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Energy Cooperation

Japan Interested in Providing Electricity and Continues to Master Plans for Development of Cambodia’s Sihanoukville Port

23 October 2019

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Cambodia

(Phnom Penh): Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen allowed Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Masahiro Mikami to pay a courtesy visit at the Peace Palace this morning. During the meeting, the Ambassador stressed that Japan continues to cooperate with Cambodia, including in promoting political, economic, cultural and other bilateral cooperation.

He stressed that the two countries’ relations have reached a strategic level by the top leaders. By providing direct flights between the two countries which can facilitate travel, diplomacy, investors and tourism. Trade volume between Cambodia and Japan has steadily increased, and he wants to see more trade to grow, including investment from Japanese in Cambodia. He also wants to see economic cooperation between the two countries improve as well as other sectors. For the first time, Japan has provided military assistance to Cambodia in training Cambodian troops in Japan.

The Ambassador is determined that in his term of office, he will strive to enhance bilateral cooperation, to grow and to achieve greater success. The Japanese government will continue to assist Cambodia in boosting its exports to international markets. Japan continues to provide assistance to Cambodia in demining and the removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Japan is interested in providing assistance to the electricity sector in Cambodia, including the master plan for Sihanoukville port development.

He said that Cambodia wants Japan to master the plan to develop the port of Sihanoukville quickly and successfully. The construction of a deep-sea port in Sihanoukville will strengthen the port’s ability to handle large vessels without the need to transfer goods in Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia.

He hoped that Japan would promote the construction of a deep-sea port to enable large ships to dock at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. The Prime Minister also thanked Japan for helping with demining in Cambodia, and said that demining and removing of unexploded ordnance continue despite the drop in the number of mines, but this remains a priority of the Royal Government of Cambodia.

Energy Cooperation

West Nusa Tenggara explores renewable energy cooperation with Denmark

22 October 2019

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Indonesia

Mataram, W Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) – The West Nusa Tenggara provincial government is exploring cooperation opportunities with the Government of Denmark for adopting the application of renewable energy and waste management from the country.

“At the moment, the West Nusa Tenggara government’s paradigm is to be open to investments and businesses. We are open to every step of cooperation and capital investments from anyone, from the domestic or international stage. Private or public. We invite Denmark to also invest and cooperate in several sectors that can be mutually beneficial,” Governor of West Nusa Tenggara H. Zulkieflimansyah noted in a statement received here, Tuesday.

The governor had met with Ambassador of Denmark to Indonesia Rasmus A. Kristensen in Jakarta on Monday.

He believed that Denmark’s portfolio in renewable energy, especially pertaining to wind power generator, is well-suited to the land conditions in West Nusa Tenggara, both on the island of Lombok and Sumbawa. Also brought up were the solar and biomass power generator.

“The two big islands in West Nusa, Lombok, and Sumbawa have vast potential for investment in the field of renewable energy, for instance, to build wind power generator that has been successfully implemented in Denmark,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that the waste management policy implemented by Denmark for years can be adopted and adjusted to the conditions in West Nusa Tenggara.

“We will provide all infrastructure, right from the land and surveys to technical supporting facilities. From the side of bureaucracy, we can help with easing the clearance processes and supporting resources,” he explained.

He also expressed interest to send the young people of West Nusa to Denmark to learn the sciences on renewable energy and environment.

In the meantime, Danish Ambassador to Indonesia, Rasmus A. Kristensen welcomed the partnership opportunities. He admitted to having heard amply from the Embassy’s Chief of Environmental Cooperation, Morten Holm van Donk about opportunities in renewable energy and waste management in West Nusa Tenggara.

“I have received explanations from Morten and his team, who are no strangers to Lombok and Sumbawa. I have also met several office heads in connection with the environment and renewable energy,” he stated.

He called for the need for data sharing between both sides, with regard to competence and capacity to expedite the cooperation.

