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Oil & Gas

INFOGRAPHIC: Natural gas and the Philippines’ rising power demands

16 October 2018

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Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – As consumption rates continue to rise and the government’s massive infrastructure program gets underway, one thing is clear: the Philippines’ demand for power will be higher than ever.

Can our existing energy mix sustain this growth? Based on latest figures, up to 50% of our energy comes from coal-fired power plants.

At first look, coal is the reasonable option because it is believed to be cheap and stable. However, increasing dependence on coal isn’t good for the environment or for our health. Recently, it hasn’t been good for our pockets, either, as coal prices and electricity rates have increased significantly

There is another major energy source that is cleaner, affordable, and reliable—natural gas. Based on latest figures from the Department of Energy, It already makes up 30% of Luzon’s existing energy mix, providing more than 2,000 MW’s of capacity to the Luzon grid.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about why natural gas can help address our rising power demands.

Illustration by Alyssa Arizabal/Rappler – Rappler.com

Coal

Challenges in Coal Supply for Thermal Power Production

16 October 2018

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Vietnam

As thermal power accounts for the largest proportion of Vietnam’s energy production, the country is facing challenges to ensure sufficient supply of coal for thermal power plants in the coming years.

According to President of the Vietnam Association of Thermal Science and Technology Truong Duy Nghia, coal-fired thermal power has dominated the country’s energy market, particularly in southern provinces. It is largely due to the fact that hydropower, also popular in Vietnam, requires spaces for reservoirs and large evacuation for facility construction in spite of its low prices, environmental friendliness and short building time. Meanwhile, most of natural resources for the development of hydropower plants have been almost used up, he noted.

Renewable energies like wind power, solar power or biomass are environmentally friendly but generation of these types of electricity has remained low, equivalent to only one fifth or one sixth of the thermal power production while they heavily depend on natural resources and weather conditions, making their prices relatively high.

Gas-fired thermal power faces similar issues in terms of cost as the operation and maintenance costs for a facility are very expensive, almost doubling those of the coal-fired thermal power while gas supply is limited.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), by 2020, Vietnam is expected to produce about 26,000 MW of coal-fired thermal power, accounting for 49.3 percent of the total electricity generation and consuming about 63 million tonnes of coal. By 2030, the production of coal-fired thermal electricity will increase to 55,300 MW of power, representing 53.2 percent of the total generation and consuming 129 million tonnes of coal.

It was estimated that to provide sufficient supply of fuel for coal-fired power plants, Vietnam will have to import about 90 million tonnes of coal a year after 2030, which puts the country under great pressure.

Since 2016, Vietnam has started importing coal which was input for Duyen Hai 3 Thermal Power Plant. In 2017, imports of coal totalled 4.5 million tonnes and it is likely to rise to about 24 million tonnes by 2020.

Le Van Luc, deputy head of the MoIT’s Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority, said if demand for coal keeps increasing, the ministry will propose the government to adopt a special mechanism for thermal power producers to sign long-term contracts for coal imports and allow them to hold ownership of coal mines abroad to stabilise the coal supply for electricity production.

He further noted that the ministry is drafting a plan for national power development for 2020 – 2030 with a post-2030 vision, which will also take the supply of coal for power generation into consideration.

IFC’s Komodo green bond raises $134m for climate investments

16 October 2018

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Indonesia

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has issued its inaugural Indonesian rupiah Komodo green bond, attracting strong investor demand and raising Rp 2 trillion (US$134 million) to combat climate change.

“The issuance of IFC’s green Komodo bond underscores our commitment to support Indonesia in achieving environmentally sustainable economic growth,” said Nena Stoiljkovic, IFC’s vice president for Asia and the Pacific.

“The bond allows us to mobilize international funding into Indonesia’s climate-friendly projects and we intend to replicate and scale up this model to address the country’s climate challenges.”

This is the first such green Komodo offshore rupiah-denominated issuance by a multilateral development bank for investment into climate projects in Indonesia.

The five-year green bond, which will be listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Singapore Stock Exchange, will support the local-currency market in Indonesia, funding the first-ever green bond issued in Indonesia by an IFC client, Bank OCBC NISP. The proceeds will finance underlying infrastructure and climate-related projects.

Jingdong Hua, IFC’s vice president and treasurer, said the first ever green Komodo bond issued in rupiah for climate investment in Indonesia was a significant milestone for IFC and for Indonesia to help the private sector manage foreign exchange risk through local-currency financing.

Since launching the Green Bond Program, IFC has raised billions of dollars for clean energy, climate-smart cities, green buildings and green finance. As revealed in IFC’s Green Bond Impact Report released on Monday, IFC issued 32 green bonds totaling $1.8 billion in the fiscal year that ended June 30.

Renewables

Risen Energy adds a further 50MW of solar to Vietnam projects

16 October 2018

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Vietnam

Major China-based PV manufacturer Risen Energy has secured a 50MW PV power plant through India’s Shapoorji Pallonji Group, a private infrastructure development company to be built Vietnam.

