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Week In ASEAN: ECoS Registers First Batch Of Contractors For Grid-Connected Solar PV Systems In Malaysia; Malakoff Expands Renewable Energy Portfolio with Acquisition Of ZEC Solar And TJZ Suria; And More

Representational image. Credit: Canva

ECoS Registers First Batch Of Contractors For Grid-Connected Solar PV Systems In Malaysia

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The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) has announced the registration of 10 contractors under a new category: Electrical Contractors with Class PV (Grid-Connected) (ECCPV (GC)). This category, established by the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024, aims to regulate the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Sabah more effectively. The introduction of the ECCPV (GC) category ensures that all solar PV installations are carried out by qualified professionals, guaranteeing the safety and reliability of these systems for users and solar asset owners in the state. “ECoS extends its heartfelt congratulations to the pioneering individuals who have become the first batch of registered ECCPV (GC) contractors in Sabah,” expressed ECoS CEO, Datuk Ir. Abd Nasser Abd Wahid, during the Licence Certificate Giving Ceremony. The ten contractor companies were carefully assessed and met the required qualifications and experience.

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Malakoff Expands Renewable Energy Portfolio with Acquisition of ZEC Solar and TJZ Suria

Malakoff Corporation Berhad (Malakoff) has entered into a conditional Share Sale and Purchase Agreement (SSPA) with Zelleco Engineering Sdn Bhd (Zelleco) for the proposed acquisition of a 51% equity interest in ZEC Solar Sdn Bhd (ZEC Solar) and a 49% equity interest in TJZ Suria Sdn Bhd (TJZ Suria). This acquisition is anticipated to immediately boost Malakoff’s effective capacity to 128 MW in the Renewable Energy (RE) sector, optimizing operational costs through resource synergies and economies of scale. The SSPA signing ceremony involved Malakoff’s Managing Director & Group Chief Executive Officer, Encik Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib, and Zelleco’s Executive Chairman, YBhg. Dato’ Zakri Afandi Ismail, and Zelleco’s Managing Director, YBhg. Dato’ Wan Jamaludin Wan Abdul Malik. The agreement was witnessed by Malakoff’s Head of Business Development, Encik Shaja Ibrahim.

Renewable Energy Push: President Marcos Advocates For Investments In The Philippines

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pitched the Philippines’ investment potential at the 6th Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) emphasizing the government’s efforts to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor, the country’s renewable energy prospects, and ongoing digitalization initiatives. In his address, President Marcos underscored the importance of upgrading Luzon Island’s infrastructure to boost workforce capabilities and streamline the flow of goods and services. He highlighted key projects aimed at stimulating growth in the Luzon Economic Corridor, which strategically connects Subic, Clark, and the CALABARZON region, a critical area for export-manufacturing firms. “These initiatives will enhance freight transport services, mobility, and access to key economic zones, ensuring business continuity and positioning the Philippines as a regional hub for agribusiness and logistics in the Asia-Pacific,” President Marcos stated.

Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, Introduces Solar Irrigation Project For Agricultural Enhancement

In a collaborative effort between the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Nueva Vizcaya and a mining firm, a solar irrigation project has been initiated to bolster agricultural productivity in the province. Named ‘Padanum ti Umili,’ this project will be executed by the PLGU in partnership with Oceana Gold Philippines, Inc. through a Memorandum of Agreement. The primary objective of the project is to provide a dependable water supply for corn and vegetable farming areas across lowland municipalities. It utilizes solar energy to power irrigation systems, aiming to increase crop yields and promote environmental sustainability. Funded by OGPI’s Provincial Development Fund amounting to P14 million, the ‘Padanum ti Umili’ Project will initially focus on the towns of Solano, Quezon, and Villaverde. A significant portion of the fund, P7 million, has been allocated for the construction of the Balacquit Solar Power Irrigation System in Bintawan Norte, Villaverde town, which is expected to irrigate approximately 100 hectares of farmland.

Philippines’ Negros Occidental To Install Solar Panels Across Seven Capitol Facilities

The provincial government of Negros Occidental plans to install a total of 1,270 kilowatts (KW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across seven main facilities of the Capitol this year. Data released by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Tuesday indicated that switching to solar power could save the province between 132,080 and 158,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) monthly. “We aim to put the project out for bid by the third quarter,” Lacson stated during an interview held in conjunction with the Provincial Renewable Energy Week from May 20 to 24. Lacson estimated that with the current rate of PHP12 per kWh, the province could save between PHP1.5 million and PHP1.8 million each month. An energy audit initiated by the governor last year led the province to adopt solar panels this year.

