RENEWABLE energy (RE) producers in Sabah, who are mostly biomass and biogas plant operators at palm oil mills, will not enjoy the 32 sen per kilowatt per hour (kWh) under the feed-in tariff (FiT).
RE producers in Sabah will only be paid the rates accorded under Tenaga Nasional Bhd's (TNB) Small Renewable Energy Projects, according to a statement by Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda).
This means oil palm biomass and biogas plant operators there will only be paid 21 sen per kWh instead of the promised 32 sen per kWh under FiT.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin had reportedly said heavy power users in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, who use more than 350kWh or whose monthly bills exceed RM77, are to start paying the one per cent RE levy this month.
However, Seda, the implementing agency under Chin's ministry, said on Tuesday TNB will collect the RE levy only from consumers in Peninsular Malaysia. This is because there has yet to be a gazette to this effect in Sabah.
The regulator said RE producers in Sabah will only be eligible for FiT when the one per cent RE levy is collected by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, a 70 per cent-subsidiary of TNB, from heavy power users in Sabah.
Sarawak, however, is exempted from the RE levy because under the Renewable Energy Act 2010, the FiT is only applicable to Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
FiT essentially guarantees RE producers a premium selling price over that generated from depleting and finite sources such as oil, gas and coal.
Power generated from sustainable sources that benefits from FiT includes that of oil palm biomass, biogas, small hydro and solar.
Meanwhile, RE producers will not automatically receive payment under the FiT from December this year. This is because RE producers need to go online and bid for the quota and the relevant FiT rate.
The FiT rate differs for varying RE technologies and installed capacities.
RE producers have to apply for licence from Seda via http://seda.gov.my/.
Online application is meant to facilitate quota allocation on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Within a week of bidding, Seda announced that applications for the FiT allocation under the categories of biomass and solar projects were fully taken up.
Yesterday, it clarified that some of these applications were incomplete and disqualified. Therefore, the portion of FiT allocation applied for will be released for online bidding again today, at 10am.
Seda has limited individual solar energy producers to 12kWh each. Multiple applications for the same installed site is also not allowed.
The new measures are meant to encourage more people to install solar panels on their roof tops and sell back excess energy to TNB.
Read more: Renewable energy producers in Sabah not 'FiT' yet http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/tariffs/Article/index_html#ixzz1hydEprrA
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Energy Commission says bids for new power plant begin
PETALING JAYA: The bidding process for the 4,500MW power generation to replace the capacity of the first-generation power purchase agreements (PPAs) and to cater to new demand beyond 2016 has started.
The Energy Commission (EC) has issued a notice for prospective bidders for the development of a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in Peninsular Malaysia.
It said that the CCGT power plant was to sell its capacity and energy to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) under a new PPA.
TNB had recently announced that the first generation PPAs, expiring between 2015 and 2016, would not be renegotiated and would be allowed to lapse.
The first generation PPAs, involving independent power producers (IPPs) YTL Power International Bhd, Malakoff Bhd's subsidiary Segari Energy Ventures Sdn Bhd, Tanjong plc's subsidiary Powertek Bhd and Genting group's power division Genting Sanyen Power Sdn Bhd collectively account for around 4,115 MW of generation capacity.
The EC would make available the site or sites for the power plant project to be signed under a new PPA.
TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh had said the IPPs could still participate in the bidding process for new licences that would be held by way of open tender
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/12/28/business/10168918&sec=business#13250663566401&if_height=884
The Energy Commission (EC) has issued a notice for prospective bidders for the development of a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in Peninsular Malaysia.
It said that the CCGT power plant was to sell its capacity and energy to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) under a new PPA.
TNB had recently announced that the first generation PPAs, expiring between 2015 and 2016, would not be renegotiated and would be allowed to lapse.
The first generation PPAs, involving independent power producers (IPPs) YTL Power International Bhd, Malakoff Bhd's subsidiary Segari Energy Ventures Sdn Bhd, Tanjong plc's subsidiary Powertek Bhd and Genting group's power division Genting Sanyen Power Sdn Bhd collectively account for around 4,115 MW of generation capacity.
The EC would make available the site or sites for the power plant project to be signed under a new PPA.
TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh had said the IPPs could still participate in the bidding process for new licences that would be held by way of open tender
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/12/28/business/10168918&sec=business#13250663566401&if_height=884
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
What is sustainablity?