Risen Energy recently signed a contract with Surya Prakash Vietnam Energy Co, a subsidiary of Shapoorji Pallonji Group for the 50MW project, which is expected to be operational at the end of June 2019, with electricity supplied to EVN, the Vietnamese state grid.

The project is said to include 26MW of tracker based 72-cell multicrystalline modules with 360Wp power and 24MW using a fixed mount system. The plant is expected to generate an average annual power generation of 81,429MWh, according to the company.

Liu Dong, general manager of Risen Energy Vietnam, said, “Following an in-depth analysis of the Vietnamese market and an on-site investigation of the project, we selected the most comprehensive and best-performing power generation solutions given the project’s particulars, including the tracking systems, with an eye to increasing the ROI, while positioning the facility to be one that can act as a demonstration model for future such tracking systems. As we look further down the road, we expect to work closely with high-quality companies, including Surya Prakash, delivering more professional and reliable PV power generation solutions to the market.”

The latest project contract some closely following Risen Energy’s announcement in late September of a contract signed with Vietnam-based Tasco to build a 61MW solar project in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam, also to be connected to the grid in 2019.

The company expects to reach around 160MW of total installation PV capacity in Vietnam in 2018.

Risen Energy is also planning to increase its PV power plant project business from 800MW in 2018 to 1.5GW in 2019.

DOE rolls out Mindanao energy projects

16 October 2018

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Philippines

TAGUIG CITY, OCt. 8 — The Department of Energy (DOE) is setting its sights on present energy investment opportunities in Mindanao that will spark new developments and growth in the region.

In this regard, the DOE, through its Investment Promotion Office, is launching the Mindanao Energy Investment Forum (MEIF) to be held on 11 October 2018 at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao.

The forum aims to present opportunities and updates on energy developments, which include the one-grid interconnection project and the establishment of additional power capacities in the area.

With the theme “Transcending Investments: Role in Encouraging Investors in the Energy Sector,” this year’s energy investment forum series seeks to match investors with possible energy projects in Mindanao.

The DOE will bridge investors with financing facilities available for energy projects, concerned government institutions and the business sector for knowledge sharing on the industry’s best practices in the region.

The 2018 MEIF will also have a panel discussion that will cover topics on the government agencies’ roles, and the current policies and programs in facilitating and ensuring the smooth implementation of energy projects in Mindanao.

For a better business sector engagement, the invited 2018 MEIF participants include the existing and potential energy investors in Mindanao, Energy Associations, Government Agencies, Chambers of Commerce, Financing Facilities, Electric Cooperatives and Local Government Units.

“The DOE is holding all these in order to empower you, the energy stakeholders, for better coordination and collaboration. Together, we can make a bigger impact in creating wealth for our nation,” Sec. Cusi stated.

Energy Economy

RAM rates world’s first UN SGD sukuk issued by HSBC Amanah Malaysia

16 October 2018

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Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: RAM Ratings has rated the world’s first United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) sukuk issued by HSBC Amanah Malaysia Bhd.

The sukuk is under the bank’s RM3bil multi-currency sukuk programme (2012/2032) which carries an AAA/stable rating.

“This global first by HSBC Amanah puts Malaysia again on the sustainable finance world map,” says Foo Su Yin, CEO of RAM Ratings.

The proceeds from this sukuk will be utilised for working capital in the ordinary course of HSBC Amanah’s Islamic banking business, to finance eligible businesses and projects in accordance with the HSBC SDG bond framework.

image: https://content.thestar.com.my/smg/settag/name=lotame/tags=all

HSBC Amanah’s financial institution ratings stand at AAA/Stable/P1, premised on the bank’s strategic role as the Islamic arm of HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd (rated AAA/Stable/P1 by RAM) as well as its status as one of two global hubs of HSBC Holdings plc’s Amanah network.

“HSBC Amanah is operationally integrated with HSBC Bank Malaysia and benefits from the HSBC Group’s solid global franchise, international network and expertise.

“We believe that the Bank will continue to enjoy parental support when needed,” said RAM.

RAM is an active contributor to sustainability and green finance globally.

On May 26, 2016, RAM joined the global line-up of six pioneer credit rating agency signatories to UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment’s Statement on ESG in Credit Ratings.

In 2017, RAM rated the world’s first green sukuk issued by a solar power player, Tadau Energy Sdn Bhd.

In 2015, RAM rated the world’s first Sustainable Responsible Investment sukuk – Sukuk Ihsan – pioneered by Khazanah Nasional Bhd, the Malaysian government’s strategic investment fund.

RAM’s sister company, RAM Consultancy Services Sdn Bhd, is the first Asean-based provider of sustainability ratings and second opinions on green bonds and sukuk.

