Feed-in Tariff (FiT) & SAVE Roadshow

The organiser of this roadshow (or rather mini-roadshow) is Centre for Environment , Technology and Development Malaysia (CETDEM).

FiT & SAVE roadshow in Kota Kinabalu last month (13-14 January)

The Kuantan Roadshow

CETDEM is inviting the the public to join its  Feed-in Tariff (FiT) & SAVE Roadshow in Pahang. It is aimed at promoting the awareness and understanding of Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency.

The roadshow details are as follows:

Date	Time	Event	Location
15 February 2014 (Saturday)	10.00 am - 4.00 pm	Mini Exhibition	Berjaya Megamall, Ground Floor, Kuantan Pahang. ( Main Entrance)
16 February 2014 (Sunday)	8.30 am - 1.00 pm	Workshop - Participation by    registration only	MS Garden Hotel, Kuantan Pahang
		- Bring along your   3 month electricity bill

Further information can be obtained from CETDEM ( Mr Anthony Tan) during office hour at :
Tel : 03-78757767
Email : ed@cetdem.org.my


The Organiser

CETDEM is a non-profit, training, research, consultancy and development organization, which commit itself to improving environmental quality through the appropriate use of technology and sustainable development. you can type CETDEM on your search engine and you will be able to read everything you need to know about the organisation.

KK Experience

They have organised a mini-roadshow in Kota Kinabalu on 13 - 14 January 2014 which, to me, was a tricky one to locate. It was scheduled to be located outside senQ at Suria Sabah but when I enquired the folks at the electronic retailer, they seemed to have no knowledge of any booth of any roadshow there.

Inquery at the phone listed in the advert also did not help. I managed to find it by accident on my way out of the shopping mall.

Hope this would not be the case for the Kuantan roadshow.


Bring in more exhibitors!

If CETDEM is not affiliated to any particular RE (FiT) implementer, it should bring in more exhibitor so that the public can have more exhibits to look around. Also, the type of services and product/brands on offer should be wider.

Malaysia targets to achieve 11% Renewal Energy usage by 2020

By 2020, we are targeting to achieve high income nation status.

And by 2020, for every 10 units of energy that we used, 1 unit must come from renewable sources such as solar, wind, biogas, geothermal, biomass, etc. 11% is about okay? I think, with some 'help' from the fossil fuel sector, we can achieve more than that; a 15% should be more like it.

Some of the renewable energy sources. Image credit: PNOC

11 percent Renewable Energy usage

Malaysian Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry recently unveiled its target of achieving 11% renewable energy usage by individual consumers and the industrial sector by 2020.

Currently the ministry estimates the usage of renewable energy generated by solar, biogas and biomass in the country to be 1.5% and hoped this percentage could be increased every year.

To purchase solar panels and install the system, consumers can apply for loans at the participating banks and the government will bear 2% of the loan interest. This is according to the ministry's deputy minister, Mahdzir Khalid.

To date the country had used only 862.4 megawatts (MW) of the renewable energy, not including hydropower which contributed 3,281MW.

The implementation of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) system in December 2012 saw demand from the community, that is, 2,760 applications received for the production of renewable energy with a quota of 536MW.

To increase the level of effectiveness and efficiency of the FiT system, the ministry plans to introduce other mechanisms including more competitive bidding and renewable portfolio standard.


TheGreenMechanics: 

Regarding this 'more competitive bidding' thing.

During one of the New Electricity Tariff Roadshows by SESB which was attended by SEDA recently, I asked what sort of mechanism SEDA is applying to acknowledge the interest of bidders who are un-successful in their bid but keep bidding. Aren't they supposed to be getting some 'priority' now when the next RE quota become available?

The presenter, a CCO at SEDA answered that, it is an interesting question; they recognised it and they are working around the issue so that genuine bidders will eventually get their quota.

I hope so.

Source: Bernama

FiT and SAVE roadshow in Kota Kinabalu

For consumers in Sabah and FT of Labuan who are new to the FiT implementation, this would be a good opportunity to learn and ask questions on how you can take part in the renewable energy program in Malaysia.

Also, you can find out how you would benefit from the Feed-in Tariff mechanism. Apart from that, you will get a tip or two on how to save/conserve energy through energy efficiency.

Daily Express, January 8, 2014

While not in any way affiliated to any of the sponsors/organisers listed above, I personally recommend interested individuals and organisations to make at least a visit to the mini roadshow, to get the feel and get yourself updated with the latest development in the RE industry in Malaysia.

The tagline 'Jimat Tenaga, Jimat Wang, Janakan Tenaga' is not the typical catchline you see on many adverts. They are viable and several financial institutions are already providing financing for RE ventures for individual.

Schedule:

January 13, 2014 - Mini roadshow, or expo at Suria Sabah, Ground Floor
January 14, 2014 - Workshop at Promenade Hotel, Kota Kinabalu.