The most popular definition of sustainability can be traced to a 1987 UN conference which defined sustainability developments as those that
" Meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs"
Saturday, December 17, 2011
裝太陽能設備存電可賣國能‧林冠英：檳州人2014年可申請但已失先機
檳城17日訊）我國終於落實電力收購制度（FIT），民眾和企業可通過安裝太陽能設備，把儲存的能量賣給國能賺取可觀收入。
檳城是國內擁有最長日光的地區，加上擁有1千83.66英畝的工廠屋頂安裝太陽能設備，可謂佔盡天時地利，但“人和”方面，卻輸了一截。
檳州首席部長林冠英說，他在今年11月杪才知道電力收購制度有“先到先得”制，而這制度讓他聯想到“朋黨”。
他馬上召見州內的工業代表，開緊急會議。雖然只是12小時的事項通知，但有30名工業代表出席。
不過，一切都太遲了。
因為有“先到先得”制，2011年/2012年的固打分配已被搶空，2013年的固打則僅剩半數額。雖然檳城人還可在2014年申請，但林冠英說，已失去先機。林冠英擔憂檳城人可能無法在“先到先得”制度下獲批准。他說，據大馬永續能源發展機構（S E D A）於12月7日的說法，至2014年上半年，目前僅剩665萬瓦特太陽能源的配額（2013年上半年為165萬瓦特，2013年下半年和2014年上半年各為250萬瓦特）。
州政府昨日（16日）邀請大馬永續能源發展機構代表前來檳城，向企業代表說明太陽能電力收購制度，由該機構首席企業長陳薇妮主講。
僅佔再生能量總量中50兆瓦特
今明年太陽能固打分配太少
在電力收購制度下，2011/2012年度的太陽能固打分配僅佔再生能量總量190兆瓦特中的50兆瓦特（26%），林冠英認為這些配額太少。
林冠英用目前僅剩665萬瓦特太陽能源的配額，計算出一項不合理的事。
“將這些數字換到家庭用戶的話，665萬瓦特配額僅可分給665間獨立別墅業主（每間平均產電1萬特瓦）。若是由半獨立別墅業主產電的話，假設每家平均產電5千瓦特，就將有1千330名業主獲得分配餘量。若典型住家用戶安裝3千瓦太陽光電板的話，就只有2千217戶獲得分配產量。”
他質問，難道從2013年開始，全馬才有2千217家住戶？
陳薇妮坦言，有90%申請者申請太陽能計劃，反應過於熱烈。若要增加配額，就需要資金。林冠英認為獨立發電廠該每年貢獻10億令吉。
陳薇妮：只要符合條件
尚有配額申請將獲批
陳薇妮解釋，篩選程序全由電腦執行，申請者需上網填寫冗長的表格，只要符合條件，加上尚有配額，有關申請者將獲批准。
出席者有160名檳州各企業代表、林冠英、檳州秘書拿督法力占和投資檳城機構總經理呂麗蓮。林冠英在致詞時發表上述談話，並向陳薇妮施壓，贏得熱烈掌聲。
“先到先得”制有紕漏
應以“所有合格者”制取代
林冠英說，檳城每年貢獻近乎2千萬令吉的能源基金，如果檳城的企業或個人用戶沒有機會從FIT中受惠，這是不公平的。
他認為，大馬永續能源發展機構該以“所有合格者”制取代“先到先得”制，確保所有被徵用1%電費的國民可從中獲利，成為“納米獨立發電廠”。
“FIT預計將明顯促進國內的經濟增長，也支持永續環境和促進政府提倡的平價電網。”
林冠英希望大馬永續能源發展機構能在各大城市設辦事處，極力推行電力收購計劃，避免忽略了一些州屬。
為吸引檳再生能源
工業或採土地價激勵政策
林冠英說，為了吸引檳州再生能源工業，州政府考慮在下月初宣佈某形式的土地價格激勵政策。
他說，FIT意味額外收入，再生能源估計在2020年至少為私人企業帶來700億令吉的收入，或至少17億6千萬令吉的政府稅收。
“在我國公用企業上，國能公司將享有長期降低發電成本的免費能源，我認為非政府組織應該善用FTI制度賣電給國能。”
8至9年內回本
林冠英說，如果目前就開始投資太陽光電系統，預計能在8至9年內回本，並在21年內獲得一定的回酬。
“日光越長，轉換的電力和收入就越多。
我獲知檳城和哥打峇魯擁有全馬最棒的日光！
檳城不只是擁有美食、古蹟和山水，還有最長的日光！”
他告訴陳薇妮，若以經濟作為考量，檳州是一個策略性地點，因為有有長的日光，希望可獲得一定數目的配額。
提供4再生能源固定
配額太陽光電發電迴響最大
我國落實電力收購制度（FIT），鼓勵太陽能、生物能、沼氣和水電技術產電。
大馬永續能源發展機構在2011年12月1日邀請全民，包括用戶、小型的獨立發電商申請。
4個再生能源每年都有固定配額，即是生物質（包括固體廢棄物）、沼氣（包括垃圾填埋）、小水電和太陽光電發電。當中非個人的太陽光電發電申請迴響最大。
從1991年開始，德國、西班牙、丹麥和超過40個國家已有首創政策和立法，也證明FTI是再生能源最快，最便宜和最廣泛發展的製度，FTI為再生能源的個人或企業帶來利益。
