Phnompenh+Post+Main+List&utm_campaign=718fe37f6b-20170629&utm_
medium=email&utm_term=0_690109a91f-718fe37f6b-45529029
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a collaboration with
Cambodia's state electricity provider to set up a 100-megawatt national
solar-park programme that when completed would represent the largest solar
production capacity in the country.
The ADB signed an agreement with Electricite du Cambodge (EdC) on Tuesday
under which the regional development finance institution will carry out a
feasibility study for the programme and develop a public-private partnership
(PPP) framework, it said in a press release. The ADB will then seek private
sector partners for the construction and operation of the solar park as well
as provide concessional loans for the project.
"The 100 megawatt (MW) solar power park programme will be implemented in two
phases, the first phase is around 30 MW to be followed by a second phase of
70 MW," the release said. "This project will also help in developing a
template for solar PPPs in Cambodia and, potentially, in other parts of
neighbouring Southeast Asia."
An ADB representative said yesterday that the development bank and the EdC
had yet to determine whether the two stages of the solar-park programme
would be built on a single site, or in separate locations.
"The cost estimate of the 100 MW is not certain at this time," the
representative said. "The costs of solar projects are coming down rapidly
and the expectation is Cambodia can take advantage of the lower project
costs in terms of the lower delivered cost of power."
Earlier this year, ADB partnered on a separate solar project in Cambodia,
providing a $9.2 million loan to Singapore-based Sunseap Group to build a 10
MW solar farm in Bavet. The project, which also saw investment from France's
BRED Bank and is set to come online later this year, was billed as the
largest planned project of its kind to date in Cambodia.
Victor Jona, board chairman of the EdC, said the new solar projects were
part of Cambodia's strategy to diversify its energy production and increase
energy security by adopting more renewable energy sources.
"This can bring a lot of green energy to the system as it is very
environmentally friendly," he said. "In the future we can combine all these
sources, coal, hydropower, oil and solar, to increase domestic electricity
supply, although we want to use less oil because of the high costs of
electricity production."
Jona could not give a cost for the project, but said that 1 megawatt
capacity might cost around $1.2 million, though the project's size could
bring unit costs down further. He said the EdC would conduct its own
feasibility study before moving forward with the project.
Cyril Monteiller, general secretary of the Solar Energy Association of
Cambodia, said the ADB project was made possible by the decreasing costs of
solar energy, but also the willingness of the Cambodian government to pursue
renewable methods of energy production.
"We are happy to see that solar energy is moving forward in Cambodia and to
see that the government and the ADB are putting measures in place to create
more solar production capacity in the country," he said. "The decrease in
the cost of solar makes it possible to consider using solar because it is
now becoming competitive relative to other energy sources."
Monteiller said large projects such as this one represent a major leap
forward for solar energy in Cambodia, which relies heavily on fossil fuels
for its domestic energy production.
"We think it is very important to have large projects such as this one to
really make solar part of the energy mix in this country," he said. "But
this does not mean we should stop focusing on smaller projects, particularly
rooftop solar, and today we see that this is not part of the government's
strategy."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/adb-turns-spotlight-solar-power-cambod
ia?utm_source=Phnompenh+Post+Main+List&utm_campaign=718fe37f6b-20170629&utm_
medium=email&utm_term=0_690109a91f-718fe37f6b-45529029
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Vietnam to continue fuel import
Vietnam to continue fuel import
According to a report issued June 26 by Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical
Company (BSR), the operator of the US$3-billion Dung Quat Oil Refinery in
Quang Ngai Province, the country is projected to consume 6.5 million tons of
gasoline and 8.5 million tons of DO from 2018 to 2022.
Meanwhile, Dung Quat and another oil refinery, Nghi Son, can supply nearly
six million tons of petrol and seven million tons of DO from 2018,
representing 92% and 82% of domestic demand respectively.
The shortfall would be offset by fuel imports from Singapore, Malaysia,
Thailand, South Korea and China.
Nghi Son Oil Refinery in Thanh Hoa Province will be put into operation next
year with an annual processing capacity of 10 million tons of crude oil.
It is expected to supply 8.8 million tons of fuels, including about 2.3
million tons of petrol and 3.7 million tons of DO, meeting 40% of local
needs.
Condensate processing plants such as PVOIL Phu My, Saigon Petro, Nam Viet
Oil and Dong Phuong have a combined annual capacity of 690,000 tons of
gasoline.
Since its debut seven years ago, Dung Quat has sold over 47 million tons of
fuels with total revenue amounting to more than US$36 billion and profit
reaching over VND13 trillion (US$0.57 billion) by the end of the first
quarter of 2017.
BSR has paid over US$7 billion in taxes to the State.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/181057/vietnam-to-continue-fuel-im
port.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
According to a report issued June 26 by Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical
Company (BSR), the operator of the US$3-billion Dung Quat Oil Refinery in
Quang Ngai Province, the country is projected to consume 6.5 million tons of
gasoline and 8.5 million tons of DO from 2018 to 2022.
Meanwhile, Dung Quat and another oil refinery, Nghi Son, can supply nearly
six million tons of petrol and seven million tons of DO from 2018,
representing 92% and 82% of domestic demand respectively.
The shortfall would be offset by fuel imports from Singapore, Malaysia,
Thailand, South Korea and China.
Nghi Son Oil Refinery in Thanh Hoa Province will be put into operation next
year with an annual processing capacity of 10 million tons of crude oil.
It is expected to supply 8.8 million tons of fuels, including about 2.3
million tons of petrol and 3.7 million tons of DO, meeting 40% of local
needs.
Condensate processing plants such as PVOIL Phu My, Saigon Petro, Nam Viet
Oil and Dong Phuong have a combined annual capacity of 690,000 tons of
gasoline.
Since its debut seven years ago, Dung Quat has sold over 47 million tons of
fuels with total revenue amounting to more than US$36 billion and profit
reaching over VND13 trillion (US$0.57 billion) by the end of the first
quarter of 2017.
BSR has paid over US$7 billion in taxes to the State.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/181057/vietnam-to-continue-fuel-im
port.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Cambodia: Blackout Roils Phnom Penh, 21 Provinces
Cambodia: Blackout Roils Phnom Penh, 21 Provinces
A fault in electrical transmissions knocked out power to Phnom Penh and 21
of Cambodia's 24 provinces on Tuesday, disrupting municipal water supplies,
interrupting trading in the capital's markets and leading to renewed calls
for the country to further develop its own power generation.
Electricite du Cambodge (EDC), the country's monopoly energy supplier, did
not provide an explanation for the outages, saying only in a Facebook post
that there had been an issue at a substation in Takeo province.
According to EDC and the Electricity Authority of Cambodia, the Takeo
substation is a key link between Phnom Penh and Vietnam, just 50 km away,
from where Cambodia imports a significant portion of its electricity supply.
"At 1:55 p.m. there was a case of a power outage from a substation in Takeo
that transfers power to Phnom Penh, causing national grid outages in Phnom
Penh and all other provinces except Takeo, Kampot and Preah Sihanouk
provinces," EDC said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
Large swaths of the country intermittently lost power for more than about
two hours, including Siem Reap City, where deputy provincial governor Ly
Samreth said the entire city had lost power for about 20 minutes, although
he would not elaborate on how the rest of the province had been affected or
whether services in the city had been disrupted.
Inside Phnom Penh's Central Market at about 2:30 p.m., stall owners fanned
themselves with sheets and pieces of cardboard as a substitute for the
electric fans that had stopped spinning when the power cut out.
Siv Kheng, 30, a clothes vendor, said the market had no generator in case of
outages.
"It is hot and dark inside," Ms. Kheng said. "It is hard to see."
According to the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority, the city's provision of
water to its more than 1.6 million residents was affected by the blackout.
The authority "has been interrupted in supplying clean water for our
people," it said in a post on its Facebook page.
EDC posted an update to its Facebook page at 4 p.m. saying the grid had lost
550 megawatts during the outage but that power had been restored.
Horn Vathna, chief of the EDC's information and customer service office,
directed a reporter to customer service operators, while EDC
director-general Keo Ratanak could not be reached despite several attempts.
EDC's provincial director in Takeo, Phan Kosal, could not be reached.
Takeo provincial police chief Ouk Samnang said he was unaware of any
incident that could have caused an outage at the substation in Takeo.
Chhe Lidin, a spokesman at the Mines and Energy Ministry, declined to
comment over the telephone and asked a reporter to send questions by email
instead. He did not respond to the email. Four other ministry spokesmen
could not be reached.
Jayant Menon, lead economist in trade and regional cooperation at the Asian
Development Bank, said Cambodia should look to producing its own energy in
the near future.
"Cambodia imports a lot of its energy from Vietnam because it is a much
cheaper and more efficient producer of energy," Mr. Menon said.
"Cambodia needs to look at harnessing its own resources, particularly in the
hydropower sector, where it can produce competitive pricing for
electricity," he said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/blackout-roils-phnom-penh-21-provinces-13
1863/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
A fault in electrical transmissions knocked out power to Phnom Penh and 21
of Cambodia's 24 provinces on Tuesday, disrupting municipal water supplies,
interrupting trading in the capital's markets and leading to renewed calls
for the country to further develop its own power generation.
Electricite du Cambodge (EDC), the country's monopoly energy supplier, did
not provide an explanation for the outages, saying only in a Facebook post
that there had been an issue at a substation in Takeo province.
According to EDC and the Electricity Authority of Cambodia, the Takeo
substation is a key link between Phnom Penh and Vietnam, just 50 km away,
from where Cambodia imports a significant portion of its electricity supply.
"At 1:55 p.m. there was a case of a power outage from a substation in Takeo
that transfers power to Phnom Penh, causing national grid outages in Phnom
Penh and all other provinces except Takeo, Kampot and Preah Sihanouk
provinces," EDC said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
Large swaths of the country intermittently lost power for more than about
two hours, including Siem Reap City, where deputy provincial governor Ly
Samreth said the entire city had lost power for about 20 minutes, although
he would not elaborate on how the rest of the province had been affected or
whether services in the city had been disrupted.
Inside Phnom Penh's Central Market at about 2:30 p.m., stall owners fanned
themselves with sheets and pieces of cardboard as a substitute for the
electric fans that had stopped spinning when the power cut out.
Siv Kheng, 30, a clothes vendor, said the market had no generator in case of
outages.
"It is hot and dark inside," Ms. Kheng said. "It is hard to see."
According to the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority, the city's provision of
water to its more than 1.6 million residents was affected by the blackout.
The authority "has been interrupted in supplying clean water for our
people," it said in a post on its Facebook page.
EDC posted an update to its Facebook page at 4 p.m. saying the grid had lost
550 megawatts during the outage but that power had been restored.
Horn Vathna, chief of the EDC's information and customer service office,
directed a reporter to customer service operators, while EDC
director-general Keo Ratanak could not be reached despite several attempts.
EDC's provincial director in Takeo, Phan Kosal, could not be reached.
Takeo provincial police chief Ouk Samnang said he was unaware of any
incident that could have caused an outage at the substation in Takeo.
Chhe Lidin, a spokesman at the Mines and Energy Ministry, declined to
comment over the telephone and asked a reporter to send questions by email
instead. He did not respond to the email. Four other ministry spokesmen
could not be reached.
Jayant Menon, lead economist in trade and regional cooperation at the Asian
Development Bank, said Cambodia should look to producing its own energy in
the near future.
"Cambodia imports a lot of its energy from Vietnam because it is a much
cheaper and more efficient producer of energy," Mr. Menon said.
"Cambodia needs to look at harnessing its own resources, particularly in the
hydropower sector, where it can produce competitive pricing for
electricity," he said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/blackout-roils-phnom-penh-21-provinces-13
1863/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Vietnam: Power generation cost increases due to fluctuations of fuel prices
Vietnam: Power generation cost increases due to fluctuations of fuel prices
According to Mr. Dang Hoang An, General Director of Electricity of Vietnam
(EVN), with the increase in domestic coal prices for electricity production
and updating the input parameters such as the prices of imported coal, oil,
gas and exchange rates in comparison with parameters used for calculation
in plan of the first 9 months of 2016, the total power generation and
business costs of EVN will increase about VND 7,230 billion in 2017.
According to Mr. An, in order to carry out the direction of the government,
EVN will drastically manage in optimization of power system operation,
thorough savings in to minimize power generation and business costs. In
particular, EVN will strive to additionally reduce power losses from 7.6% as
planed to 7.47%. Up to now EVN has reduced power purchase costs by VND 363
billion.
Mr. An also informed that, EVN was and is implementing the optimal operation
of the power system by mobilizing more hydropower generation, less coal
fired thermal power generation in comparison with the plan, and no oil power
thermal generation, that led to reducing generation costs by VND 2,170
billion.
From the beginning of 2017, EVN assigned plans to its members to save 5% of
the costs, equivalent to VND 844 billion and asked them increase savings up
to 7.5% of nominal costs that led to the total saving costs of VND 1,266
billion (VND 422 billion higher than the plan of early 2017).
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://nangluongvietnam.vn/news/en/electricity/power-generation-cost-increas
es-due-to-fluctuations-of-fuel-prices.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
According to Mr. Dang Hoang An, General Director of Electricity of Vietnam
(EVN), with the increase in domestic coal prices for electricity production
and updating the input parameters such as the prices of imported coal, oil,
gas and exchange rates in comparison with parameters used for calculation
in plan of the first 9 months of 2016, the total power generation and
business costs of EVN will increase about VND 7,230 billion in 2017.
According to Mr. An, in order to carry out the direction of the government,
EVN will drastically manage in optimization of power system operation,
thorough savings in to minimize power generation and business costs. In
particular, EVN will strive to additionally reduce power losses from 7.6% as
planed to 7.47%. Up to now EVN has reduced power purchase costs by VND 363
billion.
Mr. An also informed that, EVN was and is implementing the optimal operation
of the power system by mobilizing more hydropower generation, less coal
fired thermal power generation in comparison with the plan, and no oil power
thermal generation, that led to reducing generation costs by VND 2,170
billion.
From the beginning of 2017, EVN assigned plans to its members to save 5% of
the costs, equivalent to VND 844 billion and asked them increase savings up
to 7.5% of nominal costs that led to the total saving costs of VND 1,266
billion (VND 422 billion higher than the plan of early 2017).
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://nangluongvietnam.vn/news/en/electricity/power-generation-cost-increas
es-due-to-fluctuations-of-fuel-prices.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Solar Power Industry in the Philippines
Solar Power Industry in the Philippines
In this article, I will discuss and explain the advantages and potential
business opportunities of solar energy in the Philippines. There has been a
general expansion in solar power generation in Asia as opposed to Europe and
the rest of the world, and ASEAN countries, including the Philippines have a
greater growth potential. Current electricity costs in the Philippines are
the highest in Asia, including Japan. This makes solar power a much cheaper
and economically more advantageous option in the Philippines. The
Philippines is a country of 102 million people, and is a relatively fast
growing Asian economy, and it is anticipated that 7000MW of power generation
will be added over the next five years.
An estimated 16 million people are off the grid with regards to current
electricity supply, and this includes approximately 6000 schools. This
demonstrates the potential for supplying solar power to the Philippines.