What you can do is to visit the mini roadshow and if you are interested with what you see, sign up for the Workshop the next day. This is not a walk-in workshop and you have to register in order to participate.

Find out more at CETDEM (Centre for Environment, Technology & Development, Malaysia):
Tel: 03-78757767, Cellular: 017-2587293
e-mail: f&s@cetdem.org.my
Contact person: Ms Barbara

Have a fruitful workshop! By the way, January 14 is a Public Holiday, so, working individuals should be able to make it.

Melaka launched first Electric bus, travel 300 km

Thumbs up to Melaka.

The historic state has came up with a common but fine idea on sustainability - zero emission public transport. With 300km of traveling distance, the bus will travel from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan before needing a recharge. (That is, if it was made available in Sabah).

 
Thumb up! Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron at the launch of the state's first electric bus.
ABN-news pic.


First electric bus to hit the roads on 7 January 2013

Melaka's first electric bus will hit the streets on Wednesday in Bandar Hilir area as part of a trial service for three months, said Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

The service was free for users during the duration of the trial as a promotion exercise, and also to study the most suitable routes and reasonable fare rates for the journey.

The electric bus that operates under the state government subsidiary, Panorama Melaka Sdn Bhd, will take the route through historical areas and tourist attractions in Bandar Hilir such as the Stadhuys Building, Heroes Square, Bukit Senjuang, Mahkota Parade and Kota Laksamana.

"Once we are able to access suitable routes we will determine how many buses we will use in the future, for the time being we will start with one," he told reporters after test driving the bus in Seri Negeri.

The bus which costs RM1.35 million, adopts green technology from China and can travel as far as 300 km before needing a recharge and can accommodate a maximum of 60 passengers at a time.

"The state government will also create a 'soft policy' where, any vehicle using green technology will be allowed to pass through the heritage areas especially in front of the Porta de Santiago (A-Famosa) and the Declaration of Independence Memorial building," said Idris.

Source: BERNAMA, Photo:ABN News

TheGreenMechanics:

Sure, the initial investment is high. But that  is a bold move to towards independence from the finite fossil fuel.

Less noise, no fume and no toxic smelly exhaust, and potentially provide spin up businesses. I'd say great initiative Melaka.

Next, they could put up solar PV panels on the bus roof and that would help recharge the battery while the bus is on the move or while parked waiting for passengers.

Housing developers urged to use Solar Thin-Film PV technology

You read the Bernama report below and you quickly think of the additional cost it will cause to the  price of your dream house, which would be hefty.

For a conventional solar PV installed on rooftop, 1kWp would cost around RM9,000 to RM10,000 without storage/battery. So, for an average size of 4kWp, a house buyer would have to pay an additional sum of RM40,000 which is about 15% of the price of a medium-cost house. For thin-film PV, there is no price reference yet in Malaysia.

Housing developers will hesitate. House buyers will be reluctant.

If SIRIM (and that would mean, the government) wants housing developers to incorporate solar PV technology in their construction, they need to give these developers carrot.

I don't know what that carrot would be, but both developer and buyer need to be convinced of the quantum of benefit of having solar PV built-in into their buildings.


"Lightweight and flexible solar technology" - as demonstrated here by Solopower System. Photo: Solopower

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SIRIM: Use solar Thin-film PV technology in your construction

Sirim Bhd is proposing that housing developers use Solar Thin-Film Photovoltaics (PV) technology in their construction to further develop the use of green technology and add value to new buildings.

Solar Thin-Film PV is the state-of-the-art renewable energy technology which uses thin layers of semiconductors to absorb solar energy which can be transformed into electricity.

Renewable Energy Research Centre General Manager Mohd Fauzi Ismail said besides encouraging developers to be more competitive, house owners would also be able to enjoy cost savings in electricity consumption.

"The use of this technology can have a far reaching impact on the buildings as indirectly the building structure will have a dual-function.

"Solar Thin-Film PV not only can be used for roofing, walls and ceilings, but also as a source of power generation," he told Bernama after the launch of the Application of Wind Technology System for Energy Generation and Sustainable Thin Film PV Building and, the Renewable Energy Generation projects in Kudat on Sunday (Dec 8).

Solar Thin-Film PV technology had many advantages compared with other technologies as it required only low raw material input, was highly automated and efficiently produced.

The technology can be easily integrated with buildings, had a high performance level and as less sensitive under high temperatures, he added.

He said Sirim was ready to share its expertise with any housing developer who wished to apply the renewable energy in their construction.

Extracted from: Bernama, Dec 8, 2013


TheGreenMechanics: A demo house/building with solar thin-film PV installed on its rooftop would be very interesting. Where can I see one?

FiT mechanism to be implemented in Sabah in 2014

Feed-in Tariff (FiT) is a mechanism introduced in 2011 to promote renewable energy in the country, under the Renewable Energy Act 2011.