Meralco PowerGen And Security Bank Collaborate On P2.79 Billion Solar Initiative In The Philippines

Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) announced that its subsidiary companies have secured a combined funding of P2.79 billion for solar power initiatives through Security Banking Corp. MGen disclosed that its renewable energy arm, MGen Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), successfully obtained financing for two solar projects with a total capacity of 67.75 megawatts. MGreen’s president and CEO, Jaime Azurin, expressed that this agreement signifies not just a formal arrangement but a dedication to progress and a mutual vision for a sustainable future. The funding is expected to facilitate growth, encourage innovation, and generate opportunities that will have wide-reaching benefits. Greenergy for Global Inc. (GGI) received a P2.034-billion, 15-year-term project financing from Security Bank to support the construction of its 49-MW solar project in Cordon, Isabela. Similarly, Greentech Solar Energy Inc. (GSEI) secured a P791.00-million, 15-year-term project financing from Security Bank for its 18.75-MW solar plant in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.

Renewables: Indonesia’s Win-Win For Financial Sustainability And Climate Goals – Report

In a recent report titled “Pathways to financial sustainability for PLN through renewable energy development,” the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has outlined strategies for achieving financial stability for Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company, through the development of renewable energy sources. The report underscores the urgent need for PLN to transition towards renewable energy to mitigate financial risks associated with reliance on fossil fuels. With Indonesia’s abundant renewable energy potential, including solar, wind, and geothermal resources, the transition presents an opportunity for PLN to enhance its financial resilience while contributing to the country’s sustainable development goals.

Indonesia’s ESDM Minister Advocates Clean Energy Agenda During Tokyo Visit

Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Arifin Tasrif, reiterated the nation’s dedication to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during his visit to Tokyo. Tasrif emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060 or the 2070s, aligning with national conditions and capabilities. Speaking at the Nikkei Forum Future of Asia, Tasrif highlighted the issuance of the Enhanced National Determined Contribution (ENDC), aimed at further reducing emissions in the energy sector. Additionally, the Ministry has developed an NZE Roadmap focusing on renewable energy development, carbon reduction programs, early retirement of Steam Power Plants (PLTU), electrification, energy efficiency, and CCS/CCUS implementation.

SolarDuck Expands Tokyo Office, Paving the Way for Offshore Floating Photovoltaic Growth in Japan and Asia Pacific

SolarDuck, a leading provider of offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) solutions, has announced the expansion of its office in Tokyo, Japan, signaling its dedication to the Japanese market and its broader commitment to accelerating commercialization efforts in the Asia Pacific region. The expansion comes on the heels of SolarDuck’s successful delivery of its first demonstrator in Tokyo, demonstrating the company’s prowess in the region. With the office expansion, SolarDuck is ramping up its hiring efforts to support its growing presence in Asia Pacific. SolarDuck has already established a strong presence in Japan and Malaysia, with successful projects such as the Teal demonstrator installed in Tokyo Bay and a collaboration with TNB in Malaysia for a project offshore Tioman Island.

PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan Implements Solar Power To Boost Operations In Indonesia

PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR), a subsidiary of PT Pertamina (Persero), has implemented the use of solar power plants (PLTS) to enhance its business operations, demonstrating the company’s commitment to reducing emissions and adopting new and renewable energy sources. This initiative features 64,000 solar panels spread across 28 hectares within the PHR area. The PLTS project is a collaborative effort between Sub Holding Power & New Renewable Energy, Pertamina NRE, and Pertamina Hulu Energi. The solar power plant, with a capacity of 25 Megawatt Peak (MWp), is situated in the PHR oil and gas operational areas, including Rumbai, Duri, and Dumai.

Banpu and Mahidol Host Power Green Camp 19 on “Urban Rewilding: Forests, Cities, Lives”

Banpu Public Company Limited, a prominent global energy provider, in collaboration with the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies at Mahidol University, launched the 19th iteration of the “Power Green Camp.” Themed “Urban Rewilding: Forest – Cities – Lives,” the camp aimed to integrate forests into urban settings, fostering a deeper connection to nature and advocating for environmental conservation through systematic approaches. The Power Green Camp took place from April 28 to May 4, 2024. Mr. Rattapon Sukhunthee, Head of Corporate Communications at Banpu Public Company Limited, emphasized the significance of urban forests in promoting healthier urban environments. Urban forests play a vital role in mitigating pollution, reducing temperatures, providing recreational spaces, and fostering social interactions, ultimately contributing to the well-being of urban dwellers. Several Asian countries, including Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia, are actively promoting urban forests.