Residents in off grid areas, are beginning to arrange the finance to
purchase solar panels, batteries etc. A friend recently mentioned to me
that his golf caddie, who lives in a local off grid village, near the golf
course, had invested in two solar panels with batteries, at a cost of about
P5000 (US$100), and this has supplied her house with electricity for lights,
fans, a small refrigerator and a TV. The Philippine Government has also
committed to a 70% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and has a 15.3GW
renewable energy target, thus encouraging a large increase in solar power as
an energy source.
Given the present electricity market, solar power as a common utility makes
economic sense for the Philippines, as solar technology as a newly formed
power source, is well placed to capitalize on increasing fuel prices, whilst
also showing a high level of resilience to falling oil prices. Oil prices
will need to fall below US$28 a barrel to produce a pronounced decrease in
the sale of solar power systems. In the most bullish scenario, it is
estimated that solar power will displace about 16TWh[1] of gas and oil power
generation between 2020 and 2025, rising to possibly 40TWh between 2026 and
2030. The current outlook is that solar power costs, on a global basis, have
been reducing for the last eight years. Installation costs are expected to
continue to decrease further, although at a slower rate. It is anticipated
that solar power costs will reduce by 1.5 percent per annum until 2025, and
thereafter reducing by 0.75 percent per annum. The cost of future solar
power projects will further decline with better governance of the various
programs. However, solar power costs need to continue to be monitored, in
order to provide the Philippine electricity market an alternative and viable
energy supply that can compete with the existing high energy prices.
Solar Power Net Metering Regulations
Another Philippine milestone in the development of solar power using a Photo
Voltaic (PV) system was in July 2013, when the net metering regulations and
interconnection standards were released by the Philippine Energy Regulatory
Commission, and went into effect on July 25, 2013. This was the first
mechanism prescribed in the Philippine Renewable Energy Law that was
initially passed in 2008. This law now legalizes, and thereby opens up the
whole market of solar roof-top panels below 100KW in areas that are on-grid
in the Philippines.
It is also understood that the net metering market has the highest potential
in the country. This is in contrast to the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) regime
which currently targets only 50MW; there is no target for the net metering
market. Following the release of these net metering rules, there has been a
marked increase in activities in the industry, and it is expected that this
development will only accelerate, as more customers take advantage of the
rules and install roof-top solar panels.
The power utility companies in the Philippines, who are responsible for
power distribution, have been instrumental in developing the rules and
standards to assure safety and stability of the distribution grid. It is the
responsibility of these power companies to ensure that the rules are
followed, and to also ensure that all customers of good standing, now have
the opportunity to be interconnected to the grid, through roof-top solar
panels.
These regulations stipulate that there is no subsidy involved. The customer
receives a credit based on the KWh of electricity exported after
self-consumption, and the average cost of generation to the Distribution
Utility (DU) for the month. These rules will therefore shape that the size
of the roof-top solar panels, must be in line with the maximum consumption
of the residential or commercial customer, as the credit for exporting
electricity to the DU is much lower than the savings through
self-consumption.
Another important part of the rules is the interconnection standards. They
describe in detail the technical aspects of connecting a roof-top solar
panel to a distribution grid. There has also been international support,
mainly from Germany through GIZ Gmbh, in the context of the renewables
initiative that has supported the development of the interconnection
standards with workshops, seminars and expert advice. GIZ have produced a
report "Manual for Interconnection - a report for supporting the
interconnection of rooftop PV systems in the Philippines". This includes an
analysis of the low and medium voltage distribution grids in the
Philippines, the net metering rules, the interconnection standards, and the
sizing of solar panels for roof-tops.
The Future of Solar Power in the Philippines
The Philippines has strong potential in harnessing solar energy, both for
consumer use and power production, given the continued drop in prices and
further innovation in the field. In addition, the country is prepared to
join the solar power revolution, mainly due to its geographical location
within the two Tropical Zones. It is well known that the archipelagic
geology of the Philippines poses unique challenges in the distribution of
solar power energy, and it is acknowledged that the Philippines should be
very able to adapt a solar energy system for the country. However, the
Philippines needs to improve the existing infrastructure, maintenance and
connected technologies to ensure that this will work.
It is also acknowledged that it will be important to develop the correct
energy management technology along with a solar power system that is built
and developed in the Philippines, and has the potential to become a basis
for other tropical island nations, should they wish to adopt this solar
power system.
At the same time the private sector should also look into developing
renewable energy projects, and developers should consider the opportunities
as the Philippines integrates renewable energy development into its
government regulations.
Another important aspect for the future of this industry, and the need for
future investments in the solar field, is in the development of battery
energy storage which will integrate renewable energy projects into the grid.
It has been pointed out that the Philippines must be innovative on creating
a market for ancillary services - i.e. battery energy storage. It is also
recognized that there must be a move from the majority of lead based battery
storage systems, to the higher storage and more efficient Lithium battery
storage system.
A recent Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Circular, has classified battery
energy storage as a new source of ancillary services or reserve power.
Under the Circular, the ERC adopted the Grid Management Committee's
recommendations classifying the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as a
new source of frequency control ancillary services, particularly contingency
reserve and secondary reserve.
One of the prominent foreign investors is AES Philippines, the local unit of
US energy giant AES Corp, and the company is currently developing the first
40MW battery storage facility in Negros Occidental province. It is also
offering its energy storage batteries as a possible long-term solution to
the power situation in the country.
Additionally, and from a consumer viewpoint, global prices of Solar Photo
Voltaic (PV) panels have already dropped 52% from 2008 to 2015. It is
acknowledged that this reduction in costs for an energy source, will impact
globally and not just the Philippines.
Along with this trend, a study by the International Energy Agency has
demonstrated that solar energy could surpass fossil fuels, biomass, wind,
hydro and nuclear to become the largest source of electricity globally by
2050.
Increase in Investments in the Philippines
The Philippine Government has also reported P366.7 billion (US$7.2 billion)
of investments in 2015, of which 67% was from the solar power sector. This
has led to an increase in employment. The manufacture, construction and
installation has resulted in an estimated 100,000 new jobs.
Solar energy can provide greater energy security and a viable economic
alternative to the current electricity market as well as the ability to
deliver quick alternative power, during severe climate issues, e.g. the
annual El Nino periods.
Following the 2008 Renewable Energy Law (Republic Act No. 9513), the
Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) has recently increased the national
solar power annual capacity target to 500MW, under an amendment set out in
March 2015. The government has awarded 61 solar contracts, aiming for a
total capacity of 1.014GW. Most solar projects (approx. 700MW) will be
developed in Luzon Province, and the largest of these is a 100MW solar PV
project in Bataan, (along the coast, north of Manila). Additionally, the
DOE has also received two proposals for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
development, and has expressed the need to install ground measurement
equipment for CSP projects. According to the Philippine authorities,
project development was maintained for several key solar projects in an
effort to meet the national annual target of 500MW by March 2015. This was
achieved. However, for further large-scale development of Philippines Solar
Power, validated solar maps are needed, followed by an identification of
sites and islands of major interest. This is very much an on-going project.
Conclusion
It is obvious that the potential for expanding the solar power industry in
the Philippines is enormous - if only due to a combination of a beneficial
climate, and the rapid reduction in the production costs of solar panels and
related equipment. A 52 percent reduction in costs from 2008 to 2015 cannot
be ignored. It is also estimated that the growth rate in solar power
generation from 2012 to 2016 has been 7.6 percent. The main disadvantage
currently is the cost of batteries. However, with greater usage, access and
technological improvements, obviously manufacturing costs will reduce over
time.
The main government and private organizations involved in solar power in the
Philippines are:
Government
The Committee on Power and Energy, National Competiveness Council,
Philippines
Joint Congressional Power Commission
Private
Confederation of Solar Developers of the Philippines (CSDP)
Philippines Solar Power Alliance (PSPA)
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/2017/06/27/solar-power-industry-philippine
s.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
In this article, I will discuss and explain the advantages and potential
business opportunities of solar energy in the Philippines. There has been a
general expansion in solar power generation in Asia as opposed to Europe and
the rest of the world, and ASEAN countries, including the Philippines have a
greater growth potential. Current electricity costs in the Philippines are
the highest in Asia, including Japan. This makes solar power a much cheaper
and economically more advantageous option in the Philippines. The
Philippines is a country of 102 million people, and is a relatively fast
growing Asian economy, and it is anticipated that 7000MW of power generation
will be added over the next five years.
An estimated 16 million people are off the grid with regards to current
electricity supply, and this includes approximately 6000 schools. This
demonstrates the potential for supplying solar power to the Philippines.
Residents in off grid areas, are beginning to arrange the finance to
purchase solar panels, batteries etc. A friend recently mentioned to me
that his golf caddie, who lives in a local off grid village, near the golf
course, had invested in two solar panels with batteries, at a cost of about
P5000 (US$100), and this has supplied her house with electricity for lights,
fans, a small refrigerator and a TV. The Philippine Government has also
committed to a 70% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and has a 15.3GW
renewable energy target, thus encouraging a large increase in solar power as
an energy source.
Given the present electricity market, solar power as a common utility makes
economic sense for the Philippines, as solar technology as a newly formed
power source, is well placed to capitalize on increasing fuel prices, whilst
also showing a high level of resilience to falling oil prices. Oil prices
will need to fall below US$28 a barrel to produce a pronounced decrease in
the sale of solar power systems. In the most bullish scenario, it is
estimated that solar power will displace about 16TWh[1] of gas and oil power
generation between 2020 and 2025, rising to possibly 40TWh between 2026 and
2030. The current outlook is that solar power costs, on a global basis, have
been reducing for the last eight years. Installation costs are expected to
continue to decrease further, although at a slower rate. It is anticipated
that solar power costs will reduce by 1.5 percent per annum until 2025, and
thereafter reducing by 0.75 percent per annum. The cost of future solar
power projects will further decline with better governance of the various
programs. However, solar power costs need to continue to be monitored, in
order to provide the Philippine electricity market an alternative and viable
energy supply that can compete with the existing high energy prices.
Solar Power Net Metering Regulations
Another Philippine milestone in the development of solar power using a Photo
Voltaic (PV) system was in July 2013, when the net metering regulations and
interconnection standards were released by the Philippine Energy Regulatory
Commission, and went into effect on July 25, 2013. This was the first
mechanism prescribed in the Philippine Renewable Energy Law that was
initially passed in 2008. This law now legalizes, and thereby opens up the
whole market of solar roof-top panels below 100KW in areas that are on-grid
in the Philippines.
It is also understood that the net metering market has the highest potential
in the country. This is in contrast to the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) regime
which currently targets only 50MW; there is no target for the net metering
market. Following the release of these net metering rules, there has been a
marked increase in activities in the industry, and it is expected that this
development will only accelerate, as more customers take advantage of the
rules and install roof-top solar panels.
The power utility companies in the Philippines, who are responsible for
power distribution, have been instrumental in developing the rules and
standards to assure safety and stability of the distribution grid. It is the
responsibility of these power companies to ensure that the rules are
followed, and to also ensure that all customers of good standing, now have
the opportunity to be interconnected to the grid, through roof-top solar
panels.
These regulations stipulate that there is no subsidy involved. The customer
receives a credit based on the KWh of electricity exported after
self-consumption, and the average cost of generation to the Distribution
Utility (DU) for the month. These rules will therefore shape that the size
of the roof-top solar panels, must be in line with the maximum consumption
of the residential or commercial customer, as the credit for exporting
electricity to the DU is much lower than the savings through
self-consumption.
Another important part of the rules is the interconnection standards. They
describe in detail the technical aspects of connecting a roof-top solar
panel to a distribution grid. There has also been international support,
mainly from Germany through GIZ Gmbh, in the context of the renewables
initiative that has supported the development of the interconnection
standards with workshops, seminars and expert advice. GIZ have produced a
report "Manual for Interconnection - a report for supporting the
interconnection of rooftop PV systems in the Philippines". This includes an
analysis of the low and medium voltage distribution grids in the
Philippines, the net metering rules, the interconnection standards, and the
sizing of solar panels for roof-tops.
The Future of Solar Power in the Philippines
The Philippines has strong potential in harnessing solar energy, both for
consumer use and power production, given the continued drop in prices and
further innovation in the field. In addition, the country is prepared to
join the solar power revolution, mainly due to its geographical location
within the two Tropical Zones. It is well known that the archipelagic
geology of the Philippines poses unique challenges in the distribution of
solar power energy, and it is acknowledged that the Philippines should be
very able to adapt a solar energy system for the country. However, the
Philippines needs to improve the existing infrastructure, maintenance and
connected technologies to ensure that this will work.
It is also acknowledged that it will be important to develop the correct
energy management technology along with a solar power system that is built
and developed in the Philippines, and has the potential to become a basis
for other tropical island nations, should they wish to adopt this solar
power system.
At the same time the private sector should also look into developing
renewable energy projects, and developers should consider the opportunities
as the Philippines integrates renewable energy development into its
government regulations.
Another important aspect for the future of this industry, and the need for
future investments in the solar field, is in the development of battery
energy storage which will integrate renewable energy projects into the grid.
It has been pointed out that the Philippines must be innovative on creating
a market for ancillary services - i.e. battery energy storage. It is also
recognized that there must be a move from the majority of lead based battery
storage systems, to the higher storage and more efficient Lithium battery
storage system.
A recent Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Circular, has classified battery
energy storage as a new source of ancillary services or reserve power.
Under the Circular, the ERC adopted the Grid Management Committee's
recommendations classifying the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as a
new source of frequency control ancillary services, particularly contingency
reserve and secondary reserve.
One of the prominent foreign investors is AES Philippines, the local unit of
US energy giant AES Corp, and the company is currently developing the first
40MW battery storage facility in Negros Occidental province. It is also
offering its energy storage batteries as a possible long-term solution to
the power situation in the country.
Additionally, and from a consumer viewpoint, global prices of Solar Photo
Voltaic (PV) panels have already dropped 52% from 2008 to 2015. It is
acknowledged that this reduction in costs for an energy source, will impact
globally and not just the Philippines.
Along with this trend, a study by the International Energy Agency has
demonstrated that solar energy could surpass fossil fuels, biomass, wind,
hydro and nuclear to become the largest source of electricity globally by
2050.
Increase in Investments in the Philippines
The Philippine Government has also reported P366.7 billion (US$7.2 billion)
of investments in 2015, of which 67% was from the solar power sector. This
has led to an increase in employment. The manufacture, construction and
installation has resulted in an estimated 100,000 new jobs.
Solar energy can provide greater energy security and a viable economic
alternative to the current electricity market as well as the ability to
deliver quick alternative power, during severe climate issues, e.g. the
annual El Nino periods.
Following the 2008 Renewable Energy Law (Republic Act No. 9513), the
Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) has recently increased the national
solar power annual capacity target to 500MW, under an amendment set out in
March 2015. The government has awarded 61 solar contracts, aiming for a
total capacity of 1.014GW. Most solar projects (approx. 700MW) will be
developed in Luzon Province, and the largest of these is a 100MW solar PV
project in Bataan, (along the coast, north of Manila). Additionally, the
DOE has also received two proposals for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
development, and has expressed the need to install ground measurement
equipment for CSP projects. According to the Philippine authorities,
project development was maintained for several key solar projects in an
effort to meet the national annual target of 500MW by March 2015. This was
achieved. However, for further large-scale development of Philippines Solar
Power, validated solar maps are needed, followed by an identification of
sites and islands of major interest. This is very much an on-going project.