The implementation is under the purview of the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia, an agency under the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (KeTTHA). The Minister concerned happens to be from Sabah as well and it is just fair that we should take part actively in the promotion of renewable energy.


Your contribution to the RE Fund is illustrated on the highlighted column. Source: SESB tariff leaflet


Why do I need to contribute to the fund

It is about participation by the masses, in particular, those who consume large amount of energy. In Malaysia, those consuming 300kWh or more of electricity in a calendar month will contribute to the fund.

The more you consume, the more you pay. So, in a way, it is a means for you to pay your penalty back to nature  for the pollution caused by you for using energy. Note that, for every unit of energy you use, you are 'doing your part' of polluting the environment as power generators emit certain amount of CO2 in the process.

There are cleaner methods of producing electricity but they are more expensive. Because they are more expensive than the conventional fossil-fueled generators, your participation is required, and one way to. Do that is by contributing to the Renewable Energy Fund (RE Fund).

In Malaysia the RE Fund is managed by SEDA. TNB and SESB are only helping in collecting the levy from us. These utility companies will then channel the money to SEDA and they don't get a single cent from the collection.

From the available fund, SEDA would then formulate FiT rates which makes investment in renewable energy plants viable for companies and individuals.


But 1.6% of my total bill amount is too much!

If you ask me this, I'll say I agree with you.

When the fund was first created, SEDA only collect 1% from big consumers, plus, the government put an opening fund amount of RM300 million. I understand that the fund quickly evaporated as SEDA started to disburse payment to FIAHs and as it released more quota for solar PV to individuals and non-individuals.

That was when they proposed to collect additional 0.6% from consumers. Some interpreted this as 'sucking more blood from the rakyat'. I am neutral as far as quantum is concerned. But I believe it should be done in parallel with something.

And that something is none other than additional contribution from the government. The initial RM300mil is long gone, you need to inject more money if you are being fair to the consumers who are being levied 1.6%

I say the government need to and should contribute! Start small. For every Ringgit that is collected from consumers, the government match it with RM1.00 then we'll see how it develop.

TheGreenMechanics: Come January 1, I will be one of those affected by the FiT levy, so, I'll be watching the development very closely. Please don't squander the money you collect from my pocket. I support renewable energy, so, let's make this RE venture a successful one.

One day, I'd like to see my roof covered with 20m² of efficient PV panels giving me 8kWp of solar power.

Solar and wind potential power supply alternatives for Sabah

To 'revolutionise' is a bit of an over-statement especially with regards to wind turbine but with up to 36 km/h (10 m/s) of wind speed as the study found, this is not impossible to achieve. Wind turbines starts generating electricity when the wind speed is 3 m/s but to make any venture viable, the speed has to be 5 m/s or more.

The demo units constructed in the feasibility study in Kudat generate a modest 34.8 kW of power - 25 kW from wind turbines  and the remaining 9.8 kW from solar PV.

This is too small a demo to scale an installation size that can 'revolutionise'  electricity generation on Sabah, but the result of the study is at least promising.

With regards to solar PV, Sabah - in particular, Kota Kinabalu - is known for being the best location (meaning highest solar irradiation) in Malaysia for photovoltaic installation.

Daily Express, December 9, 2013 - page 2

Solar And Wind Turbine Renewable Energy Can Revolutionise Electricity Generation In Sabah

Source: Bernama, December 8

Renewable energy from solar and wind turbine is not only an excellent power alternative for the future but it can also revolutionise electricity generation in Sabah, says Science, Technology and Inovation Minister Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin.

He said Sabah had its own uniqueness as it endowed was rich natural resources which could be used to generate renewable energy and contribute to economic development.

"Operational cost for power generation is extremelly high and power producers like Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd face a great challenge and the problem has been further aggravated by the inconsistent hike in fuel prices.

"As such, the government always welcomes any party that can come foward to explore and apply green energy and simultaneously support the government's move to develop sustainable energy," he said when launching two TechnoFund Mosti projects here Sunday.

The projects, the Application of Wind Technology System for Energy Generation and the Sustainable Thin Film PV Building and the Renewable Energy Generation, have been entrusted to Sirim Bhd by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation for research and development.

Overall, the projects can generate 25 kw of wind turbine power and 9.8 kw of solar energy.

The power generated can light up a resort near the project site in Tg Simpang Mengayau and can be supplied and stored in a battery system.

Ewon said the research findings can be developed on a large scale, commercially, and can contribute towards reducing the number of power interruptions in Sabah.

It can also bring cheer to the many rural residents who live far away from grid areas.

In the long-term, renewable energy can become a big alternative to the current practice of generating electricity from fuel oil, charcoal, diesel and hydro reservoirs which incur huge operational costs.

TechnoFund is a grant scheme funded by Mosti which covers 13 projects under the Renewable Energy Task Force.

