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Renewables

Solar power in-a-box launches in Malaysia

15 October 2018

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Malaysia

A solar solution that can be installed in a day has launched in Malaysia, a country that aims to produce 20 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.

In 1996, coal only represented 8 per cent of Malaysia’s electricity generation mix. Fast forward 20 years, coal’s share has risen to 42.5 per cent. This is higher than coal’s share for Southeast Asia, when by 2040 the International Energy Agency expects coal power generation to rise by two-thirds, to 40 per cent.

In Malaysia, the fossil fuel has received some welcome news recently. Newly re-elected Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad said at the Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) in Kuala Lumpur in September that while Malaysia sources much of its coal from overseas, it should source more from its own reserves.

This drew opposition from the likes of green group World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which has said that an expansion of Malaysia’s coal ambitions would hinder the country’s commitment to the Paris Climate Accord and the country should focus on supporting renewable energy instead.

To aid Malaysia’s search for alternatives to coal, China-based solar energy firm Trina Solar has launched a new system in Malaysia that the company says makes installing solar systems easy.

Malaysia is the first country in Southeast Asia to be introduced to the Trinahome, an all-in-one solar energy solution targeted at home owners and small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to reduce both their environmental footprint and their energy bills.

The system comes with all the required components, such as cables, invertor, connector and accessories, in a box.

The New York Stock Exchange-listed Trina Solar, which is the world’s largest maker of solar energy solutions, said it sees ample opportunity to increase renewable energy’s share of Malaysia’s energy mix, even though uptake to date has been slow.

The company’s senior sales director, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Ku Jun Heong said that wider adoption is possible as more consumers take an interest in generating their own energy.

“The adoptation of renewable energy in Malaysia is increasing rapidly. At the moment, Malaysia holds the third place in Asean for solar capacity with 362 megawatts (MW),” he noted.

A brand new outlook

With the change of government five months ago, some of the country’s key objectives for energy policy are to prolong the life of nation’s oil and gas reserves, ensure there is adequate electricity for everyone, diversify the energy mix and minimise the impact on the environment. The government is targeting an increase in renewables’ share of the energy mix from 2 per cent now to 20 per cent by 2025.

Currently, Malaysia’s installed renewable capacity as of June this year is 575MW. Renewable sources include biomass (99MW), biogas (59MW) and small hydro (42MW), but solar is by far the biggest contributer, with almost 75 per cent of the total, at 375MW.

“We attribute the increase [in renewable energy capacity] to a growing appreciation for solar energy and positive government policies, such as feed-in-tariffs and net energy metering,” said Ku.

With abundant sunshine all year around, it makes sense that solar energy plays an important role in Malaysia’s energy mix. Plus, the cost of solar energy has reduced dramatically over the past 10 years and it is now a lot more affordable.

Speaking at a media briefing for the launch of Trinahome, Daphne Chee, the product’s business lead, Asia Pacific and Middle East, shared that the price of the system starts at about RM12,000 (US$2,894).

Besides offering an all-in-one solution, Trina Solar has a market edge because the company develops its own solar cell technology. “We work with top scientists in China and other parts of the the world to develop solar cell technology. Coupled with better systems integration, we are able to provide great power efficiency,” said Ku.

As for the installation process, Trinahome can be set up in one day—depending on the weather—and can be installed on any type of roof by technicians certified by Trina Solar.

Renewables

Singapore Happy to Be `Goldilocks’ for Energy Usage Experiments

15 October 2018

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Singapore

As the world tries to curb carbon emissions, Singapore could be a testing ground for new ideas on how to reduce energy use through data and urban design, according to Chan Chun Sing, its trade and industry minister.

Singapore is using data on how different industries and segments of the population use energy to optimize its electricity system, Chan said in a Bloomberg Television interview. It’s also experimenting with how designs and material choice in buildings can reduce energy consumption, such as for air conditioning.

The city-state of about 5 million people is small enough that it can make changes to its power grid at a system level, yet large enough that the lessons from those tweaks can be applied to larger markets, Chan said. That will allow Singapore to share its experience with the rest of the world.

“We are not too big and not too small,” Chan said in the Thursday interview. “We are in what we call a ‘Goldilocks’ position with a city of 5 million where you can try many of these new and innovative solutions.”

Singapore has shifted its electricity mix over the past century from coal to oil to natural gas, which now generates about 95 percent of the country’s power. The government announced ambitious plans last year to grow peak solar generation to 2 gigawatts by 2025 from about 140 megawatts in 2017.

Carbon Tax

The government also plans to impose a S$5 a ton carbon tax from 2020. The fee will affect large industrial facilities that produce 25,000 tons or more of greenhouse gases a year, such as oil refineries and power plants. The revenue from the tax would be used to fund more efficient energy production and to help companies improve energy efficiency.