（星洲日報／大北馬）
檳城是國內擁有最長日光的地區，加上擁有1千83.66英畝的工廠屋頂安裝太陽能設備，可謂佔盡天時地利，但“人和”方面，卻輸了一截。
檳州首席部長林冠英說，他在今年11月杪才知道電力收購制度有“先到先得”制，而這制度讓他聯想到“朋黨”。
他馬上召見州內的工業代表，開緊急會議。雖然只是12小時的事項通知，但有30名工業代表出席。
不過，一切都太遲了。
因為有“先到先得”制，2011年/2012年的固打分配已被搶空，2013年的固打則僅剩半數額。雖然檳城人還可在2014年申請，但林冠英說，已失去先機。林冠英擔憂檳城人可能無法在“先到先得”制度下獲批准。他說，據大馬永續能源發展機構（S E D A）於12月7日的說法，至2014年上半年，目前僅剩665萬瓦特太陽能源的配額（2013年上半年為165萬瓦特，2013年下半年和2014年上半年各為250萬瓦特）。
州政府昨日（16日）邀請大馬永續能源發展機構代表前來檳城，向企業代表說明太陽能電力收購制度，由該機構首席企業長陳薇妮主講。
僅佔再生能量總量中50兆瓦特
今明年太陽能固打分配太少
在電力收購制度下，2011/2012年度的太陽能固打分配僅佔再生能量總量190兆瓦特中的50兆瓦特（26%），林冠英認為這些配額太少。
林冠英用目前僅剩665萬瓦特太陽能源的配額，計算出一項不合理的事。
“將這些數字換到家庭用戶的話，665萬瓦特配額僅可分給665間獨立別墅業主（每間平均產電1萬特瓦）。若是由半獨立別墅業主產電的話，假設每家平均產電5千瓦特，就將有1千330名業主獲得分配餘量。若典型住家用戶安裝3千瓦太陽光電板的話，就只有2千217戶獲得分配產量。”
他質問，難道從2013年開始，全馬才有2千217家住戶？
陳薇妮坦言，有90%申請者申請太陽能計劃，反應過於熱烈。若要增加配額，就需要資金。林冠英認為獨立發電廠該每年貢獻10億令吉。
陳薇妮：只要符合條件
尚有配額申請將獲批
陳薇妮解釋，篩選程序全由電腦執行，申請者需上網填寫冗長的表格，只要符合條件，加上尚有配額，有關申請者將獲批准。
出席者有160名檳州各企業代表、林冠英、檳州秘書拿督法力占和投資檳城機構總經理呂麗蓮。林冠英在致詞時發表上述談話，並向陳薇妮施壓，贏得熱烈掌聲。
“先到先得”制有紕漏
應以“所有合格者”制取代
林冠英說，檳城每年貢獻近乎2千萬令吉的能源基金，如果檳城的企業或個人用戶沒有機會從FIT中受惠，這是不公平的。
他認為，大馬永續能源發展機構該以“所有合格者”制取代“先到先得”制，確保所有被徵用1%電費的國民可從中獲利，成為“納米獨立發電廠”。
“FIT預計將明顯促進國內的經濟增長，也支持永續環境和促進政府提倡的平價電網。”
林冠英希望大馬永續能源發展機構能在各大城市設辦事處，極力推行電力收購計劃，避免忽略了一些州屬。
為吸引檳再生能源
工業或採土地價激勵政策
林冠英說，為了吸引檳州再生能源工業，州政府考慮在下月初宣佈某形式的土地價格激勵政策。
他說，FIT意味額外收入，再生能源估計在2020年至少為私人企業帶來700億令吉的收入，或至少17億6千萬令吉的政府稅收。
“在我國公用企業上，國能公司將享有長期降低發電成本的免費能源，我認為非政府組織應該善用FTI制度賣電給國能。”
8至9年內回本
林冠英說，如果目前就開始投資太陽光電系統，預計能在8至9年內回本，並在21年內獲得一定的回酬。
“日光越長，轉換的電力和收入就越多。
我獲知檳城和哥打峇魯擁有全馬最棒的日光！
檳城不只是擁有美食、古蹟和山水，還有最長的日光！”
他告訴陳薇妮，若以經濟作為考量，檳州是一個策略性地點，因為有有長的日光，希望可獲得一定數目的配額。
提供4再生能源固定
配額太陽光電發電迴響最大
我國落實電力收購制度（FIT），鼓勵太陽能、生物能、沼氣和水電技術產電。
大馬永續能源發展機構在2011年12月1日邀請全民，包括用戶、小型的獨立發電商申請。
4個再生能源每年都有固定配額，即是生物質（包括固體廢棄物）、沼氣（包括垃圾填埋）、小水電和太陽光電發電。當中非個人的太陽光電發電申請迴響最大。
從1991年開始，德國、西班牙、丹麥和超過40個國家已有首創政策和立法，也證明FTI是再生能源最快，最便宜和最廣泛發展的製度，FTI為再生能源的個人或企業帶來利益。
（星洲日報／大北馬）
Friday, December 16, 2011
No renegotiations on power purchase agreements
FIRST generation power purchase agreements (PPAs) expiring in 2014 and 2015 will not be renegotiated, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said.