“I refer to the competency in human resources in developing technology and infrastructure and the capacity or volume from each sector, such as the capacity of corn crops or bamboo for biomass, as well as the volume of waste for gas and biogas resources,” he stated.

Kristensen expressed belief that the cooperation can be kicked off by sending teams for the transfer of technology and knowledge, both from West Nusa Tenggara to Denmark and vice versa.

“It is important to be implemented as a part of the feasibility study to ensure that the technology developed in Denmark is suitable to the conditions and situation in West Nusa Tenggara,” he noted.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reached an agreement to hold a technical meeting as a follow-up measure in early November.

The governor had also invited Ambassador Kristensen to visit Lombok and Sumbawa

Coal

Collapse in coal prices adds to Indonesian miners’ funding woes

22 October 2019

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Indonesia

THE global collapse in coal prices this year has dealt a particularly heavy blow to miners in Indonesia, the top exporter and one of the largest producers of the fuel.

Bonds from the country’s financially weak miners have suffered more than peers elsewhere in Asia due to a lack of diversification and state backing that many competitors enjoy. Prices of thermal coal – the kind burned by power plants – have slumped about 33 per cent this year, and at least four US firms have gone bankrupt.

As some lenders look to stop financing coal power plants and investors are under more pressure to “go green”, companies that mine or use coal are left with fewer funding options.

“Among the Indonesia coal names, some are facing severe stress,” said Bharat Shettigar, head of Asia ex-China corporate credit research at Standard Chartered Plc. “If prices stay depressed for the next 12 to 18 months, there could be restructuring of some US dollar bonds in the Indonesia coal sector.”

Bonds sold by Indonesia coal miners Geo Energy Resources Ltd, PT ABM Investama and PT Bumi Resources have slumped in the past six months.

Geo Energy Resources, which has operations in Kalimantan, faces a potential early redemption of its bonds in April 2021 if it fails to meet certain minimum coal-reserve conditions.

That will be a “crucial liquidity point” for the company, according to Trung Nguyen, analyst at Lucror Analytics.

Geo Energy said by email that its cash balance was US$199.6 million as of June 30, and it only needs to generate US$100 million from its mines in three years to repay the US$300 million bonds due in October 2022.

The company needs a minimum 120 million tons of coal reserves to prevent early redemption, and had around 78 million tons as of June 30 and a proposed acquisition of mines will bring the total to 109 million tons, it said.

ABM Investama was cut to B+ by Fitch Ratings earlier this year, reflecting its weakening business profile due to the loss of coal mining contracts with one of its customers, while Bumi Resources’ first-half net income fell by 47 per cent.

Coal Investment ABM Investama will be able to repay and refinance its bonds, and the company is focusing on cost reductions and operational efficiencies across the value chain, Adrian Erlangga, director at the company, said by email. BLOOMBERG

Renewables

DEN recommends five strategies to develop renewable energy

22 October 2019

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Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) – in a bid to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil energy to meet national demand, Indonesia’s National Energy Council (DEN) has revealed five strategies to develop renewable energy. The council has recommended five strategies to develop renewable energy in Indonesia, Secretary General of DEN Djoko Siswanto said here Tuesday.

First, Indonesia would need to speed up the use of the B-30 biofuel (a mixture of diesel with 30 percent biodiesel), B-50 (50 percent biodiesel mixture), and B-100 (100 percent biodiesel), he said.

“In October 2019, the trial for the use of 30 percent biodiesel mixture (B-30) is targeted to reach its completion,” Siswanto said.

B30 is planned to be used massively in early 2020, and will be followed by the development of B50 and B100, he continued.

The second strategy is the development of a geothermal power plant, Siswanto said.

There are 13 geothermal power plants (PLTP) in 11 working areas that produce some 1,948 megawatts (MW) of geothermal energy, according to the ministry’s data.

Thirdly, Indonesia should continue to develop wind-generated power plants as the country has the potential to generate 978 megawatts of wind-based energy, he said.