Singapore has long been one of the world’s largest oil refining and trading hubs, and the carbon tax could reduce profit margins at those plants by about 3 percent in 2020, according to energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie Ltd. Chan said those plants operate in a relatively more environmentally friendly way than those in other parts of the world.

“We are producing in a more efficient way for the rest of the world,” he said. “If those products are not produced in Singapore, they would have been produced somewhere else, probably with less efficient, less green, less clean methods.”

— With assistance by Richard Lewis, and Anand Menon

Malaysia new car available in 2020

15 October 2018

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Malaysia

Malaysia is making a big push into developing “disruptive technology-driven” vehicles for global markets, with its maiden model expected to hit the market in two years’ time.

The model is under the new national car project (NNCP) mooted by Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

Its prototype is expected to be rolled out early next year, followed by the real car itself for consumers by 2020, said the Malaysian Industry-Goverment Group for High Technology (MIGHT) president and chief executive officer Datuk Dr. Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman.

The government was identifying investors and co-developers for the NNCP, and this was expected to be finalised by year-end, he added.

“This new car will use 100 per cent disruptive technology and not follow conventional car manufacturing (methods),” Mohd Yusoff said at a media briefing on NNCP here yesterday.

A disruptive technology is one that displaces an established technology and shakes up the industry or a ground-breaking product that creates a completely new industry.

“This new platform needs to be developed by a country like Malaysia, which has all the ingredients that can master this technology. We have the raw materials and experience. There is no reason why we shouldn’t build this new car,” Mohd Yusoff said.

He said it was important for the country to develop and nurture vendors and inspire young people with disruptive technologies, after decades of involvement in the automotive sector.

“We are the top nine high-tech manufacturing exporters in the world in terms of capacity and capability. We have companies that can contribute technology and components of the car such as Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM) and Silterra Malaysia Sdn Bhd,” he added.

Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Yusof, meanwhile, said the NNCP would be privately funded, leveraging on existing automotive components suppliers in the country.

He said the government had shortlisted a few partners, while looking at the best platform to use and combined with Malaysian technology (components suppliers and technology makers).

“We are refining the prototype and later explore what kind of series (car category) we are going to have. We have to be sizeable about it and measure what we can contribute in terms of local content,” he said.

He said the NNCP would revitalise the national automotive industry and support the parts and components sector that could drive small and medium enterprises.

“The content from Malaysian resources will be maximised to the fullest. We had discussed with Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to build our automotive industry after Proton had been acquired by China’s Geely.

“We wanted to rebuild the capability with existing skills and technology to make the industry competitive. We are ready to build cars now,” he said.

Mohd Redzuan added that it would not be an issue for the country to have a new national car, citing that the administration was looking at private initiative or private participation.

“The current technology in the market is not that expensive to come up with a prototype. There are over 20 carmakers in this country. We have the skills and capabilities to help carmakers to produce cars,” he said.

With a complete ecosystem, Mohd Redzuan said the government can empower the NNCP with the private sectors participation, supported by various ministries and government agencies.

“We are looking at technology including energy efficient vehicle or full electric vehicle. We try to refine our approach at what stage we should offer,” he said.

Mohd Yusoff said CTRM and Silterra can not only build the outer shell of the car and electronics components but also invest in the car development.

“We need agencies and ministries help to create an ecosystem for them to further develop. They may need training and other competencies,” he said.

Mohd Yusoff said MIGHT had been involved in automotive development since 1994 to support Malaysia’s Formula One involvement, infusing the technology from the most advanced structure to the conventional car manufacturing.

“We had developed an engine with Petronas and Sauber at one time. This had been licensed out to Proton and China. There are lotd of competencies that have been built throughout the years that can actually be used for this new platform – it can be a saloon, SUV and MPV,” he said.

Mohd Yusoff said the NNCP would be developed based on the local market demand.

“Hence, we need to know what kind of cars Malaysians want to drive. We are not starting from zero. We will have a complete ecosystem and pull all relevant parties to work as a team for this project,” he said.

Mohd Redzuan said the capital to develop the NNCP would be dependent on what platform it uses, technology, and feedbacks from the market, particularly the younger generation.

“For a start, we will use the existing infrastructure to assemble the first batch of the car. We are not overly ambitious to have our production line. We have to do it differently where the investments are capped minimum so that it makes sense.

“We don’t want to invest a billion dollar plant just because we want to develop a new national car. There always existing assembly facilities that we can use (contract manufacturing) to produce the car,” he said.

