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  • Renewables

No Baram dam, no problem: Villagers build own micro hydro plant

14 January 2019

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  • Malaysia

MIRI, Jan 14 — The villagers of Long Liam, an Orang Ulu longhouse in the deep interior of Baram who were among the thousands opposing the construction of a mega dam in their area, now have their own version of a dam in the form of a micro hydro project (MHP).

Inaugurated over the weekend, the MHP was built by the villagers themselves with guidance from NGOs SAVE Rivers, Tonibung, Bruno Manser Fund, Green Empowerment, and Seacology.

SAVE Rivers chairman Peter Kallang said the MHP is of great significance to the villagers.

“With this project, we show how rural electrification can look like without large dams. Development is possible without destructive dams,” he said in a media statement.

He said the villagers have requested the state government to support efforts to protect the water catchment area for their village.

“Logging in the water catchment area would lead to siltation and threaten the long-term sustainability of the micro hydro project,” he said.

Former chief minister, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, in 2015 cancelled the 1,200 megawatts Baram dam that would have displaced some 20,000 villagers had its construction gone ahead.

Kallang said SAVE Rivers will hold a conference on clean energy collaboration in Kuching on March 15 to 16 this year, to be attended by government officials, international and local energy experts, industry representatives, and grassroots communities.

“The goal is to discuss concrete pathways to achieve economically and environmentally sustainable energy systems that address energy poverty and energy needs for development in Malaysia,” he said.

He said SAVE Rivers supports sustainable development and it is ready to discuss and cooperate with the state and federal governments on sustainable energy.

 

  • Energy Cooperation

Myitsone issue’s proper solution acceptable to both sides is being found out

14 January 2019

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  • Myanmar

Part of the controversial Myitsone Dam project, which was suspended by the government of President U Thein Sein in 2011, in northern Kachin State. (AFP)

If Myitsone issue fails to be resolved after a long delay, it will seriously hurt the confidence of Chinese entrepreneurs in investing in Myanmar. Therefore, China and Myanmar are in close consultation on the issue of Myitsone hydropower project to find out a proper solution acceptable to both sides as soon as possible, said Mr. Hong Liang, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar.
Mr. Hong Liang, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, visited Myitkyina and met with leaders of political parties and social organizations in Kachin State on 28 and 29 December 2018.
On the economic and trade cooperation between China and Kachin State, Ambassador Hong Liang said that in accordance with the consensus reached by the state leaders of the two countries, China and Myanmar are jointly building the Belt and Road and China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Kachin State is adjacent to China, acting as an important hub of China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. At present, the two sides are planning to build Houqiao-Kanpitetee China-Myanmar border economic cooperation zone and an industrial park in Myitkyina. China and Myanmar are also actively pushing forward the connectivity of railways, highways and power grids, which will bring enormous opportunities for the economic and social development of Kachin State.
Ambassador Hong Liang said that currently one of the difficulties facing China-Myanmar cooperation is the issue of Myitsone hydropower project, which has been put on hold for seven years. If this issue fails to be resolved after a long delay, it will seriously hurt the confidence of Chinese entrepreneurs in investing in Myanmar. In addition to that, Myanmar’s economic and social development and the building of China-Myanmar Economic Corridor require sufficient electricity supply. To this end, China and Myanmar are in close consultation on the issue of Myitsone hydropower project to find out a proper solution acceptable to both sides as soon as possible. In this connection, support from the people of Kachin State would be highly valued.

Leaders of political parties and social organizations in Kachin State said they are willing to promote Kachin State’s participation in the building of the Belt and Road and China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, and welcome Chinese enterprises to invest in Kachin State. They stressed the importance of electricity supply for the development of Kachin State and Myanmar. They also said that the local people of Kachin State do not oppose the Myitsone hydropower project; It is some individuals and social organizations from outside that oppose the project.
Ambassador Hong Liang appreciates the positive attitude of political parties and social organizations in Kachin State on the Myitsone project and hopes that they express their positive attitude on the project to the union government.
Regarding why the local people of Kachin State, political parties and social organizations do not oppose Myitsone issue, Kwan Gaung Aung Kham, Chairman of Kachin Democratic Party that discussed with the Chinese ambassador, said he was a little late for the meeting. He did not think the local people said like so. They, Kachin Democratic Party was always opposed to. He did not agree on as well. He did not agree on it now, didn’t agree on it previously and wouldn’t agree on it in the future.
During the visit, Ambassador Hong Liang met with Chairman of the Kachin State Democracy Party Manam Tu Ja, Chairman of the Unity and Democracy Party of Kachin State U Hkyet Hting Nan, Chairman of the Kachin Democracy Party Gumgrawng Awng Hkam, Chairman of the Lisu National Development Party U Si Phar Lar Lu (U Shwe Minn), Chairman of the Shan Ethnic Affairs Society (Northern Myanmar) U Sai San Wae and Chairman of the Kachin Baptist Convention Hkalam Samson. They exchanged views on the peace process in northern Myanmar, the resettlement of IDPs, the anti-drug campaign in northern Myanmar and the economic and trade cooperation between China and Kachin State.