Established by the Cabinet, the scheme provides funding for technology development, up to pre-commercialisation stage, with the commercial potential to create new businesses and generate economic wealth for the nation.


TheGreenMechanics: SIRIM Berhad and Mosti have proven in their 4-year study that it is very much feasible in Sabah. Now get some fund and implement it already!

It will at least help alleviate some of the power supply issues we have in the state.

SunEdison launches solar water pumps for farms in India

If you have problem with intermittent power interruptions and unreliable supply quality, or your are too far away from the power grid, bringing the power generator closer to you is the best solution.

In India, a specially designed high performance solar-powered water pump was recently launched by SunEdison meant for agriculture purpose. Featuring rugged structural design, pumps are available in 3HP (horsepower), 5HP, 7.5HP and 10HP variants.


SunEdision solar powered pump system. Photo: EPCworld

Designed by R&D teams in California and Bangalore, the latest innovation is claimed to be a perfect solution for farmers who need year-round cultivation and predictable daytime irrigation.

“SunEdison’s solar water pump solution addresses and enables a large and growing market. It is a tremendous opportunity for us to grow our business and help people transform their lives.”
- Ahmad Chatila, President and CEO of SunEdison

There are about 26 million irrigation pumps in India and of this, about 8 million run on diesel power with the rest using grid power. The solar powered pumps will enable farmers to grow cash crops that require predictable irrigation and more importantly, they will be able to utilize land that they previously could not irrigate.


The company expects this innovation to help farmers to increase crop yield by delivering reliable irrigation without dependence on expensive diesel fuel or intermittent electrical power supply. Photo: PR-newswire


Pump features

The solar pumping systems are designed to be rugged, and provide best-in-class performance. It is fitted with high-efficiency 3-phase AC pump complete with pump controller, VSD.

Rugged industrial design ensures reliable performance in the most adverse operating conditions and ensures reliable and safe operation for over 15 years, while allowing for easy maintenance.

How much

The solar water pump will cost around Rs 6 lakhs (RM30,900) which is quite expensive for the rural poor but with some innovative partnership between interested business organisations and the government, this should be made affordable to many.


TheGreenMechanics: The report mentioned that the company has already installed 250 such systems across India, and that the next generation of the solar pumps, which the company is planning to launch, would supply power to farmers' houses as well.

This is indeed a great intended progression of such initiative. No household should be deprive of power, not even those in the rural area.

FiT attracts RM4.3billion investment from private sector

Malaysia claimed that it is one of the earliest nations among the ASEAN regional grouping to implement FiT mechanism to promote renewable energy. To date, this has attracted around RM4.3 billion in investment from the private sector.


RE sources in Malaysia that fall under FiT mechanism: Solar PV, Small Hydro, Biogas & Biomass


Pretty good start but we are definitely not in the front rows. I reckon Thailand and Singapore would occupy the first two slots in terms of aggressiveness in implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency, with or without FiT.

The news piece below (quoting Bernama) is a bit confusing as it mentioned "to promote and increase non-renewable energy to about 2,000 MW (2 GW) by 2020".

I think it should read "renewable" and not "non-renewable". Non-renewable sources refers to fossil fuels (petroleum, coal, natural gas, etc) and at present we are already generating more than 15 GW of energy from non-renewable sources.

What we are targeting for in 2020 is to generate 2,000 MW of renewable energy.

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For your reading pleasure....

531MW Non-renewable Energy Under FIT Offered
Bernama, November 22, 2013

PUTRAJAYA -- The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry has offered 531 Megawatt (MW) electricity to the renewable energy sector under the Feed-In Tariff (FiT) incentive mechanism until the first half of next year.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the implementation of the FiT mechanism for the renewable energy sector has attracted investments totalling RM4.3 billion from the private sector.

The investments are estimated to provide 11,700 new job opportunities, he said at the ministry's 2013 Industry Award presentation.

Ongkili said Malaysia was among the earliest nation in the 10-member Asean regional grouping to implement the FiT mechanism to promote and increase non-renewable energy to about 2,000MW by 2020.

The minister also said his ministry was taking measures to improve the FiT mechanism besides exploring other mechanisms to increase non-renerwable energy in the country. Ongkili also said Malaysia, among the first country to implement the electric vehicle programme in 2009, has established 20 electric vehicle charging stations in Greater KL and in Melaka.

"Tests on electric buses are progressing smoothly. It is hoped that the target to have 2,000 electric buses by 2020 will be realised.

"We've to pursue the electric vehicle programme rigorously like what other countries are doing. They've implemented the programme seriously.

"For instance, millions of electric vehicles will be on the road in the United States by 2025," he added.

Hydro power station in Tenom to be upgraded from 66 MW to 75 MW

The Borneo Post reported Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) managing director Ir Haji Abdul Razak Sallim as saying that the Pangi hydropower plant in Tenom is currently undergoing upgrading works to boost the existing power generation capacity of 66 MW to 75 MW.