Conclusion
It is obvious that the potential for expanding the solar power industry in
the Philippines is enormous - if only due to a combination of a beneficial
climate, and the rapid reduction in the production costs of solar panels and
related equipment. A 52 percent reduction in costs from 2008 to 2015 cannot
be ignored. It is also estimated that the growth rate in solar power
generation from 2012 to 2016 has been 7.6 percent. The main disadvantage
currently is the cost of batteries. However, with greater usage, access and
technological improvements, obviously manufacturing costs will reduce over
time.
The main government and private organizations involved in solar power in the
Philippines are:
Government
The Committee on Power and Energy, National Competiveness Council,
Philippines
Joint Congressional Power Commission
Private
Confederation of Solar Developers of the Philippines (CSDP)
Philippines Solar Power Alliance (PSPA)
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/2017/06/27/solar-power-industry-philippine
s.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
No profits from Myanmar-China gas pipeline: deputy minister
No profits from Myanmar-China gas pipeline: deputy minister
No profits have been made yet from the Myanmar-China natural gas pipeline
project, which sends gas to China from offshore deposits in Rakhine State,
while Chinese loan for the project is still being paid, said deputy minister
for electric power and energy Dr Tun Naing.
State MP Nang Kham Aye for Namatu Township questioned the deputy minister on
June 26 in the Shan State parliament on how much revenue and profits have
been made each year from Myanmar's annual exports of 12 billion cubic feet
of gas from the Rakhine to China.
The deputy minister said the 793-kilometre Southeast Asia Natural Gas
Pipeline passes through Rakhine State, Magway Region, Mandalay Region and
Shan State to export natural gas from the Shwe gas project, and it's jointly
owned and run by companies from China, South Korea, India, and Myanmar.
He also said two Chinese companies - CNPC and ONGC - control more than 58
per cent of the project, while the Myanma Oil and Natural Gas Enterprise
owns just 7.36 per cent.
"The pipeline project generated more than US$121 million between the 2013-14
and 2016-17 fiscal years, and the earnings have already been transferred to
the Union government's funds. It began with a loan of 86.16 million euros
from the China Development Bank and took about three years to complete. The
loan with accumulated interest is still being paid up," the deputy minister
said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article: http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/local/10264
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
No profits have been made yet from the Myanmar-China natural gas pipeline
project, which sends gas to China from offshore deposits in Rakhine State,
while Chinese loan for the project is still being paid, said deputy minister
for electric power and energy Dr Tun Naing.
State MP Nang Kham Aye for Namatu Township questioned the deputy minister on
June 26 in the Shan State parliament on how much revenue and profits have
been made each year from Myanmar's annual exports of 12 billion cubic feet
of gas from the Rakhine to China.
The deputy minister said the 793-kilometre Southeast Asia Natural Gas
Pipeline passes through Rakhine State, Magway Region, Mandalay Region and
Shan State to export natural gas from the Shwe gas project, and it's jointly
owned and run by companies from China, South Korea, India, and Myanmar.
He also said two Chinese companies - CNPC and ONGC - control more than 58
per cent of the project, while the Myanma Oil and Natural Gas Enterprise
owns just 7.36 per cent.
"The pipeline project generated more than US$121 million between the 2013-14
and 2016-17 fiscal years, and the earnings have already been transferred to
the Union government's funds. It began with a loan of 86.16 million euros
from the China Development Bank and took about three years to complete. The
loan with accumulated interest is still being paid up," the deputy minister
said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article: http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/local/10264
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Myanmar: Despite Opposition, Ministry Says It Will Increase Electricity Prices
Myanmar: Despite Opposition, Ministry Says It Will Increase Electricity
Prices
The Ministry of Electricity and Energy will increase electricity prices
soon, said deputy minister Dr. Tun Lwin, citing an annual financial loss of
300 billion kyats concerning the electricity supply.
Pulaw Township lawmaker U Ohn Khin asked during the Lower House
parliamentary session on Monday if the government would adjust electricity
prices.
The production cost of electricity by state-owned and private power plants
is around 92 kyats per unit, but the price sold to users is 69 kyats on
average. The government then subsidizes 22 kyats for each unit used,
creating a loss of 337 billion kyats during the 2016-17 fiscal year, said
the deputy minister.
Because of the subsidies, the government is short of funds to invest in the
country's electricity production facilities for the benefit of national
development, said Dr. Tun Lwin. "So, we need to cover those costs," added
the minister.
Lawmaker U Ohn Khin said that residents in Tanintharyi (Tenasserim) Division
have to pay 350 to 650 kyats per unit for electricity from private
electricity producers, and that they would not use appliances such as
refrigerators or washing machines, even if they received them for free.
"They dare not use them due to the high electricity prices. When they buy
home appliances, they choose the ones that consume the least electricity,"
said U Ohn Khin.
The ministry, he argued, "can't increase electricity production because of
the loss." Its income would not increase as long as electricity production
itself does not increase, he said, adding that the local population is
growing. "So we have been in a vicious circle which should be stopped now,"
U Ohn Khin said.
Currently, only 38 percent of the country's population is connected to the
national grid, leaving 62 percent of the population without access to
government-supplied electricity, said the deputy minister.
"Only when those who have access to [government-supplied] electricity pay
reasonable electricity prices will we use the money which we have to
annually subsidize the building of new grids," said Dr. Tun Lwin.
The previous government attempted to increase electricity prices in November
2013, but aborted its plan in the face of strong opposition from the people.
Currently, households pay 35 kyats per unit for up to 100 units, and 40
kyats per unit for up to 200 units. Any units above 200 cost 50 kyats.
Industrial users pay 75 kyats per unit up to 500 units, 100 kyats from 501
to 10,000 units, 125 kyats from 10,001 to 50,000 units, and 150 kyats from
50,001 to 300,000 units. The unit price drops to 100 kyats for usage that
rises above 300,000 units.
At present, as the state-run power plants cannot produce additional
electricity, and the ministry has to purchase up to 51 percent of country's
total production from private producers. The government has to buy
electricity for 68 kyats per unit from private hydropower plants, and for
158 kyats per unit from private gas-fired power plants, according to the
deputy minister.
U Htay Aung, a hotelier in Yangon, has complained about the government's
plan to increase electricity prices.
"Things such as electricity and rail transportation are not meant to make
profit and it is the responsibility of the government to provide such
services. We are hardly making profits, and the price increase will surely
become a burden to us," he told The Irrawaddy.
Last Friday at a meeting between businessmen and military-appointed Vice
President U Myint Swe in Yangon, industrialists proposed tripling
electricity rates for household use to 150 kyats, and increasing industrial
use from 150 kyats to 175 kyats.
The ministry, in cooperation with the World Bank, is designing its tariff
policy and held workshops concerning new electricity rates in April and May,
attended by parliamentary committees, energy ministers of divisional and
state governments, and experts.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/despite-opposition-ministry-says-will-increas
e-electricity-prices.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Prices
The Ministry of Electricity and Energy will increase electricity prices
soon, said deputy minister Dr. Tun Lwin, citing an annual financial loss of
300 billion kyats concerning the electricity supply.
Pulaw Township lawmaker U Ohn Khin asked during the Lower House
parliamentary session on Monday if the government would adjust electricity
prices.
The production cost of electricity by state-owned and private power plants
is around 92 kyats per unit, but the price sold to users is 69 kyats on
average. The government then subsidizes 22 kyats for each unit used,
creating a loss of 337 billion kyats during the 2016-17 fiscal year, said
the deputy minister.
Because of the subsidies, the government is short of funds to invest in the
country's electricity production facilities for the benefit of national
development, said Dr. Tun Lwin. "So, we need to cover those costs," added
the minister.
Lawmaker U Ohn Khin said that residents in Tanintharyi (Tenasserim) Division
have to pay 350 to 650 kyats per unit for electricity from private
electricity producers, and that they would not use appliances such as
refrigerators or washing machines, even if they received them for free.
"They dare not use them due to the high electricity prices. When they buy
home appliances, they choose the ones that consume the least electricity,"
said U Ohn Khin.
The ministry, he argued, "can't increase electricity production because of
the loss." Its income would not increase as long as electricity production
itself does not increase, he said, adding that the local population is
growing. "So we have been in a vicious circle which should be stopped now,"
U Ohn Khin said.
Currently, only 38 percent of the country's population is connected to the
national grid, leaving 62 percent of the population without access to
government-supplied electricity, said the deputy minister.
"Only when those who have access to [government-supplied] electricity pay
reasonable electricity prices will we use the money which we have to
annually subsidize the building of new grids," said Dr. Tun Lwin.
The previous government attempted to increase electricity prices in November
2013, but aborted its plan in the face of strong opposition from the people.
Currently, households pay 35 kyats per unit for up to 100 units, and 40
kyats per unit for up to 200 units. Any units above 200 cost 50 kyats.
Industrial users pay 75 kyats per unit up to 500 units, 100 kyats from 501
to 10,000 units, 125 kyats from 10,001 to 50,000 units, and 150 kyats from
50,001 to 300,000 units. The unit price drops to 100 kyats for usage that
rises above 300,000 units.
At present, as the state-run power plants cannot produce additional
electricity, and the ministry has to purchase up to 51 percent of country's
total production from private producers. The government has to buy
electricity for 68 kyats per unit from private hydropower plants, and for
158 kyats per unit from private gas-fired power plants, according to the
deputy minister.
U Htay Aung, a hotelier in Yangon, has complained about the government's
plan to increase electricity prices.
"Things such as electricity and rail transportation are not meant to make
profit and it is the responsibility of the government to provide such
services. We are hardly making profits, and the price increase will surely
become a burden to us," he told The Irrawaddy.
Last Friday at a meeting between businessmen and military-appointed Vice
President U Myint Swe in Yangon, industrialists proposed tripling
electricity rates for household use to 150 kyats, and increasing industrial
use from 150 kyats to 175 kyats.
The ministry, in cooperation with the World Bank, is designing its tariff
policy and held workshops concerning new electricity rates in April and May,
attended by parliamentary committees, energy ministers of divisional and
state governments, and experts.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/despite-opposition-ministry-says-will-increas
e-electricity-prices.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Philippines: Phinma Energy plans on geothermal deal this year with more to follow in 2018
Philippines: Phinma Energy plans on geothermal deal this year with more to
follow in 2018
Earlier this year, we reported of the renaming of Trans-Asia Petroleum into
Phinma Energy, the company now announces that it is hopeful in closing a
geothermal project deal within this year.
As reported by PhilStar, Phinma has been looking at geothermal projects as
it shifts its focus from the capital intensive petroleum
exploration-production business, PPGI executive vice president and chief
operating officer Raymundo Reyes Jr. There are though no further details
available publicly.
In April, the company changed its name from Trans-Asia Petroleum Corp.,
signalling its entry into the geothermal exploration and production sector.
The company is specifically looking at one project in North Luzon and there
are ongoing discusisons for a farm-in agreement, according to PPGI president
and chief executive officer Francisco Viray. But the company is also
considering overseas venture, but this will wait until next years.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/phinma-energy-plans-on-geothermal-deal-this-ye
ar-with-more-to-follow-in-2018/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
follow in 2018
Earlier this year, we reported of the renaming of Trans-Asia Petroleum into
Phinma Energy, the company now announces that it is hopeful in closing a
geothermal project deal within this year.
As reported by PhilStar, Phinma has been looking at geothermal projects as
it shifts its focus from the capital intensive petroleum
exploration-production business, PPGI executive vice president and chief
operating officer Raymundo Reyes Jr. There are though no further details
available publicly.
In April, the company changed its name from Trans-Asia Petroleum Corp.,
signalling its entry into the geothermal exploration and production sector.
The company is specifically looking at one project in North Luzon and there
are ongoing discusisons for a farm-in agreement, according to PPGI president
and chief executive officer Francisco Viray. But the company is also
considering overseas venture, but this will wait until next years.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/phinma-energy-plans-on-geothermal-deal-this-ye
ar-with-more-to-follow-in-2018/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
ADB partnering Cambodia utility for 100MW solar park programme
ADB partnering Cambodia utility for 100MW solar park programme
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is collaborating with Cambodian state-run
energy utility Electricite Du Cambodge (EDC) to set up a 100MW national
solar park programme.
The two parties signed a transaction advisory agreement yesterday, and Keo
Rottanak, RGC Delegate in Charge of Managing EDC.
Ryuichi Kaga, head of ADB's Office of Public-Private Partnership, said:
"Cambodia is blessed with excellent solar irradiation and this programme
will help Cambodia bring renewable, affordable, and indigenously-sourced
power to meet its growing energy needs. ADB will be advising on the
structuring of a national solar park programme and a competitive process of
procuring power, which is expected to drive solar power prices lower and
bring access to affordable power to its people."
The programme will be implemented via a 30MW first phase followed by 70MW in
phase two.
ADB's Office of Public-Private Partnership will develop a feasibility study
for the project, develop a bankable PPP structure, and organize a
competitive tender process to select a suitable private sector sponsor for
the power generation. The project will then help Cambodia develop a template
for solar PPPs in Cambodia and possibly also in other parts of Southeast
Asia.
ADB will also provide concessional funds to EDC for the infrastructure of
the solar park. No more details were provided by the bank on the schedule
for the park development.
ADB is already providing financial assistance to Singapore construction firm
Sunseap Group to build Cambodia's first large-scale solar power project - a
10MW farm based in Bavet.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.pv-tech.org/news/adb-partnering-cambodia-utility-for-100mw-solar
-park-program
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is collaborating with Cambodian state-run
energy utility Electricite Du Cambodge (EDC) to set up a 100MW national
solar park programme.
The two parties signed a transaction advisory agreement yesterday, and Keo
Rottanak, RGC Delegate in Charge of Managing EDC.
Ryuichi Kaga, head of ADB's Office of Public-Private Partnership, said:
"Cambodia is blessed with excellent solar irradiation and this programme
will help Cambodia bring renewable, affordable, and indigenously-sourced
power to meet its growing energy needs. ADB will be advising on the
structuring of a national solar park programme and a competitive process of
procuring power, which is expected to drive solar power prices lower and
bring access to affordable power to its people."
The programme will be implemented via a 30MW first phase followed by 70MW in
phase two.
ADB's Office of Public-Private Partnership will develop a feasibility study
for the project, develop a bankable PPP structure, and organize a
competitive tender process to select a suitable private sector sponsor for
the power generation. The project will then help Cambodia develop a template
for solar PPPs in Cambodia and possibly also in other parts of Southeast
Asia.
ADB will also provide concessional funds to EDC for the infrastructure of
the solar park. No more details were provided by the bank on the schedule
for the park development.
ADB is already providing financial assistance to Singapore construction firm
Sunseap Group to build Cambodia's first large-scale solar power project - a
10MW farm based in Bavet.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.pv-tech.org/news/adb-partnering-cambodia-utility-for-100mw-solar
-park-program
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Philippines: Pamilacan Island can now enjoy electricity
Philippines: Pamilacan Island can now enjoy electricity
Internet connects every single continent and island in the world. But how
can everyone connect through the Internet without electricity?
Alicia Dumaran, a 47-year-old housewife living in Pamilacan Island, Bohol,
now has the opportunity to enjoy and experience electrical appliances the
whole day.
Through WeGen Distributed Energy Philippines, Pamilacan now has electricity
to use.
"Napakalaking tulong para sa aming mga mamamayan ng isla na magkaroon ng
kuryente dito. Maraming oportunidad ang magbubukas para sa amin," Dumaran
told Philstar.com.
