Malaysia optimistic of signing PPAs with Laos and Thailand soon

Malaysia optimistic of signing PPAs with Laos and Thailand soon

Malaysia is optimistic of signing power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Laos
and Thailand for the Asean Power Grid in September this year, in line with
the move to strengthen energy supply.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili
said the pilot project, expected to begin in January 2018, would open up a
lot of opportunities for Malaysia to source renewable energy (RE) from
neighbouring countries.

"We are optimistic that the PPAs, part of the Asean Power Grid Initiative,
will be sealed in September this year.

"A few of the old coal-fired power plants can cease operations in the next
30 years, providing an opportunity for other RE," he told reporters after
attending the Malaysia Energy Forum in Astana on Tuesday.

The Asean Power Grid is a power network that connects the national grids of
all Asean countries to ensure energy security, greater utilisation of shared
resources among member countries and making electricity cheaper for people.

Ongkili, a forum panellist, earlier said Asean as a region must continue to
strengthen regional cooperation, especially in sharing best practices in
energy development and utilisation, to increase its effectiveness in facing
global challenges.

"In 2013, electricity produced by Asean from RE sources accounted for about
21% of the region's total generation," he added.

The Malaysia Energy Forum is one of many programmes organised by Malaysia at
the Astana Expo 2017 to showcase the nation's emerging market leadership in
green growth.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2017/06/13/malaysia-optimis
tic-of-signing-ppas-with-laos-and-thailand-soon/

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com