For a total amount of RM57million for the upgrading project, an additional 9 MW is not that much but should be good for the foreseeable future.


Ir. Hj Abdul Razak (third left) in the control room.



The 3 turbines that will be upgraded from 22MW to 25MW each.


Upgrading works which would take longer time as temporary closure of turbine engine needs to be done on a rotational basis, is as follows:

Commenced        : February 28, 2011
Completion          : December 2015
Status                  : 47% (as at Nov 2013)
Current capacity  : 22 MW x 3 (Total 66MW)
After upgrade      : 25 MW x 3 (Total 75 MW)
Cost                     : RM57 million ($17.74 million)

The upgrading works includes three components, namely:

• Increase generation capacity to 25MW each
• Replacement of the control system to a better technology for faster operational response
• Upgrading of the cooling system

The upgrading project is among those announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak when tabling the Budget 2014.

The Pangi power station is being upgraded because it is the only hyrdo power station in Sabah which is still in operation since 30 years ago and it is time that the station system is upgraded to support the generation of electricity to consumers in the state.


Source: The Borneo Post, Friday, Nov. 22, 2013
Photos are property of The Borneo Post.

1 MW solar PV installed on Verona’s Bentegodi football stadium

Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi stadium in Verona, Italy, is the home of both Chievo Verona and Hellas Verona football teams of Serie A and Serie B respectively.


Impressive! Over 13,300 photovoltaic solar panels are installed on its roof. Photo - Knowledge Allianz


What's interesting is that the dome of Verona’s Bentegodi stadium has now become the largest photovoltaic sports complex roof in Italy. PV solar panels with a total installed capacity of 1MW help reducing annual C0₂ emissions by more than 550 tons.

Commissioned at the end of November 2009, there are a total of 13,321 thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar modules on the rooftop, mounted on aluminum mounting system. It uses 141 SMC 7000HV inverters to 'collect' power.


Do we have a case here?

Bukit Jalil Stadium is among the Top-10 largest football stadium in the world. Top spot used to be Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, although it had been reduced significantly after redesigned.


100,000 capacity Bukit Jalil National Stadium is bigger than Manchester United's Old Trafford.
Photo - funonthenet



Likas Stadium, Kota Kinabalu. Photo - Skyscrapper


This is something to think about for the 100,000-seat capacity Bukit Jalil Stadium, or the 35,000 capacity Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu. By comparison, Verona's Bentegodi stadium capacity is 38,400 - not too far different from our humble Likas Stadium.

We are not asking that our stadiums be covered or shaded with solar panel; it's just an idea. It's good for space saving and at the same time provide clean power for the sport complex.

Ontario opens application window for small solar PV FiT projects

To benchmark, Malaysia's FiT rates for small solar PV (2013) are:

• up to 4kW        - RM1.1316/kWh  (US$0.36/kWh)
• 4kW to 24kW   - RM1.040/kWh    (US$0.33/kWh)
• 24kW to 72kW - RM0.9440/kWh  (US$0.30/kWh)
• 72kW to 1MW  - RM0.9120/kWh  (US$0.29/kWh)

In the province of Ontario in Canada, small FiT projects (rooftop) attract the following rates:

• Between 10 kW and 100 kW     - CAD$0.345/kWh (US$0.33/kWh)
• Above 100 kW & below 500 kW - CAD$0.329/kWh (US$0.314/kWh)

For micro sized installations we seem to have better rates, which shows the government's commitment to get more individuals and home owners to participate in the clean energy generation. But, available quota and allocation seem to show otherwise. We have very limited quota for small sized installation in Malaysia.


Fort William First Nation 10.8MW solar farm in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is one of the biggest PV plants in Canada. Photo - Skypower


Great window of opportunity for Ontario

The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has opened the application window for 'small FIT projects' – defined as projects above 10 kW and, generally, below 500 kW, in capacity.

The OPA will award FIT payment contracts for up to 123.5 MW of small projects as it has a stated 70 MW procurement target for 2013 and has 53.5 MW of outstanding capacity left over from the previous small project application window.

The deadline for applications is on December 13 and, according to the price schedule published by the OPA in August, rooftop projects between 10 kW and 100 kW in size will qualify for a FIT rate of CAD$0.345/kWh (US$0.33/kWh) and those above 100 kW in capacity will earn CAD$0.329/kWh. Non-rooftop small projects will earn CAD$0.288/kWh.

The OPA is also accepting applications for its unconstructed rooftop solar pilot program, for systems on houses yet to be constructed, and has 15 MW of capacity available separately for this scheme.

The announcement of the opening of the small FIT project application window by the OPA goes on to add the preparation of procurement arrangements for PV projects larger than 500 kW in size 'is currently ongoing' and will be announced in due course.