The fourth strategy is the development of microhydro. Indonesia has only used seven percent of its hydropower that reached 75 thousand MW.

The fifth and final strategy is that all buildings and houses in the country should switch to solar power to reduce the use of fossil fuel.

The use of renewable energy is also part of Indonesia’s commitment to preserve the environment and minimize the risk of global warming, Siswanto said. (INE)

Energy Cooperation

Malaysia eyes stronger bilateral ties with UAE

22 October 2019

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Malaysia

DUBAI, Oct 22 — Malaysia is keen to strengthen its bilateral trade relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and expect to see total trade between the countries to increase by five per cent this year from the US$5.7 billion (RM23.8 billion) recorded in 2018.

The newly-appointed Malaysian Ambassador to the UAE Mohd Tarid Sufian said trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nation has been in its favour since 2017 but Malaysia managed to reduce the gap by 66 per cent last year.

“The UAE is keen to strengthen its existing strategic partnership with Malaysia, especially in the fields of agriculture technology, renewable and clean energy, halal industry and tourism.

“This will certainly be explored as they are some of our key areas of strength. With that, I am confident that this year’s trade will surpass last year’s,” he told Bernama.

Mohd Tarid said Malaysia’s relationship with the UAE was established on a strong foundation, given the similar trends and drivers of economic growth in both counties, including the manufacturing of new technologies, service and international trade, innovation, research and development, open trade policies and a strong small and medium enterprises sector.

Over the decades, Malaysia and the UAE have developed a strong bond and both countries have emerged as leading models for Islamic economy which embraces progress and development for its communities, he said.

The UAE is Malaysia’s largest trading partner among the GCC countries, followed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

For the first eight months of 2019, Malaysia’s total trade with the UAE stood at US$3.74 billion—a two per cent decrease from the same period in 2018.

Between January and August 2019, Malaysia’s major exports to the UAE include jewellery (US$483.6 million), electrical and electronic products (US$455.1 million), machinery and equipment (US$105.6 million) and processed food (US$75 million).

Meanwhile, commenting on the Dubai Expo 2020, Malaysia’s Consul General Mohd Hasril Abdul Hamid said the mega event is an exceptional platform for Malaysia to increase trade and business opportunities in the UAE and beyond.

“Malaysia recognises the importance of taking part in the world expo as over the years, such events have helped to advance and promote investment and trade prospects that our country has to offer.

“Dubai Expo 2020 will coincide with Visit Malaysia Year 2020, thus the expo is an opportune time to promote our beautiful country,” he added. — Bernama

Others

Mestecc evades question about Lynas licensing terms

22 October 2019

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Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The ministry of energy, science, technology, environment and climate change (Mestecc) appears to have sidestepped a question posed to the ministry in Parliament yesterday about Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s non-compliance with licensing conditions.

DAP lawmaker Wong Tack (PH-Bentong) had asked why Lynas’ licence was renewed this year despite it failing to comply with the government’s previous condition about submitting a location for its permanent disposal facility (PDF).

“The condition for them to come up with a location for the PDF should be fulfilled before their licence is renewed — this is [in accordance with] international standards, even in Australia.

“What is the reason for their licence being renewed despite failing to fulfil this? When is the deadline for them to remove the WLP (water leach purification) from their facility now, especially since the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) has warned that these radioactive materials are being stored in flood-prone areas?” the environmentalist questioned.

In response, Mestecc’s Deputy Minister Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis said Lynas is not required to have the PDF built at the licensing stage, before repeating the conditions the government set in August for the licence renewal that took effect on Sept 3.

Among the conditions she reiterated, as was previously reported, was that Lynas must identify the location to build the PDF and get written consent from the state government involved to use the location, and come up with a complete development plan for the PDF, including a payment plan to bear the building and operational cost of the PDF.

In a statement later, Wong said the AELB in 2012 set a condition forcing Lynas to submit the PDF location within 10 months from the date of issuance of a temporary operating licence then, failing which their licence would be suspended or revoked.