Renewables

Sarawak to model mega dam management after Canada, CM says

16 October 2018

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Malaysia

Sarawak has Bakun (picture), Murum and Batang Ai hydro power plants while Baleh is under construction. — Picture courtesy of Sarawak Energy Berhad

KUCHING, Oct 7 — Sarawak will be taking Canada as a model in the management and governance of its mega dams and water usage, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg said today.

He said Canada, in particular the province of Ontario, has a long history and reputation of hydro power generation with the first hydro plant built about 100 years ago.

He said hydro power plants produced more than 70,000 MW of electricity in Canada which is second only to China.

Abang Johari led a state delegation on a four-day study of Canada which ended today.

Sarawak has Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai hydro power plants while Baleh is under construction and is expected to be completed in 2025.Bengoh dam, however, supplies raw water for treatment plants for the southern region of Sarawak.

In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, Abang Johari said Sarawak has to learn from Ontario on various aspects of water management such as water policy, water legislation, water research, development of water bodies and environmental enforcement and compliance.

“The things learned during the trip would be useful input in Sarawak’s desire to formulate a water policy and water legislation in order to turn water into a precious economic asset,” he pointed out.

The chief minister said the visit had demonstrated to his delegation how water was treated as a precious commodity to generate economic returns for the country, particularly Ontario.

He said he was particularly impressed with how various legislation had been introduced in the province to regulate the many uses of water while Sarawak had practically none.

“The Ontario water legislation had also provided a clear picture of what came under federal and provincial jurisdiction in Canada in the governance of the extensive system of water bodies in the country, including the Great Lakes,” he added.

He pointed out that Ontario even had a special institution to conduct research on water citing the Water Institute at the University of Waterloo near Toronto.

The Water Institute is among the places of interest included in the chief minister’s itinerary in Ontario.

Bioenergy

Malaysia to pick experts for EU panel on land usage for palm oil

15 October 2018

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Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has agreed to appoint experts to be part of the European Commission’s panel which will look into indirect land use, which is crucial to avert discrimination by the EU countries.

Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said on Sunday the experts would sit in the EC’s expert panel on indirect land use change (ILUC). The decision of the panel could impact future use of palm oil as part of the biofuel mix within the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II.

Kok, who is leading a palm oil mission in Switzerland, Spain and Belgium, had on Sunday welcomed the EC’s initiative for this panel which would enable consultation with palm oil producers, including Malaysian palm oil experts on various key scientific principles under ILUC.

“This consultation process is important as we do not want our palm oil commodity to be discriminated upon,” she said.

“An expert panel from the European Commission will be visiting Malaysia at the end of this month to hold discussions with Malaysian experts on these issues. Our experts will sit in the panel,” she added.

Kok said it was extremely important for the EU Expert Panel to get a firsthand account of Malaysian palm oil cultivation and processing practices. This was crucial for them to appreciate the complexity of various operations to produce sustainable palm oil.

The move, she said, was positive in light of concerns that EU might use ILUC criteria to justify phasing out or restricting palm oil in the RED II mandate.

ILUC is generally not supported by industry and academic experts since the principles upon which it is based is fraught with unproven assumptions. Indeed, the very basis of defining the concept of ILUC has not been universally verified, even within the EU, according to the Primary Industries Ministry.

Malaysia’s concern is that this could determine the future use of palm oil as part of the EU’s RED II mandate despite the uncertainty surrounding ILUC.

“Malaysia is willing to listen and actively participate in any debate on ILUC. However, we stress that this should not be lopsided against palm oil and even other crops.

“If the criteria that defines ILUC are not based on well-accepted scientific principles, Malaysia will use various international fora and trade negotiations to secure a just outcome for our palm oil exports,” she added.

During her visit, she was accompanied by officials from the ministry, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Malaysian Palm Oil Council, Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council and Forest Research Institute of Malaysia.

The delegation held meetings with Karmenu Vella, the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Director-General for Environment, Education, Transport and Energy of the Council of the European Union, Dr. Jaroslaw Pietras, and managing director (Asia Pacific) of the European External Action Services, Gunnar Wiegand.

Earlier in Madrid, Spain, Kok met Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita to discuss the challenges facing palm oil in Europe. Both parties feel that many of these actions, including the “No Palm Oil” labels on products, are discriminatory.

Malaysia and Indonesia, as producer nations that depend on palm oil for a healthy GDP, agree in principle to collaborate in defending palm oil’s interest and overcome the prevailing misconceptions surrounding palm oil.

“As founding members of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), we aim to strengthen CPOPC membership by enrolling other palm oil producers, and use this international council to address the challenges in Europe,” she said.

Kok stressed the Malaysian Government will continue to engage and dialogue with the various institutions in the EU to address concerns on palm oil.

News Clipping

As thermal power accounts for the largest proportion of Vietnam’s energy production, the country is facing challenges to ensure sufficient supply of coal for thermal power plants in the coming years.

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