Back then, the island only experienced electricity from 6 p.m. to midnight
because of generators, but they all know that it was not enough. It
prevented them from having a decent way of life.
In a turnover ceremony held at the Pamilacan National High School, WeGen, a
new company that began operating last 2016, unveiled a 39kWp solar
photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system that would provide energy to at
least 300 households in the island.
"This solar energy project shows how renewable energy combined with
innovative technology can spur sustainable socio-economic development in a
marginalized community," said WeGen chief executive officer and legal
counsel Julito Sarmiento. The company, he said, "is proud of the role it
played in fulfilling a dream for the Pamilacan community and we look forward
to seeing better days on this island."
Maria Victoria Gursuta, the lone senior high school teacher in Pamilacan,
said she can now supplement their classes with video presentations and now,
the students can use computers. "Ngayon, wala nang 'for example, for
example' makikita na ngayon ng estudyante mga gusto kong ipakita sa kanila."
The 10-million-peso solar energy project named "Kahayag sa Pamilacan"
comprises 135 monocrystalline solar panels connected to deep-cycle silicon
power maintenance-free and eco-friendly batteries with a capacity of 200
ampere hours. These solar panels are mounted on the rooftop of the Pamilacan
National High School building, which was chosen for its ideal location and
has been retrofitted to support the solar panels with a lifespan of at least
25 years.
The solar energy system shows how off-grid communities like Pamilacan can
access clean energy through Stand-alone Island Solar Solutions in
Distributed Energy Resources (DER), which generates resilient and renewable
energy from decentralized sites such as rooftops combined with battery
storage and software solutions.
The solar power system also serves as a shared investment with the island
community because residents can earn extra income by selling excess energy
to the grid, electric cooperatives, or the Wholesale Electricity Spot
Market.
The Pamilacan residents will contribute to a solar trust fund that will be
collected by the island's Electric Consumers Association for the repair,
maintenance, and future expansion of the solar energy system with the goal
of one day providing electricity to the island 24/7 as well as a seed
capital for community livelihood, education, and health initiatives.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.philstar.com/travel-and-tourism/2017/06/27/1714079/pamilacan-isla
nd-can-now-enjoy-electricity
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Internet connects every single continent and island in the world. But how
can everyone connect through the Internet without electricity?
Alicia Dumaran, a 47-year-old housewife living in Pamilacan Island, Bohol,
now has the opportunity to enjoy and experience electrical appliances the
whole day.
Through WeGen Distributed Energy Philippines, Pamilacan now has electricity
to use.
"Napakalaking tulong para sa aming mga mamamayan ng isla na magkaroon ng
kuryente dito. Maraming oportunidad ang magbubukas para sa amin," Dumaran
told Philstar.com.
Back then, the island only experienced electricity from 6 p.m. to midnight
because of generators, but they all know that it was not enough. It
prevented them from having a decent way of life.
In a turnover ceremony held at the Pamilacan National High School, WeGen, a
new company that began operating last 2016, unveiled a 39kWp solar
photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system that would provide energy to at
least 300 households in the island.
"This solar energy project shows how renewable energy combined with
innovative technology can spur sustainable socio-economic development in a
marginalized community," said WeGen chief executive officer and legal
counsel Julito Sarmiento. The company, he said, "is proud of the role it
played in fulfilling a dream for the Pamilacan community and we look forward
to seeing better days on this island."
Maria Victoria Gursuta, the lone senior high school teacher in Pamilacan,
said she can now supplement their classes with video presentations and now,
the students can use computers. "Ngayon, wala nang 'for example, for
example' makikita na ngayon ng estudyante mga gusto kong ipakita sa kanila."
The 10-million-peso solar energy project named "Kahayag sa Pamilacan"
comprises 135 monocrystalline solar panels connected to deep-cycle silicon
power maintenance-free and eco-friendly batteries with a capacity of 200
ampere hours. These solar panels are mounted on the rooftop of the Pamilacan
National High School building, which was chosen for its ideal location and
has been retrofitted to support the solar panels with a lifespan of at least
25 years.
The solar energy system shows how off-grid communities like Pamilacan can
access clean energy through Stand-alone Island Solar Solutions in
Distributed Energy Resources (DER), which generates resilient and renewable
energy from decentralized sites such as rooftops combined with battery
storage and software solutions.
The solar power system also serves as a shared investment with the island
community because residents can earn extra income by selling excess energy
to the grid, electric cooperatives, or the Wholesale Electricity Spot
Market.
The Pamilacan residents will contribute to a solar trust fund that will be
collected by the island's Electric Consumers Association for the repair,
maintenance, and future expansion of the solar energy system with the goal
of one day providing electricity to the island 24/7 as well as a seed
capital for community livelihood, education, and health initiatives.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.philstar.com/travel-and-tourism/2017/06/27/1714079/pamilacan-isla
nd-can-now-enjoy-electricity
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Cambodians Switch to Solar Panels as Electricity Infrastructure Falls Short
Cambodians Switch to Solar Panels as Electricity Infrastructure Falls Short
Almost 40 years after the upheaval of the Khmer Rouge regime, residents of
Bati commune near the Cambodian border with Vietnam are still without
electricity.
In Thnanh village, just six kilometers from the major provincial city of
Bavet, residents question why, in a town known for its gaudy casinos and
cross-border trade, they cannot light their homes.
Many have now turned to solar power.
Sun Sothea, 35, one of many market traders in the village says that despite
the erection of pylons and wires crisscrossing the streets, villagers have
had to seek alternatives to power their homes.
"I've been wondering why there is electricity and wires and poles, but no
power," he said.
Sothea bought a solar panel last year for about $400, which brings enough
power to his home to use lights and fans to fend off the incessant heat.
"I cannot use it with big things, like running machinery or water pumps," he
said. "We still need electricity soon."
Another villager, In Boy, 65, said the local community banded together and
called on the authorities to supply electricity some time ago, but he too
has resorted to solar power for his basic needs as no response was
forthcoming.
"Since I have been waiting for electricity for so long, I decided to buy
solar power to use," he said. "It's so boring when there's no electricity. I
don't know what to say. Other residents in other areas have it."
Many here still use batteries, candles and lamps. Chhim Chhaiya, 32, a
garment worker, cannot afford to buy a solar panel, adding that she often
uses a flashlight to cook after dark.
"I long for electricity as soon as possible. I will be very happy to have
lights in my home," she said.
Chan Sarun, Bati commune chief, said he was not responsible for the lack of
power. "I don't know why there is no electricity. I want it too."
A new $12.5 million solar farm being build by Singaporean firm Sunseap
International in Bavet city expected to be finished in August may go some
way to alleviating the villagers' concerns.
Kelvin Ang, project manager at Sunseap, said the 10 megawatts produced by
the plant would "help improve the energy shortage in all areas covered" by
the national electricity authority, Electricite du Cambodge (EdC).
He added that the solar farm would supply about a quarter of Svay Rieng
province's energy demands at peak times.
"We understand EdC is now working very hard to expand more and more its grid
to remote areas where there is no electricity," Ang said.
"With the energy sent from Phnom Penh and the energy produced from our solar
farm, we believe Svay Rieng will no longer face energy shortages."
Cambodia generates about half of its electricity from hydropower, while it
imports significant amounts from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
Men Vibol, the provincial governor, claimed the province had sufficient
levels of electricity, adding that the reach of the power grid to rural
areas was to blame.
"It's not a shortage," he said. "It depends on connectivity. We now almost
have coverage across the whole province."
Villagers living near the under-construction solar farm, say switching to
state electricity from private providers is cheaper.
Kim Navy, 26, who recently made the switch, said she had her power bills cut
in half after ditching a private supplier.
"It is good if the price is lower. If the solar farm provides low cost and
reliable power, it is good," he said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.voacambodia.com/a/cambodians-switch-to-solar-panels-as-electrici
ty-infrastructure-falls-short/3916668.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Almost 40 years after the upheaval of the Khmer Rouge regime, residents of
Bati commune near the Cambodian border with Vietnam are still without
electricity.
In Thnanh village, just six kilometers from the major provincial city of
Bavet, residents question why, in a town known for its gaudy casinos and
cross-border trade, they cannot light their homes.
Many have now turned to solar power.
Sun Sothea, 35, one of many market traders in the village says that despite
the erection of pylons and wires crisscrossing the streets, villagers have
had to seek alternatives to power their homes.
"I've been wondering why there is electricity and wires and poles, but no
power," he said.
Sothea bought a solar panel last year for about $400, which brings enough
power to his home to use lights and fans to fend off the incessant heat.
"I cannot use it with big things, like running machinery or water pumps," he
said. "We still need electricity soon."
Another villager, In Boy, 65, said the local community banded together and
called on the authorities to supply electricity some time ago, but he too
has resorted to solar power for his basic needs as no response was
forthcoming.
"Since I have been waiting for electricity for so long, I decided to buy
solar power to use," he said. "It's so boring when there's no electricity. I
don't know what to say. Other residents in other areas have it."
Many here still use batteries, candles and lamps. Chhim Chhaiya, 32, a
garment worker, cannot afford to buy a solar panel, adding that she often
uses a flashlight to cook after dark.
"I long for electricity as soon as possible. I will be very happy to have
lights in my home," she said.
Chan Sarun, Bati commune chief, said he was not responsible for the lack of
power. "I don't know why there is no electricity. I want it too."
A new $12.5 million solar farm being build by Singaporean firm Sunseap
International in Bavet city expected to be finished in August may go some
way to alleviating the villagers' concerns.
Kelvin Ang, project manager at Sunseap, said the 10 megawatts produced by
the plant would "help improve the energy shortage in all areas covered" by
the national electricity authority, Electricite du Cambodge (EdC).
He added that the solar farm would supply about a quarter of Svay Rieng
province's energy demands at peak times.
"We understand EdC is now working very hard to expand more and more its grid
to remote areas where there is no electricity," Ang said.
"With the energy sent from Phnom Penh and the energy produced from our solar
farm, we believe Svay Rieng will no longer face energy shortages."
Cambodia generates about half of its electricity from hydropower, while it
imports significant amounts from Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
Men Vibol, the provincial governor, claimed the province had sufficient
levels of electricity, adding that the reach of the power grid to rural
areas was to blame.
"It's not a shortage," he said. "It depends on connectivity. We now almost
have coverage across the whole province."
Villagers living near the under-construction solar farm, say switching to
state electricity from private providers is cheaper.
Kim Navy, 26, who recently made the switch, said she had her power bills cut
in half after ditching a private supplier.
"It is good if the price is lower. If the solar farm provides low cost and
reliable power, it is good," he said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://www.voacambodia.com/a/cambodians-switch-to-solar-panels-as-electrici
ty-infrastructure-falls-short/3916668.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Empyrean Energy hits gas in Mako South exploration well offshore Indonesia
Empyrean Energy hits gas in Mako South exploration well offshore Indonesia
Empyrean Energy Plc (LON:EME) has told investors that its new exploration
strategy has begun with "great success" as the Mako South well has confirmed
the presence of gas in the Duyung PSC, offshore Indonesia.
In a stock market statement, Empyrean said it has been informed by the
operator that its10% owned Mako South well hit 23 feet of net gas pay.
Empyrean shares shot up 20% in Monday's early deals, rising 1.25p to change
hands at 7.5p per share.
Mako South was drilled to a depth of 1,707 feet. Logging has confirmed the
23 feet of net gas pay, and conventional core was recovered from the target
zone for analysis.
Empyrean noted that the Upper Intra Muda, the well's main target, exhibit
better-than-expected porosity, permeability and gas saturation.
Testing operations are now underway, and Empyrean confirmed that gas has
flowed to surface.
The company added that, as planned, a 3D seismic programme is likely as it
will provide a better understanding of the reservoir size and
characteristics.
Empyrean chief executive, Tom Kelly said: "Whilst we have further work to do
at Mako to determine the overall size of the potential gas accumulation,
Empyrean is extremely pleased that our aggressive exploration programme has
kicked off with great success.
"We have a gas discovery with excellent reservoir quality here at the Mako
South-1 well location, our first exploration well since we have
re-established Empyrean with exciting new assets.
"Empyrean has set out to build a core portfolio of potentially
transformational exploration assets in prolific hydrocarbon basins, close to
infrastructure and energy-hungry markets."
Kelly noted that operator Conrad Petroleum had exceeded Empyrean's
expectations regarding timeframes and kept to budget.
"These are certainly exciting times for Empyrean and its joint venture
partners. We look forward to providing further updates on testing in the
short term," he added.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/179807/empyrean-energy-hi
ts-gas-in-mako-south-exploration-well-offshore-indonesia-179807.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Empyrean Energy Plc (LON:EME) has told investors that its new exploration
strategy has begun with "great success" as the Mako South well has confirmed
the presence of gas in the Duyung PSC, offshore Indonesia.
In a stock market statement, Empyrean said it has been informed by the
operator that its10% owned Mako South well hit 23 feet of net gas pay.
Empyrean shares shot up 20% in Monday's early deals, rising 1.25p to change
hands at 7.5p per share.
Mako South was drilled to a depth of 1,707 feet. Logging has confirmed the
23 feet of net gas pay, and conventional core was recovered from the target
zone for analysis.
Empyrean noted that the Upper Intra Muda, the well's main target, exhibit
better-than-expected porosity, permeability and gas saturation.
Testing operations are now underway, and Empyrean confirmed that gas has
flowed to surface.
The company added that, as planned, a 3D seismic programme is likely as it
will provide a better understanding of the reservoir size and
characteristics.
Empyrean chief executive, Tom Kelly said: "Whilst we have further work to do
at Mako to determine the overall size of the potential gas accumulation,
Empyrean is extremely pleased that our aggressive exploration programme has
kicked off with great success.
"We have a gas discovery with excellent reservoir quality here at the Mako
South-1 well location, our first exploration well since we have
re-established Empyrean with exciting new assets.
"Empyrean has set out to build a core portfolio of potentially
transformational exploration assets in prolific hydrocarbon basins, close to
infrastructure and energy-hungry markets."
Kelly noted that operator Conrad Petroleum had exceeded Empyrean's
expectations regarding timeframes and kept to budget.
"These are certainly exciting times for Empyrean and its joint venture
partners. We look forward to providing further updates on testing in the
short term," he added.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/179807/empyrean-energy-hi
ts-gas-in-mako-south-exploration-well-offshore-indonesia-179807.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Myanmar - Where there's no hydropower, use coal: Win Htein
Myanmar - Where there's no hydropower, use coal: Win Htein
NLD spokesperson Win Htein urged the government to use coal in the places
where electricity can't be generated from hydropower following the party's
seventh central executive committee meeting yesterday.
Win Htein told reporters: "Coal-fired power projects should be carried out
in Taninthayi Region, Mon State and Kayin State, as coal is more available
than other sources of energy. Therefore, I urge the government to use coal
if necessary."
"Energy plays a crucial role in development. Only with energy development
can we improve our infrastructure. Energy development can come from natural
gas or solar or wind. We also can enjoy energy by using clean coal. It is
expensive, but it is fast. I urge the government to use coal if necessary. I
have no idea whether the government uses the coal or not."
Kayin State will continue with a coal-fired power plant project, despite the
objections from 33 local CSOs, as the region needs electric power, said
Kayin State Chief Minister Nan Khin Htwe Myint on June 21.
Nan Khin Htwe Myint was speaking at an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
hearing on the technology to be applied by TTCL Public Company Limited in
Hpa-an, Kayin State.