  • Electricity/Power Grid

Ministry plans to produce additional 2700 mw to satisfy increasing power demand

14 January 2019

 – 

  • Myanmar

Plans are under way to generate an additional over 2,700 megawatts as the nationwide power consumption is expected to hit around 4,531 mw in 2020-2021, said Win Khaing, Union Minster for Electricity and Energy on January 9.

Currently, the country’s nationwide power consumption is increasing from 15 per cent to 19 per cent.

To meet increasing power demand, the ministry plans to build three LNG-fired power plants which have a production capacity of about 3,000 MW, in addition to hydropower, gas-fired power and solar-powered plants. The natural gas production will decline in 2020, he added.

Currently, the highest power consumption is 3,483 mw. A total of 16 thermal power plants produce 1,083 mw.

The government is making constant efforts to enable all regions and states to have equal access to electricity.

On January 2, the highest power production reached 3201.4 mw. Yangon’s power consumption hit 1,327 wm, accounting for more than 41.45 per cent of the total power consumption.

Mandalay consumed 496.9 mw (15. 5 per cent of the total power consumption), Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, 131.3 mw (more than four per cent), other regions and states, 1274 mw (39.79 per cent).

From 1988-1989 until November 2018, the government granted permits to 19 foreign investments worth over 21 billion USD, in the country’s energy sector. Of them, 18 investors are operating their businesses worth over 15 billion USD, according to the figures of Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC).

  • Oil & Gas

Indonesia to offer 10 oil, gas blocks this year

14 January 2019

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  • Indonesia

Speaking at the weekend Djoko said that first auction phase will involve the Anambas, West Ganal and West Kaimana blocks as well as two exploitation blocks — West Kampar and Selat Panjang and the auction process would be opened before the end of this month.

“It [the first auction] will kick off this month. We have just finished the terms and conditions,” he said.

West Ganal Block is actually a cut-off field from US-based energy giant Chevron’s Makassar Strait Block, which has been excluded from the Indonesia Deepwater Development (IDD) mega gas project.

In 2018, the ministry signed off nine exploration blocks through auction schemes, three of which were agreed in December. The three are the South Andaman offshore block in Aceh, South Saka Kemang onshore block in South Sumatra and Maratua onshore block in Central Java. (bbn)

  • Oil & Gas , 
  • Others

PGN connects over 5,000 households in Banten to gas network

14 January 2019

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  • Indonesia

State-owned gas subholding company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) has announced that it has completed its gas pipeline network project to distribute natural gas to households in Serang, Banten.

PGN president director Gigih Prakoso, said the gas network project, funded through the state budget, would help reduce imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). “PGN will pump gas to 5,043 houses in the Kramatwatu district in Serang,” Gigih said in a statement.

The project costing Rp 124.8 billion (US$8.9 million) is part of the long-term plan outlined by the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry to build city gas facilities connecting 3 million households by 2025 and 5 million households by 2030.

Gigih said PGN would fully source the gas supply from ConocoPhillips Indonesia Grissik Ltd (CPGL) at 779 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd). “In the future, more schemes will be established to provide more gas for communities,” he said.

Earlier, the government assigned PGN to carry out a 1-million household gas-connection program, starting this year, despite limited state funding. Gigih told kontan.co.id recently that the company was waiting for the presidential regulation to allow PGN to proceed with the project, which will cost Rp 780 billion.

He estimated that connecting one household would cost about Rp 10 million. Therefore, with the funding, PGN would be able to connect 78,000 households this year. (das/bbn)

  • Energy Efficiency

ICTSI’s MICT receives Philippines’ first eco-friendly RTGs

14 January 2019

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  • Philippines

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI)’s Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) has received the Philippines’ first hybrid rubber-tired gantries (RTGs), as part of a long-term investment in capacity enhancement and environmental efficiency.

Four out of 16 hybrid RTGs have been delivered, each equipped with a 200kVA Li-ion battery and a smaller diesel engine that aims to improve the carbon footprint of the terminal.

ICTI has claimed that the RTGs have the potential to reduce noise levels, reduce carbon emissions by 40% and once fully commissioned, the equipment is expected to boost MICT’s container yard productivity.

Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI’s global corporate head, said: “As we continuously drive economic growth in our home operations, ICTSI will always be at the forefront of innovation with ports equipment and adaptive technology that ensures increasing productivity while reducing carbon footprint.”

Before the end of the first half of 2019, two super post-Panamax quay cranes and 12 additional hybrid RTGs are scheduled to be delivered while three QCs, delivered in 2018, are already operational.

The new equipment is a part of the ICTSI’s group-wide commitment towards ensuring an environment-friendly supply chain, which includes expanding the use of next generation energy-efficient cargo handling equipment and vehicle fleets.

Capacity improvements are also underway at MICT, among which includes the first phase construction of berths 7 and 8, and back up areas for the future berths 9 and 10.

  • Electricity/Power Grid , 
  • Oil & Gas

Phoenix-CNOOC JV to build Philippines’ first LNG terminal

14 January 2019

 – 

  • Philippines

The Philippines’ energy ministry has approved the bid from local fuel retailer Phoenix Petroleum and China’s CNOOC to build the country’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal.

The $2 billion regasification and imports terminal will be built south of the capital of Manila, featuring a capacity to handle 2.2 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG. The plant is expected to start operations in 2023, Phoenix said Friday, in a regulatory filing.

The project will be developed and operated by a joint venture formed by Phoenix’s Tanglawan Philippine LNG and CNOOC Gas and Power Group. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the facility last June, Kallanish Energy notes.

The government’s approvals are crucial for the replacement of the declining indigenous gas production, estimated to run out as early as 2024.

Phoenix said long-term, the project will also feature a natural gas power plant with capacity to generate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

“The (LNG) terminal is only Stage 1 of our plans for the facility. We will develop it to become an LNG hub, giving Filipinos access to low-cost and environmental-friendly energy supply,” said Phoenix’s chief operating officer, Henry Fadullon.

  • Energy Cooperation , 
  • Energy Economy , 
  • Oil & Gas

Global Vanadium hints at two new vanadium investments as it shifts from oil and gas focus

14 January 2019

 – 

  • Philippines

Global Vanadium is in active negotiations for two new projects as part of its continued vanadium focus.

Newly renamed and refocused Global Vanadium (ASX: GLV) has announced two potential project opportunities and provided an update on its investment in the Philippines iron sands vanadium-magnetite project.

The Western Australia-based company officially changed its name and ASX ticker code from Baraka Energy and Resources and BKP in December 2018 in order to “better reflect the company’s stated strategy of pursuing its investment in the vanadium commodity sector”.

As part of this strategy, the company completed a review of a shortlist of projects for potential investment and today announced it is actively pursuing negotiations on two opportunities.

The review comprised both early-stage and advanced projects and involved Global director Jason Brewer and the company’s geological and metallurgical consultants conducting several due diligence site visits and meetings in South Africa.

According to Global, the two potential projects have so far met all of the company’s ongoing technical and due diligence requirements.

However, it did not reveal further information as while negotiations are considered to be “at a high level”, they are still incomplete.
Philippines project

Global also today updated the market on its investment in the Philippines iron sands vanadium-magnetite project, which is currently held through loan advances to unlisted public company Consolidated Iron Sands (CIS) and its 97%-owned subsidiary Luzon Iron Development Group Corporation.

Luzon holds exploration permits covering two offshore areas between Sanchez Mira and Gonzaga in the Cagayan province of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines.

From September to November 2018, Global conducted a review of the project and provided Luzon with its requested monthly budget advances under the existing secured loan agreement.

By the end of the 2018 calendar year, the total funds advanced were in excess of $4.06 million, which Global said was “over and above the amount envisaged to be loaned”.

Meanwhile, a review of information has prompted Global to decline the advancement of the December budget, particularly given it was “unclear if and when the current renewal of the exploration permits will be granted by the Philippines authorities”.

In addition, Global claims that none of the loan funds in the December budget were being used to protect ad preserve the permits or meet the expenditure required under Philippines law.

Global has requested a revised budget from CIS and Luzon and said it intends to continue to work in good faith with the companies to advance the project.
Oil and gas asset

Global had previously focused on oil and gas under its old identity and despite its strategic shift to vanadium, it has chosen to hold onto an exploration permit in the Northern Territory’s Southern Georgina Basin.

The company had encountered elevated hydrocarbon shows during the drilling of its McIntyre-2 well in 2011, but activities were suspended when a fracking ban was imposed across the entire territory.

However, the moratorium was lifted in April last year and since then, the company has reported “significant interest” in the project.

As part of its asset review, Global concluded that the project “is in good standing and represents an under-explored asset with potential to add significant value to the company”.

Global said it has engaged an unrelated corporate firm for a four-month period to pursue a potential joint venture or other divestment opportunity for the project.

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