Instead, the Energy Commission will call for tenders for the supply of power beyond 2016.
The tender for 4,500 megawatt (MW) of new capacity will be called for by the first half of 2012, Che Khalib told reporters after its annual general meeting yesterday,
About 3,500MW will be to replace retiring capacity, while the other 1,000MW is additional capacity for the future.
There are five first-generation PPAs for a period of 21 years signed in 1993.
The IPPs are YTL Power Generation Sdn Bhd, Genting Sanyen Power Sdn Bhd, Segari Energy Ventures Sdn Bhd, Powertek Bhd and Port Dickson Power Sdn Bhd.
According to Che Khalib, even the recent award to a Malakoff Corp Bhd subsidiary for a 1,000MW electricity generating facility at Tanjung Bin, Johor, was the result of competitive bidding.
Its Tanjung Bin and Manjung plants are to cater to future demand.
"I'm very happy with the latest tender exercise (Tanjung Bin). The price that we agreed on is very competitive. I think we are going towards a very healthy environment now, this is what we should continue to do because the benefit can be seen immediately," he said.
On the fuel cost-sharing mechanism announced earlier this week, Che Khalib said TNB is be going back to the government to come up with a more "holistic" solution to the problem brought about by the shortage of
On Monday, TNB announced that it, the government and Petronas will each equally share the differential cost incurred by the company due to usage of alternative fuels and also imports in the wake of a shortage in gas.
This mechanism, however, is only for the period of January 1 2011 until October 31 2011.
This would lead to a compensation of about RM2 billion to TNB from both the government and Petronas.
On whether the more "holistic" solution would mean a possible hike in tariffs, Che Khalib said it is not the only option.
He expects the gas shortage problem likely to continue until Petronas' liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification unit in Malacca is up and running.
"We have to go back to the government to find a solution on how to overcome this (gas shortage) problem because we can't keep on having an ad-hoc kind of solution. We need a permanent solution," Che Khalib said.
While there have been incidences of gas shortage in the past, the current scenario is deemed the worst TNB has experienced.
"Before the highest (additional cost) recorded because of gas shortage problem was RM400 million in a year, but now in a month it can be as high as RM500 million," Che Khalib said.
TNB hopes that part of its compensation will come in by the time it reports its first quarter results in January, so that it can avoid another quarter of losses.
Che Khalib also said the company is in talks with Royal Dutch Shell plc, Total SA and other private traders to buy natural gas.
Read more: No renegotiations on power purchase agreements http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ptnb2-2/Article/#ixzz1gedZQuH4
Instead, the Energy Commission will call for tenders for the supply of power beyond 2016.
The tender for 4,500 megawatt (MW) of new capacity will be called for by the first half of 2012, Che Khalib told reporters after its annual general meeting yesterday,
About 3,500MW will be to replace retiring capacity, while the other 1,000MW is additional capacity for the future.
There are five first-generation PPAs for a period of 21 years signed in 1993.
The IPPs are YTL Power Generation Sdn Bhd, Genting Sanyen Power Sdn Bhd, Segari Energy Ventures Sdn Bhd, Powertek Bhd and Port Dickson Power Sdn Bhd.
According to Che Khalib, even the recent award to a Malakoff Corp Bhd subsidiary for a 1,000MW electricity generating facility at Tanjung Bin, Johor, was the result of competitive bidding.
Its Tanjung Bin and Manjung plants are to cater to future demand.
"I'm very happy with the latest tender exercise (Tanjung Bin). The price that we agreed on is very competitive. I think we are going towards a very healthy environment now, this is what we should continue to do because the benefit can be seen immediately," he said.