According to the National Electricity Master Plan, the Ministry of Electric
Power and Energy will generate 54 per cent of electricity from hydropower,
22 per cent from natural gas and coal and 2 per cent from renewable energy.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article: http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/politics/10251
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
NLD spokesperson Win Htein urged the government to use coal in the places
where electricity can't be generated from hydropower following the party's
seventh central executive committee meeting yesterday.
Win Htein told reporters: "Coal-fired power projects should be carried out
in Taninthayi Region, Mon State and Kayin State, as coal is more available
than other sources of energy. Therefore, I urge the government to use coal
if necessary."
"Energy plays a crucial role in development. Only with energy development
can we improve our infrastructure. Energy development can come from natural
gas or solar or wind. We also can enjoy energy by using clean coal. It is
expensive, but it is fast. I urge the government to use coal if necessary. I
have no idea whether the government uses the coal or not."
Kayin State will continue with a coal-fired power plant project, despite the
objections from 33 local CSOs, as the region needs electric power, said
Kayin State Chief Minister Nan Khin Htwe Myint on June 21.
Nan Khin Htwe Myint was speaking at an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
hearing on the technology to be applied by TTCL Public Company Limited in
Hpa-an, Kayin State.
According to the National Electricity Master Plan, the Ministry of Electric
Power and Energy will generate 54 per cent of electricity from hydropower,
22 per cent from natural gas and coal and 2 per cent from renewable energy.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article: http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/politics/10251
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Singapore: SP Group poised to transform into 'power sector's Uber'
Singapore: SP Group poised to transform into 'power sector's Uber'
AS WAVE after wave of disruption buffets the power sector, grid operator SP
Group is taking steps to turn itself into the industry's "Uber": In time to
come, it sees itself providing a platform that matches the supply and demand
of power, especially as power generation becomes a fragmented and
distributed business.
At the heart of this transformation is the desire to stay relevant to the
Singapore consumer, particularly as the progressive liberalisation of
Singapore's electricity market will lead to a fully open market by mid-2018.
SP Group - formerly known as Singapore Power Ltd - owns and operates
electricity and gas transmission networks in Singapore and Australia. The
group, fully-owned by Temasek Holdings, made S$923.5 million in net profit
last year, on revenue of S$3.9 billion.
In an interview with The Business Times, group chief executive Wong Kim Yin
said that while every industry is being disrupted, the power market is
undergoing multiple dimensions of such changes.
Besides digital transformations, the industry also has had to face rapid
technological advances in renewables and battery storage. "For the longest
time, you cannot store electricity, or rather you cannot store it cheaply or
efficiently. But increasingly that is changing," he said. "And the moment
you can store power, it changes how power will be delivered or consumed." On
top of these, consumers are now demanding sustainability. In order to stay
true to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for Singaporeans, the
group therefore has to start building capabilities that will allow for the
types of life Singaporeans may want to lead in 30 years, said Mr Wong. To do
so, the group has adopted a three-pronged strategy: to be exposed to the
latest technologies and ideas in the industry; to test promising ideas, and
to have the capability to handle proven technologies.
Under the first prong, the group in January this year partnered seven other
utilities around the world to launch a global accelerator programme. Called
Free Electrons, the programme supports startups developing solutions in
areas such as clean energy, energy efficiency and mobility, digitisation,
and on-demand customer services.
SP Group has also put money in funds, including the Europe-based
Environmental Technologies Fund which invests in clean technologies and
greentech sectors. "By getting involved in these, we get exposed to all the
ideas that people have come up with," Mr Wong explained. "We also have the
opportunity to work with the entrepreneurs and to invest into them if those
are things relevant to us."
A technology of interest to SP Group is blockchain, a decentralised and
distributed digital ledger used to record data across many computers. This
will be useful in the future energy world - one that is expected to be more
distributed in nature with consumers also having the means to generate power
using renewables or batteries, said Mr Wong.
"Blockchain could potentially be a solution that will enable that
distributed transaction to be done between someone who owns a battery and
someone who owns a solar panel or even demand management..."
"We don't know whether it works yet. But we want to stay on top of it, we
want to stay ahead."
SP Group is supporting Energy Web Foundation, a global non-profit
organisation that is working to accelerate blockchain technology in the
energy sector, said Mr Wong.
Under the second prong to testbed ideas with high potential, the group has
in 2015 started a S$30 million Centre of Excellence, supported by the
Economic Development Board. Here it will develop, test and integrate new
technologies by other companies in the Singapore grid - regarded as one of
the best in the world.
As it does so, the group will gain insights into the problems and also the
capability to resolve them. It might also have the option to invest in these
solutions, or earn the intellectual property rights which it can then bring
overseas, said Mr Wong.
The group is also working with US multinational General Electric to develop
a digital replica of the Singapore grid. This will capture real-time data
that can be used to enhance asset management, predict failures and optimise
maintenance schedules, among others.
Thirdly, to build capabilities in already-mature technologies, the group is
installing solar panels at its new Kallang headquarters so as to gain
in-house expertise on how solar panels work and interact with batteries.
It has also converted its fleet of service vehicles into electric vehicles.
"By doing that we ourselves learn how it charges, what is the variability of
the range between one car and another, what the maintenance cycle is like
and how often it breaks down," said Mr Wong.
A key plank of its efforts in the third prong is a new app that the group
launched in March to allow customers to view and pay bills, and to compare
their consumption with those in the neighbourhood.
This app is just a starting point for future plans, said Mr Wong. One
possibility is to use it as a platform for consumers to compare various
electricity retailers when the market is fully liberalised mid-next year. Or
it could be used to aggregate users who are willing to reduce their
electricity usage in exchange for payment, a practice known as demand side
management.
"Uber is about the matching, and so is Airbnb. So this is about matching
also. Demand side management is about matching someone who is willing to
back off (from electricity usage) with someone who wants to use it
notwithstanding that it is expensive."
Further down the road, it could also be used for consumers to transact with
one another, especially if paired together with blockchain technology.
"Think about the possibilities," he said. "We're not there yet, but without
this (app) we can't even go there. You need to have something associated
with you and the account. And once they are ready this account can be used
as a platform, subject to regulatory frameworks."
Reflecting the group's desire to move quickly, the app was built in only
three months - compared to the one to two years it would otherwise have
taken - by a newly-formed digital team in the group, said Mr Wong.
Besides developing the app, this team - whose current headcount of 60-70
will eventually be expanded to 100 - is also responsible for deploying
digital solutions within the group as it embraces technology to improve its
work processes. Every employee, for example, was given an iPad in 2015. The
group has also experimented with Google Glass.
Even while embracing digital solutions, SP Group is also conscious that it
is exposed to cybersecurity risks, and is working with the Cyber Security
Agency of Singapore and Ministry of Home Affairs, among others, to ensure it
has the latest safeguards.
"As we build new digital capabilities we are always putting in the defences
along the way," said Mr Wong. "Having said that, no amount of defence is
foolproof. We always plan on the case that they will come in eventually, and
when they do that, we need to first identify and contain, slow them and
block them, and then recover."
In time to come, SP Group envisions that the digital platform it is
developing can also be used by other retailers, especially since the
residential electricity market, despite having 1.3 million customers,
consume only 15 per cent of Singapore's electricity. As it may not make
sense for retailers to set up a call centre to serve these customers, SP
Group could provide this service for them.
"We can white-label our products and services to enable the retailers to
have their own signature and to engage their customers," said Mr Wong.
"I don't see ourselves competing with the retailers. I see ourselves
enabling the retailers, but at the end of the day enabling the consumer. The
consumer must win."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/sp-group-poised-to-transfo
rm-into-power-sectors-uber?xtor=EREC-16-1[BT_Newsletter_1]-20170627-[SP+Grou
p+poised+to+transform+into+%27power+sector%27s+Uber%27]&xts=538380
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
AS WAVE after wave of disruption buffets the power sector, grid operator SP
Group is taking steps to turn itself into the industry's "Uber": In time to
come, it sees itself providing a platform that matches the supply and demand
of power, especially as power generation becomes a fragmented and
distributed business.
At the heart of this transformation is the desire to stay relevant to the
Singapore consumer, particularly as the progressive liberalisation of
Singapore's electricity market will lead to a fully open market by mid-2018.
SP Group - formerly known as Singapore Power Ltd - owns and operates
electricity and gas transmission networks in Singapore and Australia. The
group, fully-owned by Temasek Holdings, made S$923.5 million in net profit
last year, on revenue of S$3.9 billion.
In an interview with The Business Times, group chief executive Wong Kim Yin
said that while every industry is being disrupted, the power market is
undergoing multiple dimensions of such changes.
Besides digital transformations, the industry also has had to face rapid
technological advances in renewables and battery storage. "For the longest
time, you cannot store electricity, or rather you cannot store it cheaply or
efficiently. But increasingly that is changing," he said. "And the moment
you can store power, it changes how power will be delivered or consumed." On
top of these, consumers are now demanding sustainability. In order to stay
true to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for Singaporeans, the
group therefore has to start building capabilities that will allow for the
types of life Singaporeans may want to lead in 30 years, said Mr Wong. To do
so, the group has adopted a three-pronged strategy: to be exposed to the
latest technologies and ideas in the industry; to test promising ideas, and
to have the capability to handle proven technologies.
Under the first prong, the group in January this year partnered seven other
utilities around the world to launch a global accelerator programme. Called
Free Electrons, the programme supports startups developing solutions in
areas such as clean energy, energy efficiency and mobility, digitisation,
and on-demand customer services.
SP Group has also put money in funds, including the Europe-based
Environmental Technologies Fund which invests in clean technologies and
greentech sectors. "By getting involved in these, we get exposed to all the
ideas that people have come up with," Mr Wong explained. "We also have the
opportunity to work with the entrepreneurs and to invest into them if those
are things relevant to us."
A technology of interest to SP Group is blockchain, a decentralised and
distributed digital ledger used to record data across many computers. This
will be useful in the future energy world - one that is expected to be more
distributed in nature with consumers also having the means to generate power
using renewables or batteries, said Mr Wong.
"Blockchain could potentially be a solution that will enable that
distributed transaction to be done between someone who owns a battery and
someone who owns a solar panel or even demand management..."
"We don't know whether it works yet. But we want to stay on top of it, we
want to stay ahead."
SP Group is supporting Energy Web Foundation, a global non-profit
organisation that is working to accelerate blockchain technology in the
energy sector, said Mr Wong.
Under the second prong to testbed ideas with high potential, the group has
in 2015 started a S$30 million Centre of Excellence, supported by the
Economic Development Board. Here it will develop, test and integrate new
technologies by other companies in the Singapore grid - regarded as one of
the best in the world.
As it does so, the group will gain insights into the problems and also the
capability to resolve them. It might also have the option to invest in these
solutions, or earn the intellectual property rights which it can then bring
overseas, said Mr Wong.
The group is also working with US multinational General Electric to develop
a digital replica of the Singapore grid. This will capture real-time data
that can be used to enhance asset management, predict failures and optimise
maintenance schedules, among others.
Thirdly, to build capabilities in already-mature technologies, the group is
installing solar panels at its new Kallang headquarters so as to gain
in-house expertise on how solar panels work and interact with batteries.
It has also converted its fleet of service vehicles into electric vehicles.
"By doing that we ourselves learn how it charges, what is the variability of
the range between one car and another, what the maintenance cycle is like
and how often it breaks down," said Mr Wong.
A key plank of its efforts in the third prong is a new app that the group
launched in March to allow customers to view and pay bills, and to compare
their consumption with those in the neighbourhood.
This app is just a starting point for future plans, said Mr Wong. One
possibility is to use it as a platform for consumers to compare various
electricity retailers when the market is fully liberalised mid-next year. Or
it could be used to aggregate users who are willing to reduce their
electricity usage in exchange for payment, a practice known as demand side
management.
"Uber is about the matching, and so is Airbnb. So this is about matching
also. Demand side management is about matching someone who is willing to
back off (from electricity usage) with someone who wants to use it
notwithstanding that it is expensive."
Further down the road, it could also be used for consumers to transact with
one another, especially if paired together with blockchain technology.
"Think about the possibilities," he said. "We're not there yet, but without
this (app) we can't even go there. You need to have something associated
with you and the account. And once they are ready this account can be used
as a platform, subject to regulatory frameworks."
Reflecting the group's desire to move quickly, the app was built in only
three months - compared to the one to two years it would otherwise have
taken - by a newly-formed digital team in the group, said Mr Wong.
Besides developing the app, this team - whose current headcount of 60-70
will eventually be expanded to 100 - is also responsible for deploying
digital solutions within the group as it embraces technology to improve its
work processes. Every employee, for example, was given an iPad in 2015. The
group has also experimented with Google Glass.
Even while embracing digital solutions, SP Group is also conscious that it
is exposed to cybersecurity risks, and is working with the Cyber Security
Agency of Singapore and Ministry of Home Affairs, among others, to ensure it
has the latest safeguards.
"As we build new digital capabilities we are always putting in the defences
along the way," said Mr Wong. "Having said that, no amount of defence is
foolproof. We always plan on the case that they will come in eventually, and
when they do that, we need to first identify and contain, slow them and
block them, and then recover."
In time to come, SP Group envisions that the digital platform it is
developing can also be used by other retailers, especially since the
residential electricity market, despite having 1.3 million customers,
consume only 15 per cent of Singapore's electricity. As it may not make
sense for retailers to set up a call centre to serve these customers, SP
Group could provide this service for them.
"We can white-label our products and services to enable the retailers to
have their own signature and to engage their customers," said Mr Wong.
"I don't see ourselves competing with the retailers. I see ourselves
enabling the retailers, but at the end of the day enabling the consumer. The
consumer must win."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/sp-group-poised-to-transfo
rm-into-power-sectors-uber?xtor=EREC-16-1[BT_Newsletter_1]-20170627-[SP+Grou
p+poised+to+transform+into+%27power+sector%27s+Uber%27]&xts=538380
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thailand: PTTEP gets clearance to resume production
Thailand: PTTEP gets clearance to resume production
PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) has resumed its operations in areas
designated for agricultural land reform after receiving clearance from the
Department of Mineral Fuels, under the Ministry of Energy, on Monday.
The suspension of what are known as S1 operations in the land reform areas
for the 23 days to Saturday resulted in a decrease in average crude oil
sales volumes of about 15,000 barrels per day, liquefied petroleum gas sales
volumes of about 130 tonnes a day and natural gas sales volumes of about 10
million standard cubic feet per day, said the company's president and chief
executive officer, Somporn Vongvuthipornchai.
The reduction represents 0.4 per cent of PTTEP's 2017 daily sales volumes
guidance of 300,000 to 310,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, the CEO
said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/corporate/30319268?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
PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) has resumed its operations in areas
designated for agricultural land reform after receiving clearance from the
Department of Mineral Fuels, under the Ministry of Energy, on Monday.
The suspension of what are known as S1 operations in the land reform areas
for the 23 days to Saturday resulted in a decrease in average crude oil
sales volumes of about 15,000 barrels per day, liquefied petroleum gas sales
volumes of about 130 tonnes a day and natural gas sales volumes of about 10
million standard cubic feet per day, said the company's president and chief
executive officer, Somporn Vongvuthipornchai.