Renewables

Thailand’s Biggest Winery Goes Solar

15 October 2018

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Thailand

“Thailand’s biggest winery Siam has entered a 20-year agreement with a Singapore-based solar company to install a rooftop solar system to cut down carbon dioxide emissions, the first Thai winery to do so.”

According to Cleantech Solar, the Singaporean company will install a 1MWp on-site rooftop solar system for the Thai winery, based in Hua Hin, the seaside resort in the Gulf of Thailand.

The PV system, according to Cleantech Solar, will be powered by 3,060 solar panels and is expected to generate about 26,556 MWh of clean energy over its lifetime, enabling Siam Winery to avoid 15,100 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Archie Gracie, Siam Winery’s export, winery and supply chain director, said: “Here at Siam Winery, environment and sustainability are always at the forefront of our minds. As the leading wine producer and distributor in Southeast Asia, it is important that we lead by example in our commitment towards environmental sustainability.

“Siam Winery is delighted to partner with Cleantech Solar, who has demonstrated the depth of knowledge to operate high quality PV plants across different industries and geographies, in our sustainability journey. Through this partnership with Cleantech Solar, not only do we hope to reduce our carbon footprint, but we also hope to drive the adoption of clean solar energy in businesses across Thailand,” he added.

Raju Shukla, Cleantech Solar founder and executive chairman said, “We are proud to be the trusted solar partner of choice by the leading wine producer in Thailand. This is a testament to our ability to deliver repeatable high-quality projects with our team of experienced solar experts present in all markets. We look forward to this meaningful partnership with Siam Winery to achieve their sustainability goals.”

Oil & Gas

Government explains petrol price jump

15 October 2018

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Cambodia

The retail price of petrol in Cambodia has increased for the third straight month, upsetting many who work in low-paying jobs, such as tuk-tuk drivers.

The price jumped to 4,200 riel per litre in mid-October from 3,950 riel in July, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The price increase is hurting low-income families as the cost of the Kingdom’s upcoming traditional Pchum Ben Festival continues to rise.

Sitting on his tuk-tuk awaiting customers along Mao Tse Tong Blvd, Hak Samorn, 42, noted that the price of petrol continues to increase following the national election in July, cutting into his income.

“Fuel price increases make it difficult to earn a profit for a tuk-tuk driver like me, who has to support daily living costs and children as well,” he said.

Samorn, who has worked as a tuk-tuk driver for three years since 2015 said the competition in the transportation sector is also another challenge.

“Competition in the sector is increasing, and I can’t find more customers,” he said

The ministry said in its announcement on Wednesday that the retail price of petrol relies on price fluctuations in the global market, as Cambodia depends mainly on petroleum imports.

“The retail price of petroleum in the international market recently is increasing considering the political context in the world, especially complicated disputes between Western countries and major petroleum suppliers,” the announcement said.

Oil prices in the international market spiked this week to a four-year peak, with Brent crude at nearly $85 per barrel as a result of stretched global supplies caused by the US sanctions on Iran.

The ministry recalculates the retail fuel price cap every 10 days, based mostly on the trading price of crude oil in Singapore.

However, the period has been extended to 15 days since July, according to the ministry’s announcement. Its officials could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Affiliated Network for Social Accountability head San Chey said any changes would be announced.

“Extending [this period to] longer than 10 days without reason is indicative of kickbacks to someone who could benefit from the delay,” he said, adding that the government should instead reduce the import tax or provide subsidies to consumers.

Supreme National Economic Council senior adviser Mey Kalyan said Cambodia being an importer of petroleum, and the Iran-US disputes have created petroleum price fluctuations that has have had a sharp impact on the Kingdom.

“We cannot avoid the impact when the price of petroleum fluctuates in the international market. But, we should understand how to use petroleum more efficiently for the industry, or try to figure [out] something better to replace [it] rather than rely on [it],” he said.

However, Kalyan said the government should inspect business monopolies in and find a way to manage them.

A motodop driver in Phnom Penh, Peng Heang, said the challenges are not only in the price of petrol, but taxi booking services like PassApp and the Phnom Penh City Bus services that are free for some are hurting his earnings.

“Petrol price is not the only problem. I have to compete with taxi booking services and the city bus. My breath has almost ended being a motodop driver,” he said.

Oil & Gas

Government seeking solution to tackle fuel price hike: Spokesperson

15 October 2018

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Myanmar

The government is working to deal with rising fuel oil prices as it increased transportation costs and has an impact on commodity prices, said Zaw Htay, Spokesperson of Myanmar President’s Office, at a press conference held in the President House in Nay Pyi Taw on October 5.