On the fuel cost-sharing mechanism announced earlier this week, Che Khalib said TNB is be going back to the government to come up with a more "holistic" solution to the problem brought about by the shortage of
On Monday, TNB announced that it, the government and Petronas will each equally share the differential cost incurred by the company due to usage of alternative fuels and also imports in the wake of a shortage in gas.
This mechanism, however, is only for the period of January 1 2011 until October 31 2011.
This would lead to a compensation of about RM2 billion to TNB from both the government and Petronas.
On whether the more "holistic" solution would mean a possible hike in tariffs, Che Khalib said it is not the only option.
He expects the gas shortage problem likely to continue until Petronas' liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification unit in Malacca is up and running.
"We have to go back to the government to find a solution on how to overcome this (gas shortage) problem because we can't keep on having an ad-hoc kind of solution. We need a permanent solution," Che Khalib said.
While there have been incidences of gas shortage in the past, the current scenario is deemed the worst TNB has experienced.
"Before the highest (additional cost) recorded because of gas shortage problem was RM400 million in a year, but now in a month it can be as high as RM500 million," Che Khalib said.
TNB hopes that part of its compensation will come in by the time it reports its first quarter results in January, so that it can avoid another quarter of losses.
Che Khalib also said the company is in talks with Royal Dutch Shell plc, Total SA and other private traders to buy natural gas.
Read more: No renegotiations on power purchase agreements http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ptnb2-2/Article/#ixzz1gedZQuH4
Friday, December 9, 2011
MEMC scales down staff, Malaysia ops
MEMC Electronic Materials Inc, the second-largest US maker of polysilicon, said it will fire 20 percent of its workforce and cut production after prices for the main raw ingredient used in solar cells and semiconductors plunged.
MEMC will combine its SunEdison project development unit and solar materials business, cutting more than 1,300 jobs worldwide, including 250 in the US, the St. Peters, Missouri-based company said today in a statement.
It will idle a facility in Italy, reduce capacity at a plant in Portland, Oregon, and scale back a factory it’s building in Malaysia.
The company is seeking to lower its costs after a global glut of polysilicon drove down prices 63 percent this year.
“Because of oversupply in the solar industry, you can buy polysilicon and wafers below production costs, so it’s cheaper for them to just shut down those facilities and buy it on the spot market,” said Jeffrey Bencik, an analyst with Kaufman Brothers LP in New York, who rates MEMC shares a “hold.
MEMC will take a $700 million charge in the current quarter and lowered its forecast. The company expects sales of $789 million to $861 million in the fourth quarter, compared with a Nov. 2 forecast of $800 million to $1.1 billion.
“We are reducing capacity and solar materials to take advantage of lower cost product alternatives and achieve a more balanced manufacturing model,” Chief Financial Officer Mark Murphy said today on a conference call.
MEMC shares fell 1 cent to $4.20 at the close in New York. - Bloomberg
Read more: MEMC scales down staff, Malaysia ops http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111209100003/Article/index_html#ixzz1g0FB6Fed
MEMC will combine its SunEdison project development unit and solar materials business, cutting more than 1,300 jobs worldwide, including 250 in the US, the St. Peters, Missouri-based company said today in a statement.
It will idle a facility in Italy, reduce capacity at a plant in Portland, Oregon, and scale back a factory it’s building in Malaysia.
The company is seeking to lower its costs after a global glut of polysilicon drove down prices 63 percent this year.
“Because of oversupply in the solar industry, you can buy polysilicon and wafers below production costs, so it’s cheaper for them to just shut down those facilities and buy it on the spot market,” said Jeffrey Bencik, an analyst with Kaufman Brothers LP in New York, who rates MEMC shares a “hold.
MEMC will take a $700 million charge in the current quarter and lowered its forecast. The company expects sales of $789 million to $861 million in the fourth quarter, compared with a Nov. 2 forecast of $800 million to $1.1 billion.
“We are reducing capacity and solar materials to take advantage of lower cost product alternatives and achieve a more balanced manufacturing model,” Chief Financial Officer Mark Murphy said today on a conference call.
MEMC shares fell 1 cent to $4.20 at the close in New York. - Bloomberg
Read more: MEMC scales down staff, Malaysia ops http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111209100003/Article/index_html#ixzz1g0FB6Fed
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
KL open to higher renewable energy quotas(Feed in tariff)
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is open to raising the quotas for the generation of renewable energy if the public is willing to pay another 1 per cent of levy.
Starting this month, consumers in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, whose monthly electricity bills exceed RM77, start paying an additional 1 per cent levy to subsidise renewable energy (RE) producers.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry secretary-general Datuk Loo Took Gee estimates Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia (Seda) to collect up to RM250 million in levy by the end of 2012.