The reduction represents 0.4 per cent of PTTEP's 2017 daily sales volumes
guidance of 300,000 to 310,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, the CEO
said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/corporate/30319268?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
Malaysian and Chinese energy firms team up to win Borneo business
Malaysian and Chinese energy firms team up to win Borneo business
Malaysia's KKB Engineering is set to co-operate with China's State Nuclear
Electric Power Planning Design & Research Institute Co Ltd (SNPDRI) to
explore power plant construction opportunities in the Malaysian state of
Sarawak on Borneo island.
The firms are jointly considering "all types" of power projects including
hydropower, KKB executive director Kho Pok Tong said in an interview with
Malaysian newspaper The Star Online.
As set out in a memorandum of understanding (MoU), KKB will identify energy
project opportunities in Sarawak, while SNPDRI will contribute planning,
consulting, geological surveys, engineering and EPC services for thermal and
renewable power projects and T&D-related opportunities.
The two firms said they have already met with utility Sarawak Energy Bhd
(SEB) and the state's energy ministry to express interest in Sarawak's power
projects.
SEB aims to grow its generation capacity to 7 GW by 2025 to address demand
growth that is expected to come with industrial development in the Sarawak
Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score), where demand is projected to reach
2550 MW by 2020. SEB also aims to generate additional power for export to
the rest of Borneo, including Malaysia's Sabah state, Indonesia's Kalimantan
region and Brunei.
KKB's core business is steel fabrication, but it has worked on a number of
energy sector projects including hydropower plants, coal-fired power plants
and oil and gas exploration platforms for companies including SEB, Alstom
Hydro Malaysia and solar component manufacturing firms in the Score zone.
Kho told The Star Online that he hoped the collaboration with SNPDRI would
help the firms to pre-qualify for SEB's planned power projects.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/2017/06/malaysian-and-chinese-en
ergy-firms-team-up-to-win-borneo-business.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Malaysia's KKB Engineering is set to co-operate with China's State Nuclear
Electric Power Planning Design & Research Institute Co Ltd (SNPDRI) to
explore power plant construction opportunities in the Malaysian state of
Sarawak on Borneo island.
The firms are jointly considering "all types" of power projects including
hydropower, KKB executive director Kho Pok Tong said in an interview with
Malaysian newspaper The Star Online.
As set out in a memorandum of understanding (MoU), KKB will identify energy
project opportunities in Sarawak, while SNPDRI will contribute planning,
consulting, geological surveys, engineering and EPC services for thermal and
renewable power projects and T&D-related opportunities.
The two firms said they have already met with utility Sarawak Energy Bhd
(SEB) and the state's energy ministry to express interest in Sarawak's power
projects.
SEB aims to grow its generation capacity to 7 GW by 2025 to address demand
growth that is expected to come with industrial development in the Sarawak
Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score), where demand is projected to reach
2550 MW by 2020. SEB also aims to generate additional power for export to
the rest of Borneo, including Malaysia's Sabah state, Indonesia's Kalimantan
region and Brunei.
KKB's core business is steel fabrication, but it has worked on a number of
energy sector projects including hydropower plants, coal-fired power plants
and oil and gas exploration platforms for companies including SEB, Alstom
Hydro Malaysia and solar component manufacturing firms in the Score zone.
Kho told The Star Online that he hoped the collaboration with SNPDRI would
help the firms to pre-qualify for SEB's planned power projects.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/2017/06/malaysian-and-chinese-en
ergy-firms-team-up-to-win-borneo-business.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Monday, June 26, 2017
Nuclear still an option for Philippines
Nuclear still an option for Philippines
The Philippines is studying including nuclear energy in the primary energy
mix by 2040 but a nuclear policy that will address safety and acceptability
concerns has yet to be put in place.
Studies are ongoing at the Department of Energy to include nuclear energy
for power generation in the 3.1 percent projected share of new technologies
in energy mix.
Energy Undersecretary Jess Posadas said the Philippines is open to the use
of nuclear energy to power its economic development from the P8.9 trillion
worth of investments in infrastructure in the next five years.
Posada said the Philippines is presently in the process of developing and
formulating its national position on nuclear energy but admits that this
will not be easy.
"If the infrastructure projects will be built, the Philippines will need
huge amounts of energy," he said, adding that nuclear power has the
potential of meeting such huge energy demand.
Posadas said one gram of uranium is equivalent to 1.8 million cubic meters
of oil and three million grams of coal.
"Nuclear energy would last longer than other fuels," said Posadas.
He stressed that the country 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," the official said.
He said that owing to its baseload characteristics allowing it to run 24
hours a day, seven days a week, nuclear can support the thrust of the
Philippine government which is the realization of the Philippine Development
Plan's drive for industrialization and urbanization.
"It is central for a country towards the path of development to have the
available and required capacity to meet the nation's increasing demand
requirements," Posadas said.
He said nuclear's pivotal role to augment supply will also aid in
accomplishing Ambisyon Natin 2040, a long-term vision that highlights the
aspirations, values and principles of the Filipino people for themselves and
for the country.
Posadas also said the Philippines is "privileged to have a President that
personifies strong political will which is essentially one decisive factor
if a country is to embark on a nuclear power program.
The DOE official said discussions on nuclear energy as well as radioactive
sources tend to attract issues on security.
"We are cognizant of this and must admit that this issue cannot be
discounted as people and the environment must always be protected. As you
would note, security and physical protection is just one of the 19
infrastructure issues identified by the IAEA for countries pursuing nuclear
power development. When we talk about radioactive sources, there is also
emphasis on security. There must be a security culture practiced and a
system well in place," he said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has set 19 issues that need to be
addressed to assist countries considering nuclear energy for power
generation.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has said that government will come out with a
final recommendation on way forward for the mothballed 620 megawatt Bataan
Nuclear Power Plant.
The Bataan Nuclear facility has not operated for the past 30 years amid
safety concerns.
Cusi earlier said that in the event that repowering the Bataan nuclear power
plant is not feasible, the Philippines can also look into using modular or
smaller sized nuclear facilities.
"We can be cautious. We can move with caution so we can start with modular.
We have to listen to the experts," he said.
President Duterte has given his go signal to Cusi to study nuclear as an
option for the country's long-term power requirements.
Cusi has since then issued department order DO2016-10-0013 creating the
nuclear energy program implementing organization or NEPIO in the DOE.
The NEPIO will produce produce a comprehensive study and prepare a national
infrastructure for the first nuclear power plant.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://thestandard.com.ph/supplements/mixed-energy-special-report/240250/nuc
lear-still-an-option-for-ph.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The Philippines is studying including nuclear energy in the primary energy
mix by 2040 but a nuclear policy that will address safety and acceptability
concerns has yet to be put in place.
Studies are ongoing at the Department of Energy to include nuclear energy
for power generation in the 3.1 percent projected share of new technologies
in energy mix.
Energy Undersecretary Jess Posadas said the Philippines is open to the use
of nuclear energy to power its economic development from the P8.9 trillion
worth of investments in infrastructure in the next five years.
Posada said the Philippines is presently in the process of developing and
formulating its national position on nuclear energy but admits that this
will not be easy.
"If the infrastructure projects will be built, the Philippines will need
huge amounts of energy," he said, adding that nuclear power has the
potential of meeting such huge energy demand.
Posadas said one gram of uranium is equivalent to 1.8 million cubic meters
of oil and three million grams of coal.
"Nuclear energy would last longer than other fuels," said Posadas.
He stressed that the country 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," the official said.
He said that owing to its baseload characteristics allowing it to run 24
hours a day, seven days a week, nuclear can support the thrust of the
Philippine government which is the realization of the Philippine Development
Plan's drive for industrialization and urbanization.
"It is central for a country towards the path of development to have the
available and required capacity to meet the nation's increasing demand
requirements," Posadas said.
He said nuclear's pivotal role to augment supply will also aid in
accomplishing Ambisyon Natin 2040, a long-term vision that highlights the
aspirations, values and principles of the Filipino people for themselves and
for the country.
Posadas also said the Philippines is "privileged to have a President that
personifies strong political will which is essentially one decisive factor
if a country is to embark on a nuclear power program.
The DOE official said discussions on nuclear energy as well as radioactive
sources tend to attract issues on security.
"We are cognizant of this and must admit that this issue cannot be
discounted as people and the environment must always be protected. As you
would note, security and physical protection is just one of the 19
infrastructure issues identified by the IAEA for countries pursuing nuclear
power development. When we talk about radioactive sources, there is also
emphasis on security. There must be a security culture practiced and a
system well in place," he said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has set 19 issues that need to be
addressed to assist countries considering nuclear energy for power
generation.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has said that government will come out with a
final recommendation on way forward for the mothballed 620 megawatt Bataan
Nuclear Power Plant.
The Bataan Nuclear facility has not operated for the past 30 years amid
safety concerns.
Cusi earlier said that in the event that repowering the Bataan nuclear power
plant is not feasible, the Philippines can also look into using modular or
smaller sized nuclear facilities.
"We can be cautious. We can move with caution so we can start with modular.
We have to listen to the experts," he said.
President Duterte has given his go signal to Cusi to study nuclear as an
option for the country's long-term power requirements.
Cusi has since then issued department order DO2016-10-0013 creating the
nuclear energy program implementing organization or NEPIO in the DOE.
The NEPIO will produce produce a comprehensive study and prepare a national
infrastructure for the first nuclear power plant.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://thestandard.com.ph/supplements/mixed-energy-special-report/240250/nuc
lear-still-an-option-for-ph.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Philippines eyed as LNG hub in Southeast Asia
Philippines eyed as LNG hub in Southeast Asia
Natural gas has been one of the cornerstones of the Philippine energy sector
since the Malampaya gas project in northwest Palawan started contributing to
the Luzon grid in 2002.
The Malampaya gas project is touted as one of the largest and mort
significant industrial projects in Philippine history, delivering around
3,211 megawatts of capacity to five natural gas plants in Batangas namely
Ilijan, Sta. Rita, San Lorenzo, San Gabriel and Avion power plants.
The eventual depletion of the Malampaya gas reserves in the next decade and
the lack of a new gas discovery given the ongoing challenges in the upstream
petroleum industry has prompted the government to look at the viability of
putting up a liquefied natural gas infrastructure (LNG) in the country.
While several industry players have expressed interest to put up their own
LNG facilities, the move recently gained traction with the decision of
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi to direct the Philippine National Oil Co. to
put up the country's first LNG facility.
With a project cost estimated at P100 billion and target completion by 2020
or 2021, the plan has gained strong support from the investors here and
abroad.
"In the short-term, we seek to build a common LNG receiving and distribution
infrastructure as part of the future clean energy city," Cusi said.
Cusi said LNG can provide the demand from baseload, mid-merit and peaking
requirements "and can compete with other fuel sources that can address the
least-cost optimal electricity from such demand centers.
Cusi wants the Philippines to become the hub for LNG in the Southeast Asian
region after missing being the hub for aviation and maritime sectors.
"LNG should have been done long time ago because the Malampaya undergoes
maintenance every 18-24 months. Every time it goes under maintenance, it
costs the consumers a lot because we have power plants that are dependent on
natural gas would have to switch to expensive adjustment and its costing the
Filipinos," he said.
The maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya power plant in 2014 cost consumers
around P10 billion, he said.
"We could have avoided that if we have LNG terminal Aside from maintenance,
preparation for eventual depletion, that study became a little bigger when
we saw the PH can become LNG hub, and we'd like to give it a shot," Cusi
said.
More than 30 industry players have expressed interest in the country's first
integrated LNG terminal in Batangas that will also supply a new 200 MW LNG
power plant.
Government is utilizing its banked gas from the Malampaya gas project as the
government's equity into the LNG project, PNOC president Reuben Lista said.
Lista said the LNG will be undertaken government to government (G2G) and
they expect to make an announcement on the partnerships for LNG project
before June 30.
Lista also addressed concerns that competition as the power sector has
largely been private sector driven as a result of the passage of the
Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
The EPIRA prohibited National Power Corp. from engaging in power generation
anew and unbundled the power sector thus resulting to more private sector
players.
"We are not competing with the private sector. This project will actually
help the private sector. We will assure that there is a source of LNG if and
when Malampaya sizzles out," Lista said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://thestandard.com.ph/supplements/mixed-energy-special-report/240249/ph-
eyed-as-lng-hub-in-southeast-asia.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Natural gas has been one of the cornerstones of the Philippine energy sector
since the Malampaya gas project in northwest Palawan started contributing to
the Luzon grid in 2002.
The Malampaya gas project is touted as one of the largest and mort
significant industrial projects in Philippine history, delivering around
3,211 megawatts of capacity to five natural gas plants in Batangas namely
Ilijan, Sta. Rita, San Lorenzo, San Gabriel and Avion power plants.
The eventual depletion of the Malampaya gas reserves in the next decade and
the lack of a new gas discovery given the ongoing challenges in the upstream
petroleum industry has prompted the government to look at the viability of
putting up a liquefied natural gas infrastructure (LNG) in the country.
While several industry players have expressed interest to put up their own
LNG facilities, the move recently gained traction with the decision of
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi to direct the Philippine National Oil Co. to
put up the country's first LNG facility.
With a project cost estimated at P100 billion and target completion by 2020
or 2021, the plan has gained strong support from the investors here and
abroad.
"In the short-term, we seek to build a common LNG receiving and distribution
infrastructure as part of the future clean energy city," Cusi said.
Cusi said LNG can provide the demand from baseload, mid-merit and peaking
requirements "and can compete with other fuel sources that can address the
least-cost optimal electricity from such demand centers.
Cusi wants the Philippines to become the hub for LNG in the Southeast Asian
region after missing being the hub for aviation and maritime sectors.
"LNG should have been done long time ago because the Malampaya undergoes
maintenance every 18-24 months. Every time it goes under maintenance, it
costs the consumers a lot because we have power plants that are dependent on
natural gas would have to switch to expensive adjustment and its costing the
Filipinos," he said.
The maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya power plant in 2014 cost consumers
around P10 billion, he said.
"We could have avoided that if we have LNG terminal Aside from maintenance,
preparation for eventual depletion, that study became a little bigger when
we saw the PH can become LNG hub, and we'd like to give it a shot," Cusi
said.
More than 30 industry players have expressed interest in the country's first
integrated LNG terminal in Batangas that will also supply a new 200 MW LNG
power plant.
Government is utilizing its banked gas from the Malampaya gas project as the
government's equity into the LNG project, PNOC president Reuben Lista said.
Lista said the LNG will be undertaken government to government (G2G) and
they expect to make an announcement on the partnerships for LNG project
before June 30.
Lista also addressed concerns that competition as the power sector has
largely been private sector driven as a result of the passage of the
Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
The EPIRA prohibited National Power Corp. from engaging in power generation
anew and unbundled the power sector thus resulting to more private sector
players.
"We are not competing with the private sector. This project will actually
help the private sector. We will assure that there is a source of LNG if and
when Malampaya sizzles out," Lista said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://thestandard.com.ph/supplements/mixed-energy-special-report/240249/ph-
eyed-as-lng-hub-in-southeast-asia.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thailand energy firm PTT investigating JDA A-18 gas field shutdown
Thailand energy firm PTT investigating JDA A-18 gas field shutdown
Thai energy company PTT is investigating a shutdown at a natural gas field
in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (JDA) in the Gulf of
Thailand, it said on Sunday.
PTT is also carrying out relief measures to power plants and gas stations
after the JDA's A-18 block stopped operating on Saturday. Operations have
yet to resume, but PTT said the shutdown is temporary.