TheGreenMechanics' two cents

What Ontario is doing is actually very interesting. They open up FiT quota for a period of time according to prevailing situation and requirements. This way, they make the offer very attractive during the window so that individuals and corporations who are 'ready' can grab the opportunity and quickly put the projects to work.

Next window could be totally different - in a good way or otherwise - depending on our state of readiness. I'm sure, the guys at SEDA Malaysia are keeping abreast with changes and development in other countries.

Explore new energy sources said CM

Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) has been urged  to explore new energy sources and applications to strengthen its electricity generating capacity.

Chief Minister Musa said this in reference to renewables during the recent Sustainable Energy Convention 2013 held at 1Borneo Hypermall last week.

Government commitment on CO2 emission reduction and Renewable Energy

It was vital for the State’s sole electricity provider to find a cheaper and more sustainable approach in keeping up with the growing power demand, given the increasingly high cost of operating using conventional fossil fuel.

At present, the electricity generating capacity for Sabah and Labuan stands at 1,000 MW, compared to peak demand of up to 874 MW. Out of this, 111 MW was from renewable sources, such as mini hydro and biomass.


Government's commitment to assist

Ideas, planning and suggestions are to be discussed by the power company, related government-linked agencies and the State Government to ensure smooth and speedy implementation.

The governments, both at the state and federal level, would be committed in supporting the power company in their effort to improve their services and ensure power security for the State.

“The State Government realises that the operation cost for providing electricity is huge. Apart from expensive equipment and maintenance, SESB and independent power plants have to deal with high and unstable prices of fuel. We are prepared to give cooperation and support to ensure  improvements could be implemented successfully."
- Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, Sabah Chief Minister.

TheGreenMechanics: Quality of services provided had seen improvement with a notable reduction in power disruption in recent years, but it had yet to meet the expectation of consumers in Sabah.

I have personally encountered difficulties in applying for shutdowns to facilitate connection works to the utility's grid, most probably due to their attempt to reduce SAIDI. At the least, I can say this is unfair.

On the sort of support the state government is giving to the Renewable Energy initiative here, it is understood that it is looking at ways to contribute to SEDA fund in lieu of the consumers.

2013 Convention on Sustainable Energy

This year's sustainable energy convention in Sabah is held in Kota Kinabalu as follows:

Date           : 14th - 15th November 2013
Venue        : 1Borneo Pacific Ballroom, Kota Kinabalu Sabah
Officiated  : YAB Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, Chief Minister of Sabah

Organizers :
Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA)
Malaysian Energy Commission
Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd




Among the papers and presentation during the 2-day convention:

• Enhancing Energy Efficiency (EE) Through Policies and Legislation
• RE Technology Development & Feed-in Tariff in Malaysia
• Renewable Energy Development in Sabah
• Industrial Energy Efficiency
• Towards the development of Smart Building: Solar PV System & Energy Audit 
• Towards the development of Smart Building: Elements of Energy Management
• Solution for Future Sustainability in Malaysia
• Renewable Energy Development in Malaysia: The Solar PV industry Perspective 

Selected papers will be highlighted in this website. Stay tuned.

Sabah seeks more investors for Renewable Energy

Sabah Institute of Developement Studies (IDs) on Tuesday organised a seminar entitled 'Greening of Sabah: Renewable energy options for the near future' in Kota Kinabalu. It's a good indication for the renewable energy industry, but let's hope this is not just a seminar that ends there.

This forum should be used to reassess the role and progress of the renewable energy sector in the country as a whole and in Sabah specifically from the perspective of both government and the private sector.

In other words, the government should not put too much of red tapes if it supports the development of renewable energy. Too much of a hassle and the private investors will shy away.


Teo (middle) receiving a memento from IDS chairman Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun at the seminar. Photo: The Borneo Post


Academic and research institutions should do more rigorous and extensive research activities pertaining to renewable energy development, said Minister of Special Tasks Datuk Teo Chee Kang.

Teo, who was representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, pointed out that solutions can be found in community based renewable energy projects including micro hydro and solar systems which are absolutely critical in meeting power supply needs of those living in remote locations.

With government support, more contribution from the private sectors in developing this sector is much expected given that we have renewable resources such as biomass from our extensive oil palm sector and natural resources that can support growth of the sector.

Demand for electricity in the state is expected to pick up considerably in the near future given Sabah’s on-going economic development. It had increased at an annual average of about 8% to 10% and is expected to continue at about 7.7% a year into the foreseeable future.

Due to rapidly increasing demand, unplanned outages lead to costly service interruptions especially in the east coast which is almost wholly dependent on diesel plants at the moment.

But the completion of the Kimanis and SPR Energy power projects next year are expected to stabilize power generation, generating 385 MW and increasing the state’s total generating capacity to approximately 1,400 MW.

The minister pointed out that in this context, the state Government is committed in embarking on aggressive strategies to promote large scale use of green energy and to support the development of the renewable energy sector.