Due to limited funds, the feed-in tariff (FiT) quota allocation for RE producers is being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, which explained the rush by RE players in their applications.
Within the first few days of opening, applications for the FiT allocation under the categories of biomass and solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy projects are fully taken up.
"There's so much interest in biomass and solar PV," said Seda chief operating officer Ali Askar Sher Mohamad.
Asked if the government may raise the quotas and allow for more RE producers to supply to the national grid, Loo replied, "It all depends on funding. If the public is willing to pay an additional 1 per cent, we're open to raising the quotas."
Loo and Ali were speaking to Business Times on the sidelines of the Solar Symposium 2011 held here today.
Read more: KL open to higher renewable energy quotas http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111206134707/Article/index_html#ixzz1fk1uJAP2
Starting this month, consumers in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, whose monthly electricity bills exceed RM77, start paying an additional 1 per cent levy to subsidise renewable energy (RE) producers.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry secretary-general Datuk Loo Took Gee estimates Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia (Seda) to collect up to RM250 million in levy by the end of 2012.
Due to limited funds, the feed-in tariff (FiT) quota allocation for RE producers is being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, which explained the rush by RE players in their applications.
Within the first few days of opening, applications for the FiT allocation under the categories of biomass and solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy projects are fully taken up.
"There's so much interest in biomass and solar PV," said Seda chief operating officer Ali Askar Sher Mohamad.
Asked if the government may raise the quotas and allow for more RE producers to supply to the national grid, Loo replied, "It all depends on funding. If the public is willing to pay an additional 1 per cent, we're open to raising the quotas."
Loo and Ali were speaking to Business Times on the sidelines of the Solar Symposium 2011 held here today.
Read more: KL open to higher renewable energy quotas http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111206134707/Article/index_html#ixzz1fk1uJAP2
Sunday, December 4, 2011
CARS, since their invention in the 19th century, has been continually evolving.
CARS, since their invention in the 19th century, has been continually evolving.
Imagine that by the end of the 21st century, vehicles powered by rotating tyres using oscillating energy generated by motors are replaced by those using perpetual thrust force generated by air resistance or thermal energy.
Hence, in the 22nd century, we will drive cars using accumulated potential energy.
Actually, this was the vision, or rather imagination, of Leiji Matsumoto, a manga artist who provides cover illustrations for the Tokyo Motor Show's official daily news bulletin.
The present reality of the car industry is somewhat going towards Matsumoto's future realm.
Global car companies are adapting to environmental and energy issues to come up with vehicles that are safer and friendlier, and at the same time, satisfy all our desires.
Big players from Japan led by Toyota, Nissan and Honda, for example, have been working on such vehicles for quite a while now, with some measures of success.
Think of Prius, Leaf and Insight.
The success of these eco-cars have prompted other automakers to pursue their own green vehicles.
This year's evemt offers a glimpse of future green, sophisticated vehicles by the country's automakers, which are rebuilding themselves after its devastating earthquake and tsunami nine months ago. Tokyo
Read more: More Japanese carmakers driven by green technology http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/WAKANOT/Article/#ixzz1fZG28Iwz
Imagine that by the end of the 21st century, vehicles powered by rotating tyres using oscillating energy generated by motors are replaced by those using perpetual thrust force generated by air resistance or thermal energy.
Hence, in the 22nd century, we will drive cars using accumulated potential energy.
Actually, this was the vision, or rather imagination, of Leiji Matsumoto, a manga artist who provides cover illustrations for the Tokyo Motor Show's official daily news bulletin.
The present reality of the car industry is somewhat going towards Matsumoto's future realm.
Global car companies are adapting to environmental and energy issues to come up with vehicles that are safer and friendlier, and at the same time, satisfy all our desires.
Big players from Japan led by Toyota, Nissan and Honda, for example, have been working on such vehicles for quite a while now, with some measures of success.
Think of Prius, Leaf and Insight.
The success of these eco-cars have prompted other automakers to pursue their own green vehicles.
This year's evemt offers a glimpse of future green, sophisticated vehicles by the country's automakers, which are rebuilding themselves after its devastating earthquake and tsunami nine months ago. Tokyo
Read more: More Japanese carmakers driven by green technology http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/WAKANOT/Article/#ixzz1fZG28Iwz
Saturday, December 3, 2011
How much energy waste for LCD TV in standby mode?
picture source:Toshiba.com
I just bought my new 24 inchi size Toshiba's LCD TV (24PB1E) recently in Kajang. This new model is a valued buy LCD TV and it really saving my pocket for paying more electricity when i am watching my long episode movie (TVB) with only 65W or paying RM0.014 per hour for my entertainment.