"PTT will be cooperating with producers and managing damages to be minimal
for all sectors," Noppadol Pinsupa, vice president of PTT's gas business
unit, said in a statement.
The A-18 block is operated by PTT and Malaysia's Petronas Carigali and
produces about 440 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, according to
PTT.
The shutdown affected two power plants in the Chana district in southern
Thailand, which usually receives about 180 million cubic feet a day from the
JDA. The plants will be supplied with diesel fuel in the meantime, PTT said.
PTT also said it will supply 5 million cubic feet per day of substitute NGV
gas to 10 of 16 affected gas stations in five provinces and 255 million
cubic feet per day of natural gas from other sources to eastern Thailand.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/thailand-energy-
firm-ptt-investigating-jda-a-18-gas-field-shutdown/59317123
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thai energy company PTT is investigating a shutdown at a natural gas field
in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (JDA) in the Gulf of
Thailand, it said on Sunday.
PTT is also carrying out relief measures to power plants and gas stations
after the JDA's A-18 block stopped operating on Saturday. Operations have
yet to resume, but PTT said the shutdown is temporary.
"PTT will be cooperating with producers and managing damages to be minimal
for all sectors," Noppadol Pinsupa, vice president of PTT's gas business
unit, said in a statement.
The A-18 block is operated by PTT and Malaysia's Petronas Carigali and
produces about 440 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, according to
PTT.
The shutdown affected two power plants in the Chana district in southern
Thailand, which usually receives about 180 million cubic feet a day from the
JDA. The plants will be supplied with diesel fuel in the meantime, PTT said.
PTT also said it will supply 5 million cubic feet per day of substitute NGV
gas to 10 of 16 affected gas stations in five provinces and 255 million
cubic feet per day of natural gas from other sources to eastern Thailand.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/thailand-energy-
firm-ptt-investigating-jda-a-18-gas-field-shutdown/59317123
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Thailand: Fuelling renewables
Thailand: Fuelling renewables
Energy policymakers have revised up their renewable energy target to 40% of
the country's total power generating capacity by 2036, according to the
Alternative Energy Development Plan (2012-21).
That is 15-20% higher than previously targeted, generating up to US$20
billion (680 billion baht) in the renewable power-generating sector over the
next several years.
Private companies are keen to invest more in this promising industry but
have been discouraged by the lack of proper government regulations. The
private sector wants to be involved in the policymaking process, as every
revision will affect them directly.
Officials say the move to boost renewable energy is in line with Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's directives, after the government committed at
the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to cut greenhouse gas 25% by 2030, up
from the previous target of 20%.
Energy experts estimate the new target will take total renewable
power-generating capacity to 40,000 megawatts in 2036, up from 19,600MW
under the previous plan. This would mean the development of new projects by
private firms as well as state utilities in the near future.
But the enthusiasm is being dampened by doubts about future policy for the
fuel segment, with the government promoting the use of electric vehicles
while putting the promotion of biofuel cars on hold.
The private sector is also concerned that current regulations are not clear
or consistent enough for them to compete. There have been several
problematic decisions made by related departments that have tripped up
private players, who have had to suspend projects as a result, says the
industry.
For instance, 16 wind farm projects had to suspend operations earlier this
year when it was found that they were operating on Sor Por Kor land, which
according to the law has to be used for agricultural purposes only. That
forced the Agricultural Land Reform Office, which oversees the issue, to
intervene and allow those wind farms to continue operations.
Existing regulations have also created stumbling blocks for renewable energy
adoption, as many players that have been granted solar farm licences have
not yet started building farms, as they are waiting to make a profit by
selling their licences to others. That has left around 1,000MW of potential
power-generating capacity untapped.
Omsin Siri, vice-president for corporate communications of SET-listed Energy
Advance Plc, says investors want to see clearer policies and regulations to
make it fair for all parties interested in the sector. She points to the
"lucky draw" system as one example of a policy creating a lack of
predictability in the industry.
Policymakers should also let investors know in advance how much total
power-generating capacity will be open for bidding so that they can prepare
their investment strategies, says Mrs Omsin.
With unclear regulations over the past several years, she says Energy
Advance has had to buy licences from investors who were granted permission
to operate wind farms, solar farms and other waste-to-energy projects for
which construction has not yet been completed.
In line with this strategy, Energy Advance acquired the Hanuman Wind Farm in
Chaiyaphum, with power-generating capacity of 260MW, for 20 billion baht.
Cherdsak Wattanavijitkul, managing director of a MAI-listed TPC Power
Holding, says the government should seek other, more secure methods to
govern investment in renewable power.
"Since the capacity is due to double through [the government's] policy, it
should have appropriate regulations to govern the sector, as massive
investment is about to be poured into it. The government should be ready for
it or even set up a special committee to govern the industry," says Mr
Cherdsak.
Since the increase in renewable power-generating capacity will have an
impact on all investors in the industry, Mr Cherdsak says the private sector
should play a part in revising the policy.
Due to the uncertain domestic environment, SET-listed BCPG Plc's president
and chief executive Bundit Sapianchai says the company had opted to invest
in renewable energy abroad.
BCPG has recently sealed a deal to acquire a 33% stake in Indonesia-based
Star Energy Group Holding for $358 million. The company views Indonesia as a
prime location to develop renewable energy, as power demand is expected to
rise substantially.
One of Thailand's leading solar farm operators, Thai Solar Energy Plc (TSE),
has voiced a view similar to that of Mrs Omsin, saying the lucky draw system
should be done away with.
TSE's executive committee chairwoman Cathleen Maleenon says the licences to
be granted to investors should instead be based on the companies'
qualifications. TSE is another renewable company which forwent the lucky
draw system, opting instead to develop solar projects in Japan.
With business expansion in Japan, she says TSE's solar power-generating
capacity is due to double to 12,000MW over the next several years.
The Energy Policy and Planning Office's deputy director-general Prasert
Sinsukprasert says the additional renewable power-generating capacity is
likely to be from solar rooftop installations and biomass projects as other
parts of the renewable power sector are becoming saturated.
Energy policymakers are expected to study what kind of resources to pursue
by year-end.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1275795/fuelling-renewables
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Energy policymakers have revised up their renewable energy target to 40% of
the country's total power generating capacity by 2036, according to the
Alternative Energy Development Plan (2012-21).
That is 15-20% higher than previously targeted, generating up to US$20
billion (680 billion baht) in the renewable power-generating sector over the
next several years.
Private companies are keen to invest more in this promising industry but
have been discouraged by the lack of proper government regulations. The
private sector wants to be involved in the policymaking process, as every
revision will affect them directly.
Officials say the move to boost renewable energy is in line with Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's directives, after the government committed at
the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to cut greenhouse gas 25% by 2030, up
from the previous target of 20%.
Energy experts estimate the new target will take total renewable
power-generating capacity to 40,000 megawatts in 2036, up from 19,600MW
under the previous plan. This would mean the development of new projects by
private firms as well as state utilities in the near future.
But the enthusiasm is being dampened by doubts about future policy for the
fuel segment, with the government promoting the use of electric vehicles
while putting the promotion of biofuel cars on hold.
The private sector is also concerned that current regulations are not clear
or consistent enough for them to compete. There have been several
problematic decisions made by related departments that have tripped up
private players, who have had to suspend projects as a result, says the
industry.
For instance, 16 wind farm projects had to suspend operations earlier this
year when it was found that they were operating on Sor Por Kor land, which
according to the law has to be used for agricultural purposes only. That
forced the Agricultural Land Reform Office, which oversees the issue, to
intervene and allow those wind farms to continue operations.
Existing regulations have also created stumbling blocks for renewable energy
adoption, as many players that have been granted solar farm licences have
not yet started building farms, as they are waiting to make a profit by
selling their licences to others. That has left around 1,000MW of potential
power-generating capacity untapped.
Omsin Siri, vice-president for corporate communications of SET-listed Energy
Advance Plc, says investors want to see clearer policies and regulations to
make it fair for all parties interested in the sector. She points to the
"lucky draw" system as one example of a policy creating a lack of
predictability in the industry.
Policymakers should also let investors know in advance how much total
power-generating capacity will be open for bidding so that they can prepare
their investment strategies, says Mrs Omsin.
With unclear regulations over the past several years, she says Energy
Advance has had to buy licences from investors who were granted permission
to operate wind farms, solar farms and other waste-to-energy projects for
which construction has not yet been completed.
In line with this strategy, Energy Advance acquired the Hanuman Wind Farm in
Chaiyaphum, with power-generating capacity of 260MW, for 20 billion baht.
Cherdsak Wattanavijitkul, managing director of a MAI-listed TPC Power
Holding, says the government should seek other, more secure methods to
govern investment in renewable power.
"Since the capacity is due to double through [the government's] policy, it
should have appropriate regulations to govern the sector, as massive
investment is about to be poured into it. The government should be ready for
it or even set up a special committee to govern the industry," says Mr
Cherdsak.
Since the increase in renewable power-generating capacity will have an
impact on all investors in the industry, Mr Cherdsak says the private sector
should play a part in revising the policy.
Due to the uncertain domestic environment, SET-listed BCPG Plc's president
and chief executive Bundit Sapianchai says the company had opted to invest
in renewable energy abroad.
BCPG has recently sealed a deal to acquire a 33% stake in Indonesia-based
Star Energy Group Holding for $358 million. The company views Indonesia as a
prime location to develop renewable energy, as power demand is expected to
rise substantially.
One of Thailand's leading solar farm operators, Thai Solar Energy Plc (TSE),
has voiced a view similar to that of Mrs Omsin, saying the lucky draw system
should be done away with.
TSE's executive committee chairwoman Cathleen Maleenon says the licences to
be granted to investors should instead be based on the companies'
qualifications. TSE is another renewable company which forwent the lucky
draw system, opting instead to develop solar projects in Japan.
With business expansion in Japan, she says TSE's solar power-generating
capacity is due to double to 12,000MW over the next several years.
The Energy Policy and Planning Office's deputy director-general Prasert
Sinsukprasert says the additional renewable power-generating capacity is
likely to be from solar rooftop installations and biomass projects as other
parts of the renewable power sector are becoming saturated.
Energy policymakers are expected to study what kind of resources to pursue
by year-end.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1275795/fuelling-renewables
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Philippines: Renewed high hopes for RE
Philippines: Renewed high hopes for RE
The Philippines attracted thousands of megawatts of renewable energy
projects shortly after the passage of the Renewable Energy Act of 2001 but
the concerns have been raised on the future of RE without the new feed-in
tariff rates.
Renewable energy currently accounts for 32.5 percent of the country's
installed capacity in 2016 amounting to 21,424 MW of which geothermal
contributed 8.9 percent, hydro at 16.9 percent and biomass, wind and solar
at 6.6 percent.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi wants to increase the renewable energy
capacity level to 15,000 megawatts by 2040 from around 5,000 MW in 2010.
"We are poised to increase our RE capacity from its 2010 level of 5,000 MW
to 15,000 MW," he said, adding that the DOE will promote technology
innovation through research and development, demonstration and deployment.
Investments in new solar and wind projects, however, has slowed down
recently due to the absence of clear government policies on the Renewable
Portfolio Standards and the Green Energy Option in the absence of the
feed-in tariff.
As a result, developers have raised questions on the way forward for RE
development in the Philippines.
Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas said wind power development has come
to a near halt in the Philippines due to the lack of an operational wind
regulatory framework.
"Since the FiT2 (feed in tariff 2) came to an end, and until other policies
come into effect, there is no operational wind regulatory framework. As a
result, wind development has come to a near halt while conventional fossil
fuel generation continues to grow significantly," Clive Turton, Vestas Asia
Pacific president said.
Vestas is servicing 183 megawatts of wind projects in the country, including
the 150 MW Burgos wind power plant in Ilocos Norte, one of the largest wind
energy project in South East Asia.
The feed-in tariff is a policy mechanism that promotes the rapid deployment
of renewable energy by offering developers a guaranteed rate for the
electricity they produce.
FITs have been the main drivers of renewable energy additional capacity in
the Philippines to date. The FIT guaranteed a rate of P8.53 and P9.68 for
every kWh produced by a qualified wind and solar project, respectively.
The FIT was later revised downwards for the second round to P7.40 per kWh
for wind and P8.69 per kWh for solar to reflect technology improvements and
cost reductions.
"A wind energy pipeline of several hundreds of megawatts stands to be
unlocked with clear policy in place. Vestas is committed to help write the
next chapter of wind energy deployment in The Philippines, and work with all
government and private sector partners to that effect!" the Vestas official
said.
Turton said the Philippines has some of the most abundant wind resources in
Southeast Asia and a modern wind energy technology is able to generate more
power, at a lower cost than ever before.
"With thermal power, and particularly coal projects moving forward while RE
developments are at a near standstill, the country's growing electricity
needs will be fulfilled thanks to an increasing share of coal, at the
expense of RE - at least in the near-term," Vestas said.
"Indeed, wind and solar projects are virtually all halted. This is mainly
due to the current RE policy vacuum, which follows the full allocation of
the first two rounds of FiTs, and the freeze, of an expected third round of
FiTs," the company said.
Cusi has announced that he is not supportive of a third round of feed-in
tariff for solar and wind projects as it will push up power rates.
The DOE has also not acted on the pleas of some solar developers who failed
to get a feed-in tariff despite completing their solar projects in time for
the March 15, 2016 government-imposed deadline.
These solar developers are now looking at shutting down their operations and
some are selling out due to the very low rates at the Wholesale Electricity
Spot Market, the country's trading floor of electricity.
"With no other RE policy mechanism operationally in place, The Philippines
is effectively putting to a halt an otherwise flourishing local industry,"
Vestas said.
Vestas also expressed support to the renewable energy portfolio standards or
RPS and any other policy tool, which aims to drive renewable energy
development.
RPS is a policy instrument which aims to drive renewable energy development
by mandating load-serving entities (such as distribution utilities), to
procure a minimum percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources.
"However, RE Industry stakeholders express concern about the current RE
policy gap (no new FIT, no defined new procurement mechanism, and RPS yet to
be implemented), which is delaying new RE installations to the benefit of
conventional fossil fuel generation - particularly coal," Vestas said.
National Renewable Energy Board chairman Jay Layug said, however, expressed
optimism and high hopes on renewable energy development in the country
inspite of the ongoing challenges.
"By sheer geographic location, we Filipinos are all impelled by a shared
desire to grow the country's renewable energy sector. We do not have massive
production and of conventional energy resources to fuel our economy. By
default therefore and following all legislative mandate, we should continue
to pursue the acceleration of renewable energy sources development in the
Philippines," Layug said.
"But we should think of RE not just as a means to increase our energy
capacities. More importantly, we should think of RE to serve legitimate ends
of development especially in our rural communities," he said.
Layug said the National Renewable Energy Program as it stands represents the
government's unbending resolve to carve out a clear roadmap towards
utilising emerging technologies in the renewable energy field.
"The NREP is our guidepost toward ensuring that while we strive to sustain
industrial growth and create better lives for the Filipinos, we are likewise
putting in place climate protection policies, securing energy supply for an
endless time and sustaining economic development for decades to come. We all
have to support renewable energy development and fulfil the spirit and
intent of the RE law. In doing so, we also have to fulfil our obligation to
provide renewable energy to our people in ways that would ensure fair and
electricity pricing for all," Layug said.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, however, urged the department to come out with a
written policy on the feed-in tariff so as not to confuse investors.