Off-grid renewable energies vital

Off-grid renewable technologies, especially from non-hydroelectric resources will be one of the pivotal solutions to provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to meet the state’s power demand as the state’s economy expands.

However, government initiatives need to be supported by other stakeholders as the role of the government is to provide transparent and stable policy guidelines that facilitate investment such as sufficient infrastructure, incentives, technical and financial assistance.

Source: The Borneo Post, November 13, 2013

Solar Power: India passed 2 GW mark

India did it again! Just last year, the world's second most populous country announced that it has passed the 1 GW mark in solar PV installation.

At the end of September this year, India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy says grid-connected solar in the country has passed the 2 GW point.


Grid-connected PV projects, like this Gujarat solar park, have passed the 2 GW mark in India.


Renewable Energy on the rise in India 

The Indian government has announced the nation has passed the 2 GW mark for cumulative installation of grid-connected solar power.

In a statement on its website, the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said that at the end of September, 395 MW of grid-connected PV had been installed in the 2013-14 financial year, as part of a 1.1 GW target.

With the government recently publishing the guidelines for the 750 MW phase II, batch I of its Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, the installation figures are impressive but remain dwarfed by wind power generation in the country.

A further 808 MW of wind power has been installed in the current financial year to take the cumulative figure to 19.8 GW with a 2.5 GW wind power target this year alone.

Small hydro, with a cumultaive 3.7 GW, and bagasse – or sugarcane pulp – with 2.4 GW, also lead solar. Biomass (with a cumulative 1.3 GW installed) and energy-from-waste (99 MW) complete the list of grid-connected renewable energy sources listed by the ministry.

Solar amounts to 139 MW of off-grid renewables generation, behind non bagasse biomass (491 MW) and biomass gasifiers (163 MW).

Those figures mean solar is the third most important renewable enrgy source for off-grid energy, ahead of energy-from-waste (116 MW), water mills (11 MW) and aero generators/hybrid systems (2 MW).


TheGreenMechanics: Impressive! While not intending to measure ourself up with big and power hungry country like India, we should take cue from their initiatives, particularly with the resources and the favourable climate here - we should have more solar PV system installed in Malaysia.

Note that we have many internationally known solar panel manufacturers in Malaysia.


Source: PV Magazine

Energy Ministry to help rural community produce Biomass Products

If what the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water stated yesterday is to become reality, smallholders and farmers in this country will have better opportunity to take part in green and renewable energy projects - in a small way.

In a statement, the ministry said it will provide the rural community comprising smallholders, landowners and farmers with guidance and advice on using green technology to develop high-value products from biomass, including energy.


Rice farmers and palm oil smallholders can become suppliers to the biomass industry.


Rural Community Gets Helping Hands
Bernama, Oct 18.

The Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water will help the rural community to promote sustainable developments and facilitate the green economy by showing how it can contribute to economic growth.

With huge amount of talent and resources, coupled with their hardworking traits, the rural communities just need transformation in their mindset i.e., to be more entrepreneurial bent, and organise themselves accordingly to capitalise on new opportunities.

This year, Prime Minister Najib announced an allocation increase of RM2 billion, for the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS), which makes the total allocation now to RM3.5 billion.

This is meant as an incentive to small and medium industries and enterprises (SMI & SMEs) to increase the creation of green tech-based products and services.

He also said the government launched the 1Malaysia Biomass Alternative Strategy Initiative (1MBAS) last year to benefit Malaysians, especially smallholders and farmers..


"We have target the production of 800 MW of renewable energy by 2020. This requires 6-9 million tonnes of biomass (and) this amount would translate into about RM9 billion in Gross national Income (GNI).
- Deputy Minister Mahdzir Khalid, Malaysia Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water


The ministry reckon that the implementation of the National Biomass Strategy is expected to create up to 66,000 new jobs by 2020, a variety of skills, from manual labor to areas of research and development and engineering.

Of this, the biomass pellet industry alone is expected to contribute 12,300 direct and indirect jobs.


TheGreenMechanics: This would directly benefit the large number of palm oil smallholders in Sabah. Great opportunity!

US firm to invest in Renewable Energy sector in POIC Lahad Datu, Sabah

If they benefit the people and at the same time save the environment from being further damaged, efforts to bring in investments into the state should be encouraged.

In fact, we should always be on the lookout for opportunities such as one that's created by POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd (Palm oil industrial cluster).

Yesterday, POIC Sabah Sdn signed a memorandum of understanding with Evolution Energy LLC of the United States that could translate into a RM500 million (about US$156 mil) investment to produce gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel and clean burning coal from oil palm fronds and trunks by  2015.


POIC is located in Lahad Datu in the east coast of Sabah.


RM500 million investment to produce gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel and clean burning coal

MOU worth RM500 million was signed between POIC Sabah and Evolution Energy, whereby Evolution Energy is expected to acquire some 50 hectares of land at POIC Lahad Datu for 5 plants -- three for the production of liquid biofuels and two for manufacturing the environment-friendly Nucoal, a solid biofuel. These plants are estimated to require up to one million tonnes of biomass, mainly fronds and trunks, annually.