“It is crystal clear Lynas did not comply with this licensing condition [yet their licence was renewed twice since then] because AELB set the same condition again when renewing Lynas’ licence for six months, namely Lynas has to specify the location for the PDF,” he said.

“It is appalling that not only no action was taken against Lynas or the AELB by the ministry of energy, science, technology, environment and climate change, but [the fact is that] there has been blatant non-compliance with the licensing condition set in 2012. Yet, Lynas’ licence has been renewed again for another six months with the same condition! Only this time it’s less stringent because it’s not mentioned that Lynas’ licence will be suspended or revoked if they fail to comply,” he added.

Lynas radioactive residue reaches 637,581 tonnes

Earlier yesterday, Isnaraissah told Dewan Rakyat that Lynas Malaysia had produced 637,581 tonnes of WLP radioactive residue as at Sept 24, 2019, up from 451,564 tonnes in December last year.

As for non-radioactive scheduled waste disposal, specifically the neutralisation underflow residue, that stood at 1.08 million tonnes as at Sept 24 this year, down from 1.113 million in December last year.

Isnaraissah said the AELB had approved the renewal of Lynas operating licence for six months, under more stringent measures from the government to ensure that Lynas’ operations, especially in terms of waste management, are safe.

“The new terms were decided following the decision of the cabinet based on the recommendations made by the Executive Committee on Operations Evaluation of the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant in its November 2018 report,” she said.

Isnaraissah was answering a query from Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera), who asked the government to state why it allowed Lynas’ plant in Kuantan to continue to operate, and the impact on the health of the people.

To her response, Ismail Sabri said the Pakatan Haparan government’s decision to renew Lynas’ licence had recognised that the Barisan Nasional government did nothing wrong in allowing Lynas to operate in Malaysia.

Bioenergy

Indian trade body urged not to deter members from buying Malaysian palm oil

22 October 2019

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Malaysia

BANGI, Oct 22 — The Ministry of Primary Industries has urged the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) of India not to deter its members from importing Malaysian palm oil over remarks on New Delhi’s action in disputed Kashmir.

Its minister, Teresa Kok said while Malaysia is trying to understand the underlying sentiment associated with SEA’s advisory, its call for its members not to refrain from buying Malaysian palm oil “is a major setback in our progressing cooperation and working relations between Malaysia and India”.

The Indian trade body representing oilseed crushers has, on Monday, advised its members not to buy palm oil from Malaysia, taking a cue from New Delhi’s protest against Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s remarks on the Kashmir conflict.

“I view this development with great concern, given the significant and long standing trade relations that we share between our two nations.

“It is important for SEA and the Malaysian palm oil industry to continue to work closely together and act as an effective bridge to promote good relations between the two countries,” she said at the 1st Palm Oil Supply and Demand Outlook Conference here today.

Kok noted that Malaysia and India have shared a long rooted historical and cultural commonality, as well as good diplomatic and trade relationship.

For SEA, palm oil, particularly from Malaysia, is a key raw material that allows profitable operations of their members involved in the local refining industry throughout India.

Besides palm oil, Malaysia’s trade with India includes oil and gas, automobiles, chemicals, electrical and electronics, food and other finished goods.

Last year, Malaysia’s total trade with India increased by 2.2 per cent to RM62.76 billion from RM61.38 billion in 2017.

Responding to a question from the media later, Kok said so far no formal communication was issued by the Indian government on the matter.

“This is (just) a call made by SEA and as for our next move to overcome this issue, I will leave it to the prime minister and also foreign minister to handle the rest,” she added.

Dr Mahathir in his speech at the 74th session of the General Assembly had said “despite UN resolution on Jammu and Kashmir, the country has been invaded and occupied,” and called on India to “work with Pakistan to resolve this problem”.