"We really need to have a department order in writing for the industry,"
Gatchalian said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://thestandard.com.ph/supplements/mixed-energy-special-report/240251/ren
ewed-high-hopes-for-re.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
The Philippines attracted thousands of megawatts of renewable energy
projects shortly after the passage of the Renewable Energy Act of 2001 but
the concerns have been raised on the future of RE without the new feed-in
tariff rates.
Renewable energy currently accounts for 32.5 percent of the country's
installed capacity in 2016 amounting to 21,424 MW of which geothermal
contributed 8.9 percent, hydro at 16.9 percent and biomass, wind and solar
at 6.6 percent.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi wants to increase the renewable energy
capacity level to 15,000 megawatts by 2040 from around 5,000 MW in 2010.
"We are poised to increase our RE capacity from its 2010 level of 5,000 MW
to 15,000 MW," he said, adding that the DOE will promote technology
innovation through research and development, demonstration and deployment.
Investments in new solar and wind projects, however, has slowed down
recently due to the absence of clear government policies on the Renewable
Portfolio Standards and the Green Energy Option in the absence of the
feed-in tariff.
As a result, developers have raised questions on the way forward for RE
development in the Philippines.
Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas said wind power development has come
to a near halt in the Philippines due to the lack of an operational wind
regulatory framework.
"Since the FiT2 (feed in tariff 2) came to an end, and until other policies
come into effect, there is no operational wind regulatory framework. As a
result, wind development has come to a near halt while conventional fossil
fuel generation continues to grow significantly," Clive Turton, Vestas Asia
Pacific president said.
Vestas is servicing 183 megawatts of wind projects in the country, including
the 150 MW Burgos wind power plant in Ilocos Norte, one of the largest wind
energy project in South East Asia.
The feed-in tariff is a policy mechanism that promotes the rapid deployment
of renewable energy by offering developers a guaranteed rate for the
electricity they produce.
FITs have been the main drivers of renewable energy additional capacity in
the Philippines to date. The FIT guaranteed a rate of P8.53 and P9.68 for
every kWh produced by a qualified wind and solar project, respectively.
The FIT was later revised downwards for the second round to P7.40 per kWh
for wind and P8.69 per kWh for solar to reflect technology improvements and
cost reductions.
"A wind energy pipeline of several hundreds of megawatts stands to be
unlocked with clear policy in place. Vestas is committed to help write the
next chapter of wind energy deployment in The Philippines, and work with all
government and private sector partners to that effect!" the Vestas official
said.
Turton said the Philippines has some of the most abundant wind resources in
Southeast Asia and a modern wind energy technology is able to generate more
power, at a lower cost than ever before.
"With thermal power, and particularly coal projects moving forward while RE
developments are at a near standstill, the country's growing electricity
needs will be fulfilled thanks to an increasing share of coal, at the
expense of RE - at least in the near-term," Vestas said.
"Indeed, wind and solar projects are virtually all halted. This is mainly
due to the current RE policy vacuum, which follows the full allocation of
the first two rounds of FiTs, and the freeze, of an expected third round of
FiTs," the company said.
Cusi has announced that he is not supportive of a third round of feed-in
tariff for solar and wind projects as it will push up power rates.
The DOE has also not acted on the pleas of some solar developers who failed
to get a feed-in tariff despite completing their solar projects in time for
the March 15, 2016 government-imposed deadline.
These solar developers are now looking at shutting down their operations and
some are selling out due to the very low rates at the Wholesale Electricity
Spot Market, the country's trading floor of electricity.
"With no other RE policy mechanism operationally in place, The Philippines
is effectively putting to a halt an otherwise flourishing local industry,"
Vestas said.
Vestas also expressed support to the renewable energy portfolio standards or
RPS and any other policy tool, which aims to drive renewable energy
development.
RPS is a policy instrument which aims to drive renewable energy development
by mandating load-serving entities (such as distribution utilities), to
procure a minimum percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources.
"However, RE Industry stakeholders express concern about the current RE
policy gap (no new FIT, no defined new procurement mechanism, and RPS yet to
be implemented), which is delaying new RE installations to the benefit of
conventional fossil fuel generation - particularly coal," Vestas said.
National Renewable Energy Board chairman Jay Layug said, however, expressed
optimism and high hopes on renewable energy development in the country
inspite of the ongoing challenges.
"By sheer geographic location, we Filipinos are all impelled by a shared
desire to grow the country's renewable energy sector. We do not have massive
production and of conventional energy resources to fuel our economy. By
default therefore and following all legislative mandate, we should continue
to pursue the acceleration of renewable energy sources development in the
Philippines," Layug said.
"But we should think of RE not just as a means to increase our energy
capacities. More importantly, we should think of RE to serve legitimate ends
of development especially in our rural communities," he said.
Layug said the National Renewable Energy Program as it stands represents the
government's unbending resolve to carve out a clear roadmap towards
utilising emerging technologies in the renewable energy field.
"The NREP is our guidepost toward ensuring that while we strive to sustain
industrial growth and create better lives for the Filipinos, we are likewise
putting in place climate protection policies, securing energy supply for an
endless time and sustaining economic development for decades to come. We all
have to support renewable energy development and fulfil the spirit and
intent of the RE law. In doing so, we also have to fulfil our obligation to
provide renewable energy to our people in ways that would ensure fair and
electricity pricing for all," Layug said.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, however, urged the department to come out with a
written policy on the feed-in tariff so as not to confuse investors.
"We really need to have a department order in writing for the industry,"
Gatchalian said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://thestandard.com.ph/supplements/mixed-energy-special-report/240251/ren
ewed-high-hopes-for-re.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Indonesia: PLN Says Electricity Tariffs Remain Unchanged until Year End
Indonesia: PLN Says Electricity Tariffs Remain Unchanged until Year End
State electricity company PLN president director Sofyan Basir said
electricity tariffs will remain unchanged until year end. According to him,
PLN's financial situation is sustainable with current electricity tariffs
until the end of 2017.
"That would be for all category," Sofyan told reporters after an Eid
celebration event held by State-Owned Enterprise Minister Rini Soemarno
today, June 25, in Jakarta.
Read: Govt Ensures Electricity Fuel Supply during Eid in Bali
With current electricity tariffs, PLN predicts lower profit by Rp 1.9
trillion. "But, if the ICP [Indonesian Crude Price] and coal price fall, it
will break even again. So we will not make monthly adjustments. Who knows if
they might fall again," Sofyan said.
As of the end of last year, PLN posted Rp10.5 trillion in profit. Despite
projected decline this year, according to Sofyan, PLN still profits. "Let's
we net Rp10 trillion in profit. Less Rp600 billion. It means we suffer no
loss. We still profit on aggregate."
Read: Minister Jonan Asked for Rp17tn Extra for Electricity Subsidy
Earlier, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan said that
electricity basic tariff (TDL) will remain unchanged from July 1 to the end
of December.
Jonan even urged the PLN to be more efficient for lower electricity tariff
considering the decline in ICP and coal prices. "The government listens to
people's input," he said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/06/25/056887285/PLN-Says-Electricity-Tari
ffs-Remain-Unchanged-until-Year-End
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
State electricity company PLN president director Sofyan Basir said
electricity tariffs will remain unchanged until year end. According to him,
PLN's financial situation is sustainable with current electricity tariffs
until the end of 2017.
"That would be for all category," Sofyan told reporters after an Eid
celebration event held by State-Owned Enterprise Minister Rini Soemarno
today, June 25, in Jakarta.
Read: Govt Ensures Electricity Fuel Supply during Eid in Bali
With current electricity tariffs, PLN predicts lower profit by Rp 1.9
trillion. "But, if the ICP [Indonesian Crude Price] and coal price fall, it
will break even again. So we will not make monthly adjustments. Who knows if
they might fall again," Sofyan said.
As of the end of last year, PLN posted Rp10.5 trillion in profit. Despite
projected decline this year, according to Sofyan, PLN still profits. "Let's
we net Rp10 trillion in profit. Less Rp600 billion. It means we suffer no
loss. We still profit on aggregate."
Read: Minister Jonan Asked for Rp17tn Extra for Electricity Subsidy
Earlier, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan said that
electricity basic tariff (TDL) will remain unchanged from July 1 to the end
of December.
Jonan even urged the PLN to be more efficient for lower electricity tariff
considering the decline in ICP and coal prices. "The government listens to
people's input," he said.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/06/25/056887285/PLN-Says-Electricity-Tari
ffs-Remain-Unchanged-until-Year-End
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Cambodia: Japanese seek energy investments
Cambodia: Japanese seek energy investments
A number of Japanese companies have their eyes on Cambodia's energy and gas
sector, an opportunity welcomed by the government which has asked for
studies to be carried out before any investment can be made.
The call came after Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak met Professor Fumio Hoshi,
senior adviser to the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, on Monday to
discuss investment ideas.
Professor Hoshi said energy was a key issue in attracting investment. He
added that before coming to Cambodia, he had met a number of Japanese
companies who had expressed strong interest in investing in the energy
sector.
"A number of options have been studied, including using fuel generators in
place of coal-powered plants, solar energy and the construction of a
transmission line carrying affordable electricity generated in Laos," Mr
Hoshi said.
Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak said the government fully supported the
initiative. He asked Mr Hoshi to continue advocating investment
opportunities in Cambodia to the Japanese business community.
"Many Japanese companies have already made successful investments in
Cambodia with special preferences provided to companies investing in special
economic zones," Mr Sorasak said.
"Many more Japanese companies will come and invest in Cambodia in the near
future."
Victor Jona, director-general of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said
Japan had invested in many projects, especially in the special economic
zones.
He said that now an increasing number of Japanese companies were entering
the Cambodian market and creating many jobs.
Most Japanese investors and companies were interested in the energy and gas
sector.
"We welcome Japanese investment and we do not discriminate against
investors," Mr Jona said.
"If there is investment from Japan, it will contribute to boosting the
economy and living standards of the people."
He said that Cambodia still had some blocks for exploring gas offshore, and
the government had given some blocks to US companies to explore.
If Japanese companies were interested in offshore gas exploration the
government would allow this but they would have to carry out studies first.
Mr Jona said Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation proposed that Japanese
businesses invest in the energy and gas sector. The bank wanted to lend to
these investors but had to attract them first.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/39608/japanese-seek-energy-investments/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
A number of Japanese companies have their eyes on Cambodia's energy and gas
sector, an opportunity welcomed by the government which has asked for
studies to be carried out before any investment can be made.
The call came after Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak met Professor Fumio Hoshi,
senior adviser to the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, on Monday to
discuss investment ideas.
Professor Hoshi said energy was a key issue in attracting investment. He
added that before coming to Cambodia, he had met a number of Japanese
companies who had expressed strong interest in investing in the energy
sector.
"A number of options have been studied, including using fuel generators in
place of coal-powered plants, solar energy and the construction of a
transmission line carrying affordable electricity generated in Laos," Mr
Hoshi said.
Commerce Minister Pan Sorasak said the government fully supported the
initiative. He asked Mr Hoshi to continue advocating investment
opportunities in Cambodia to the Japanese business community.
"Many Japanese companies have already made successful investments in
Cambodia with special preferences provided to companies investing in special
economic zones," Mr Sorasak said.
"Many more Japanese companies will come and invest in Cambodia in the near
future."
Victor Jona, director-general of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said
Japan had invested in many projects, especially in the special economic
zones.
He said that now an increasing number of Japanese companies were entering
the Cambodian market and creating many jobs.
Most Japanese investors and companies were interested in the energy and gas
sector.
"We welcome Japanese investment and we do not discriminate against
investors," Mr Jona said.
"If there is investment from Japan, it will contribute to boosting the
economy and living standards of the people."
He said that Cambodia still had some blocks for exploring gas offshore, and
the government had given some blocks to US companies to explore.
If Japanese companies were interested in offshore gas exploration the
government would allow this but they would have to carry out studies first.
Mr Jona said Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation proposed that Japanese
businesses invest in the energy and gas sector. The bank wanted to lend to
these investors but had to attract them first.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/39608/japanese-seek-energy-investments/
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Vietnam: Kick-starting a 100MW solar power project in Long An province
Vietnam: Kick-starting a 100MW solar power project in Long An province
Bamboo Capital Group (BCG) - Bang Duong Consortium and Hanwha Q-Cells Group
(South Korea) have signed a cooperation agreement to invest in 100MW solar
power project with a total investment on an area of 125 ha in Thanh An
commune, Thanh Hoa district, Long An province. The project expects to be
started out for construction in the first quarter of 2018 and put into
operation in 2019.
According to the cooperation agreement, Bang Duong BCG will arrange domestic
capital, carry out procedures for project license, study and implement the
project, negotiate and sign power purchase agreement (PPA) with EVN; Hanwha
will supply project engineering, technology equipment and installation, and
arrange international fund for the project.
The Chairman of Long An Provincial People's Committee Tran Van Can high
appreciated the role of the project in increasing electricity production for
socio-economic development of Long An province and Vietnam, as well as in
environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
Hanwha Q-Cells is a large multinational group of South Korea, it has a
competitive advantage on solar PV technology. At present, Hanwha Q-Cells has
built solar power plants in South Korea, China and Malaysia with a total
designed capacity of 5.5GW and an average generation of 400 GWh per year for
a plant.
Bamboo Capital Group was founded in 2011. From the foundation date BCG has
completed 11 M & A deals with a network of 11 member companies and 14
associated companies. BCG deals are aimed at value investing and long-term
holding.
Until the end of June 2016, the total asset value of BCG was VND 3,400
billion (equivalent to US$150 million). The investment strategy of the group
focuses on sustainable development and capital preservation.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://nangluongvietnam.vn/news/en/nuclear-renewable/kick-starting-a-100mw-s
olar-power-project-in-long-an-province.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
Bamboo Capital Group (BCG) - Bang Duong Consortium and Hanwha Q-Cells Group
(South Korea) have signed a cooperation agreement to invest in 100MW solar
power project with a total investment on an area of 125 ha in Thanh An
commune, Thanh Hoa district, Long An province. The project expects to be
started out for construction in the first quarter of 2018 and put into
operation in 2019.
According to the cooperation agreement, Bang Duong BCG will arrange domestic
capital, carry out procedures for project license, study and implement the
project, negotiate and sign power purchase agreement (PPA) with EVN; Hanwha
will supply project engineering, technology equipment and installation, and
arrange international fund for the project.
The Chairman of Long An Provincial People's Committee Tran Van Can high
appreciated the role of the project in increasing electricity production for
socio-economic development of Long An province and Vietnam, as well as in
environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
Hanwha Q-Cells is a large multinational group of South Korea, it has a
competitive advantage on solar PV technology. At present, Hanwha Q-Cells has
built solar power plants in South Korea, China and Malaysia with a total
designed capacity of 5.5GW and an average generation of 400 GWh per year for
a plant.
Bamboo Capital Group was founded in 2011. From the foundation date BCG has
completed 11 M & A deals with a network of 11 member companies and 14
associated companies. BCG deals are aimed at value investing and long-term
holding.
Until the end of June 2016, the total asset value of BCG was VND 3,400
billion (equivalent to US$150 million). The investment strategy of the group
focuses on sustainable development and capital preservation.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Link to Original Article:
http://nangluongvietnam.vn/news/en/nuclear-renewable/kick-starting-a-100mw-s
olar-power-project-in-long-an-province.html
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.
www.aptthailand.com
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