“Transportation costs have increased by 10 per cent due to the rising fuel oil prices. An increase in the transportation cost has a direct impact on the commodity prices. Fuel oil entrepreneurs have to import fuel oil worth US$ 400 million every month. The greenback appreciation is one of the reasons for the rising fuel oil prices,” he continued.

Entrepreneurs have to import fuel oils in dollar and resell them in local currency. This factor also has an impact on the fuel oil prices.

The government used to control imports and distribution of fuel oils under the 1934 Petroleum Law. After 2010, the government allowed private companies to import and distribute fuel oils.

“In 2011, the government started allowing local entrepreneurs to import and sell fuel oils. But foreign companies are not allowed to 100 per cent investments in the local fuel markets. They can make a joint venture with the Ministry of Energy. In the time of the-then government, Puma Energy imported jet fuel in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy. In addition, the Ministry of Energy imported and distributed fuel oil, in partnership with a local company. But the wholesale system only was allowed, he added.

Myanmar Investment Commission allowed foreign companies to make a 100-per-cent investment in the fuel oil sector starting April 10, 2017. Foreign top energy companies discussed their difficulties on the ground. But they have not made investments yet. The government is discussing with the ministry about seeking the best way to tackle the problem,” he continued.

Oil & Gas

LPG Consumption Growth of 23% in Cambodia

15 October 2018

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Cambodia

According to Cambodia’s government figure, LPG consumption grew at rapid rate of 23% in 2017.

Cambodia is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. With an average growth of more than 7%, it is slowly transforming itself from being one of the least developed countries to one of the most rapid and fast growing economies in the region.

According to our own estimation, the current LPG consumption in Cambodia is between 160,000MT to 180,000MT per annum. Consumption of LPG in Cambodia is driven by both the Cooking Gas and Autogas market in the country.

High growth – From commercial & industrial usage

Besides the residential consumptions of LPG in Cambodia that is experiencing steady growth, high growth for LPG is coming from the commercial and industrial sectors. In particular, we are seeing high growth coming from the commercial sectors as many infrastructure projects such as hotels, shopping malls and integrated resorts come online and boost the commercial usage of LPG.

High growth of LPG – AutoGas Sector in Cambodia

Cambodia has a sizable Autogas market and a good distribution network to allow for further growth in the market. In 2016, the Autogas industry got a boost when private hire company, EZGO, started rolling out AutoGas Tuk Tuk (three-wheelers from India). With the country facing strong economic growth and a tourism boom, the number of private hire vehicles running on LPG is highly expected to fuse the investment among the Autogas distribution network, which in turn will fuse the growth in consumption.

In partnership with the Japan LP Gas Center, and Institute of Energy and Economics, Japan; and internationally endorsed and supported by the World LPG Association, the LPG Cambodia 2018 Conference and Exhibition under the ASEAN LPG FORUM Series will take place from 13 – 14 November 2018 at the Sokha Hotel, Phnom Penh

Registration for the conference and exhibition is now open! Please contact us at [email protected] or +65 6742 2485 for more details.

Korea Energy Agency Builds Solar Power System for Floating Village in Cambodia

3 October 2018

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Cambodia

The Korea Energy Agency has built a solar power system for a tiny floating village in Cambodia.

A ceremony was held at the village, Kampong Thakov, in Siem Reap, northwestern part of Cambodia, on Sept. 20 to mark the completion of the “Pico-Grid Village Pilot Project.”

In attendance at the event were officials from the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Energy of Cambodia, the ASEAN Energy Center, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Cambodia, a Korean company that built the pico grid, and some 200 villagers.

A pico grid is a power grid smaller than a micro grid. The project at the Cambodian floating village involved the installation of a solar power system and an energy storage system (ESS) for 23 households. The Korea Energy Agency also supported the establishment of a payment system to enable villagers to operate and manage the systems on their own.

The project was carried out jointly with the ASEAN Energy Center, an international organization, as one of of the official development assistance (ODA) projects promoted by the Korea Energy Agency.

“The project is quite meaningful in that it created sustainable economic value along with the realization of social value in a rural village with houses built on stilts over water of the poorest people of Cambodia,” said an official of the Korea Energy Agency.

“I am very happy to see villagers using electricity, and I am grateful that there is a medium that connects all people of the village,” the representative of the village said. At the village, people live at stilt houses.

In the meantime, the Korea Energy Agency signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) on Cambodia’s Carbon Free Island project as a follow-up to the Pico-Grid Village pilot project.

News Clipping

A solar solution that can be installed in a day has launched in Malaysia, a country that aims to produce 20 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.

A brand new outlook

Carbon Tax

“Thailand’s biggest winery Siam has entered a 20-year agreement with a Singapore-based solar company to install a rooftop solar system to cut down carbon dioxide emissions, the first Thai winery to do so.”

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