Compared to old 14 inchi CTV (old tube TV), it also took about 65W and i was spending same electricity bill with much smaller screen TV and less pleasure during my movie time!
How about the standby mode?
If i am leaving my LCD TV for a day in standby mode when i am sleeping or on holiday ..Will it drains my money and pays more to TNB?
Yes.. standby mode for this model is about 0.3-0.5W for that little red light
.
Let say 20 hours leave my LCD TV under standby mode during working day. I am wasting about 10W per day.
A year i am wasting about 3650Wh or 3.65kWH or 3.65 units (about RM0.80)
That RM0.80 wastage can translate to enjoy three hours free 1HP air conditional for a household.
or may be free two pack of Maggi Mee when you feel hungry at midnight!
Conclusion, today newly design LCD TV model especially this toshiba model are much more efficiency and environment friendly compared to others.However, for reason of equipment protection such as against lightning strike and power supply overvoltage problem that might be damaging our expensive LCD TV, unplug the power cord LCD TV when not in used is highly recommended!
Based on Energy Waste Survey(pls click to find out more about Energy waste comments on standby mode), standby mode power is responsible for 5-10% of total electricity use in most homes
Thursday, December 1, 2011
TNB-FUEL COST SHARING MECHANISM
FUEL COST SHARING MECHANISM - CONFIRMATION ON AGREED PROPOSAL AND WAY FORWARD
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (“TNB”) wishes to announce that it has received a letter from the Government that provides a fuel cost sharing mechanism to address the current increased cost borne by TNB due to the gas shortage. Presently, TNB is facing a higher operational cost due to the extra cost of generation arising from running the power plants on expensive alternate fuels and power import from Singapore and Thailand.
The letter provides that TNB, PETRONAS and the Government will each equally share the differential cost incurred by TNB due to dispatching on alternative fuels and also imports, from 1 January 2010 until 31 October 2011 amounting to approximately RM3.069 billion.
In view of the urgency of the matter and the critical financial situation facing TNB, TNB will be liaising as soon as possible with the relevant parties to implement this mechanism.
This announcement is dated 1 December 2011.
Source: Bursa Malaysia
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (“TNB”) wishes to announce that it has received a letter from the Government that provides a fuel cost sharing mechanism to address the current increased cost borne by TNB due to the gas shortage. Presently, TNB is facing a higher operational cost due to the extra cost of generation arising from running the power plants on expensive alternate fuels and power import from Singapore and Thailand.
The letter provides that TNB, PETRONAS and the Government will each equally share the differential cost incurred by TNB due to dispatching on alternative fuels and also imports, from 1 January 2010 until 31 October 2011 amounting to approximately RM3.069 billion.
In view of the urgency of the matter and the critical financial situation facing TNB, TNB will be liaising as soon as possible with the relevant parties to implement this mechanism.
This announcement is dated 1 December 2011.
Source: Bursa Malaysia
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Panasonic in RM1.8b solar venture
The solar cell plant at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park is expected to start production in December 2012
Panasonic Corp plans to invest 45 billion yen (about RM1.8 billion) to build a solar cell factory in Malaysia.
The Osaka-based electronics giant will set up Panasonic Energy Malaysia Sdn Bhd next month to handle the venture at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah. Production is expected to kick off in December 2012, Panasonic said in a statement posted on its website yesterday.
It is learnt that on top of the 45 billion yen, Panasonic is also setting aside 22.5 billion yen (about RM1 billion) as capital for Panasonic Energy.
The plant will have a production capacity of 300 megawatt and employ some 1,500 people. It will have a built-up area of about 70,000 square metres.
Panasonic said the solar cell market is expected to grow further with environmental awareness increasing globally and the introduction of subsidy systems and Feed-in Tariff schemes in Japan.
“Robust demand is expected particularly in the residential sector, the main target of the Panasonic HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer) solar modules. “The new factory, to be built in the Kulim Hi Tech Park, will not only help Panasonic meet this the growing demand, but also strengthen the HIT module’s cost competitiveness with the vertically-integrated production,” the company said.
Panasonic will sell its solar modules as an individual product as well as part of a system combined with storage batteries.Panasonic is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs.
The company, which has several subsidiaries in Malaysia, recorded consolidated net sales of 8.69 trillion yen (RM335 billion) as of March 31 2011.
The company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York stock exchanges.
source:http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111126002602/Article/index_html
Panasonic Corp plans to invest 45 billion yen (about RM1.8 billion) to build a solar cell factory in Malaysia.
The Osaka-based electronics giant will set up Panasonic Energy Malaysia Sdn Bhd next month to handle the venture at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah. Production is expected to kick off in December 2012, Panasonic said in a statement posted on its website yesterday.