Earlier today, Dr Mahathir said that Putrajaya has no intention of bringing up the issue to the World Trade Organisation as the call for boycott did not came from the Indian government. — Bernama

Renewables

UOB launches U-Solar to promote RE adoption

22 October 2019

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Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: United Overseas Bank (UOB) today launched U-Solar, the first solar industry ecosystem in Asia to power the development and adoption of renewable energy across Southeast Asia.

Through U-Solar, the bank connects businesses and consumers across the entire solar power value chain and helps each play their role in their collective efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy.

Deputy chairman and chief executive officer Wee Ee Cheong said a sustainable energy industry is key to maintaining healthy development of the economy and community.

“In working together with our ecosystem partners and customers to open up and to tap opportunities in the solar power industry, we can create a positive economic and social impact.

“It is in keeping with our joint responsibility

to help in the region’s long-term economic, social and environmental well-being,” he said in a statement today.

Malaysia is the first ASEAN country in which UOB is rolling out its U-Solar ecosystem.

UOB Malaysia Bhd’s collaboration with leading local solar energy service providers, starting with ERS Energy, PlusSolar and Solarvest, will offer installation, commissioning, operations and after-sales service packages for solar power systems to help business and home owners.

Through U-Solar, the bank offers a suite of financial solutions to support the solar power value chain, from solar project developers, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, as well as the end-users of solar power, including consumers and companies.

In supporting the growth of the solar power industry, UOB provides solar project developers with

solutions in green financing, such as sukuk, project loans and portfolio financing, as well as cash

management services.

For EPC contractors, UOB offers end-to-end contract-based financing solutions, from bid bonds and letters of credit issuance to performance guarantees and working capital facilities.

Through U-Solar’s online portal, the bank also connects these industry players to potential customers

seeking solar power solutions for their factories, offices or homes.

To promote the adoption of solar power by the end-users which include companies and consumers, U-Solar offers a one-stop shop for them to plug easily into the services offered by UOB’s partners across the region.

They can also tap UOB’s financing solutions for the installation, operation and maintenance of solar power systems based on their business or personal needs in making the switch to solar power.

The launch of U-Solar here was officiated by Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change minister Yeo Bee Yin.

“The launch of UOB’s U-Solar programme as an ecosystem play caters to the concerns of the solar industry, whereby it is intended to be Asia’s first integrated solar energy marketplace across UOB’s key Southeast Asia markets – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

“I am proud that UOB has chosen Malaysia to be the first country to launch this programme,” Yeo said.

UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Wong Kim Choong said through the bank’s research and engagement with its customers, it is observed that many of them think that using solar power requires intensive upfront capital and is costly to maintain.

“With U-Solar, we hope to help our customers understand better the benefits of using solar power and to address their concern of costs by providing them with flexible repayment plans at competitive market rates,” he said.

U-Solar offers two flexible solutions to help Malaysian companies adopt solar power with little upfront

capital.

Companies can purchase a solar power system for their factory or office with the U-Solar green loan offered by UOB Malaysia, and can also apply for a two per cent rebate under the government’s Green Technology Financing Scheme 2.0 for their purchase.

They can also benefit from the government’s tax incentives under the Green Investment Tax Allowance and Green Investment Tax Exemption schemes.

Alternatively, businesses can sign up for a long-term solar power leasing agreement with the Bank’s U-Solar partners.

For home owners, UOB Malaysia offers on U-Solar’s online portal a zero per cent interest instalment plan

of up to 36 months 3 for the purchase of a solar power system.

Customers can also enjoy zero upfront costs for services provided by the Bank’s U-Solar partners including on-site assessment, installation and

maintenance of their solar power panels and systems at their residences.

“Through our collaboration with Malaysia’s market-leading solar power service providers, ERS Energy,

PlusSolar and Solarvest, we hope to drive greater adoption of solar energy across Malaysia.

“It will also help support the Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia’s Net Energy Metering programme and MESTECC’s renewable energy target of 20 per cent in the national power generation mix by 2025,”

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