Though fronds and trunks are targeted as the main raw materials, it said the facilities were designed to also process empty fruit bunches (EFB - from palm oil mills) and wood wastes from the state's timber industry.

Evolution Energy's entry into Sabah came in the wake of the launch last June of the Biomass Joint-Venture (JV) Cluster concept of aggregating EFB from most of the 130 palm oil mills across Sabah.

From its 1.4 million hectares of oil palm plantations, Sabah produces about 26 million tonnes of oil palm biomass comprising fronds, trunks, EFB, palm kernel shells and mesocarp fibres.


Getting around the 'biomass supply' issue

Failure in earlier attempts at securing long-term biomass supply had kept investors at bay. The JV Cluster approach circumvents issues of pricing and supply tenure by bringing in the biomass owners whose capital injections into the proposed downstream JV companies will be in the form of biomass.

Evolution Energy is based in North Carolina, US. According to its official handout, 'it pioneers new and innovative energy technologies that address the growing global demand for green power producing facilities'.

One of its businesses is the manufacturing of Nucoal, a coal substitute made from biomass that does not threaten the environment.

Source

Mega solar plant in India to sell power at record-low rate: $0.089 per kWh

This is interesting as India is showing the world that solar PV power can be as cheap as one that is generated from finite sources.

India’s solar industry has announced ambitious plans to construct a 4 GW mega PV plant selling solar power at just $89 MWh – a record-low. This is an equivalent of 5.5 rupees per kWh (approx. 28.32 Malaysian sen per kWh).

That's about the current rate we are paying for electricity in Malaysia - SESB charges 33.5 sen/kWh and TNB charges 21.8 sen/kWh to 45.4 sen/kWh.



The state of Rajasthan has been identified as the location for the country's planned 4 GW solar plant. Photo: pv-magazine


India’s ultra-mega solar plant plan
Source: pv-magazine

The venture, which would more than double India’s current sun-powered capacity, is being driven by a consortium of six state-owned companies, which includes Power Grid Corp. (PWGR) of India Ltd., and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL).

The report states that the first gigawatt will be ready by the end of 2016, from which point it will begin selling solar power at just $89 MWh (5,500 rupees), which is 10 rupees cheaper than the current-lowest solar power bid, and approximately 32% below the global average.

The solar plant will be India’s first of such an ultra-mega magnitude, and will rival the nation’s 100 GW of planned coal-fired plants that are also in the offing.

This clean energy venture will receive unspecified government funding, while BHEL will own 26%. Bids are expected to be sought for a contractor to design and then build the plant. It is expected to be constructed on an 18,000-acre site near Sambhar Lake in the state of Rajasthan.

After the first gigawatt comes online in 2016, the remaining 3 GW will be put in place before 2020, which private companies may be invited to bid for.


TheGreenMechanics: Cool! That's the way to go!

Singapore Housing Development Board is tendering out 5MW solar-leasing project

Just about a week ago, report surfaced that Singapore is installing its largest to-date rooftop solar PV with rated capacity of 1.2MW.

Few days ago, PV magazine reported another encouraging solar news from the city state - The Housing Development Board (HDB) is currently drawing up plans for the largest single solar-leasing project to date comprising 5MW in total in four precints on the main island.


First solar-leasing project in Punggol to develope 3MWp systems by Sunseap is currently on-going. Photo by Sunseap Enterprises Pte Ltd


Plan for 5MWp solar-leasing system at housing blocks

The tender is for prospective company to own and operate the panels on about 125 housing blocks in four precints:

• Ang Mo Kio
• Sengkang
• Serangoon North, and
• Buangkok.

The total solar electricity generated is expected to be around 5MW. This capacity can power more than 1,000 four-room HDB apartments. The HDB will be offsetting up to 30% of the start-up costs and will also purchase the electricity generated for 20 years at a 5% or greater discount off the prevailing market price.

The solar electricity generated will then be used to power the corridors, lifts, water pumps and other ancillary common areas in the apartment blocks. The HDB also wants to look into the possibility of households being able to buy solar generated electricity.

The HDB is a statutory board of the Ministry of National Development and is responsible for public housing in Singapore where as many as 80% of the population live.


Current project in Punggol

In January this year the HDB awarded a tender to solar developer Sunseap to lease 3MWp systems for 80 blocks in Singapore's first eco-town in Punggol. Installation works are expected to be completed by 2014. In this project, Sunseap will design, finance, install, operate and maintain the solar PV systems.


TheGreenMechanics: Solar leasing project - No FiT involved in the Singapore case here, but with innovation and creative ideas, developers and the local government can work together to arrive at a win-win conclusion.

Can we do that in Malaysia?


Reference: pv magazine