It is learnt that on top of the 45 billion yen, Panasonic is also setting aside 22.5 billion yen (about RM1 billion) as capital for Panasonic Energy.
The plant will have a production capacity of 300 megawatt and employ some 1,500 people. It will have a built-up area of about 70,000 square metres.
Panasonic said the solar cell market is expected to grow further with environmental awareness increasing globally and the introduction of subsidy systems and Feed-in Tariff schemes in Japan.
“Robust demand is expected particularly in the residential sector, the main target of the Panasonic HIT (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer) solar modules. “The new factory, to be built in the Kulim Hi Tech Park, will not only help Panasonic meet this the growing demand, but also strengthen the HIT module’s cost competitiveness with the vertically-integrated production,” the company said.
Panasonic will sell its solar modules as an individual product as well as part of a system combined with storage batteries.Panasonic is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs.
The company, which has several subsidiaries in Malaysia, recorded consolidated net sales of 8.69 trillion yen (RM335 billion) as of March 31 2011.
The company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York stock exchanges.
source:http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111126002602/Article/index_html
Cabinet nod for green guidelines
KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has approved a green neighbourhood and low carbon city framework and assessment system aimed at reducing the nation's carbon emissions.
Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung said the guidelines would bring the country a step closer to achieving the goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 40% by 2020 as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Copenhagen last year.
“We are going all out to push the guidelines.
“Studies have shown that urbanisation contributes more than 50% of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Our small cities and townships are getting bigger,'' Chor said after launching The Star Property Fair 2011 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
Also present were Star Publications (M) Bhd executive deputy chairman Datuk Vincent Lee and chief events officer Iris Tan.
A Cabinet paper on the guidelines was approved yesterday, said Chor, adding that it was a joint collaboration between his ministry and the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry.
The guidelines, which would be distributed to local authorities, would promote 3R (reduce, reuse and recyle) practices as well as other environmental-friendly policies.
“We hope developers will help spur green neighbourhoods by providing more cycling and walking paths to reduce vehicle use.
“The guidelines are not compulsory but it makes good business sense to do it,” he said.
Chor also congratulated The Star for organising the property fair which had not only attracted developers but lifestyle companies as well.
“It is fair to say that The Star Property Fair is by far the largest. Congratulations for a fantastic job.”
On errant developers, Chor reiterated that the amendments to the Housing Development (Control and Licensing Act) 1966 would ensure “fly-by-night” operators are severely dealt with.
The Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon, would see errant developers facing criminal charges and jail sentences for abandoning housing projects.
The Star Property Fair 2011 is open from 11am to 7pm and ends tomorrow. Entrance is free.
source: The Star
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/26/nation/9981302&sec=nation
Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung said the guidelines would bring the country a step closer to achieving the goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 40% by 2020 as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Copenhagen last year.
“We are going all out to push the guidelines.
“Studies have shown that urbanisation contributes more than 50% of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Our small cities and townships are getting bigger,'' Chor said after launching The Star Property Fair 2011 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
Also present were Star Publications (M) Bhd executive deputy chairman Datuk Vincent Lee and chief events officer Iris Tan.
A Cabinet paper on the guidelines was approved yesterday, said Chor, adding that it was a joint collaboration between his ministry and the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry.
The guidelines, which would be distributed to local authorities, would promote 3R (reduce, reuse and recyle) practices as well as other environmental-friendly policies.
“We hope developers will help spur green neighbourhoods by providing more cycling and walking paths to reduce vehicle use.
“The guidelines are not compulsory but it makes good business sense to do it,” he said.
Chor also congratulated The Star for organising the property fair which had not only attracted developers but lifestyle companies as well.
“It is fair to say that The Star Property Fair is by far the largest. Congratulations for a fantastic job.”
On errant developers, Chor reiterated that the amendments to the Housing Development (Control and Licensing Act) 1966 would ensure “fly-by-night” operators are severely dealt with.
The Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon, would see errant developers facing criminal charges and jail sentences for abandoning housing projects.
The Star Property Fair 2011 is open from 11am to 7pm and ends tomorrow. Entrance is free.
source: The Star
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/26/nation/9981302&sec=nation
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
1% levy for electricity users from next month
PUTRAJAYA: About one out of four Tenaga Nasional Berhad's (TNB) customers in peninsular Malaysia will have to pay a levy of 1% out of their total electricity bills starting Dec 1.
This follows the launch of the Government's Feed-in Tariff (FiT) system for the development of renewable energy next month.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin said electricity consumers, would contribute 1% of their total electricity bills to the Renewable Energy fund if they used more than 300kWh of electricity per month. The move will affect domestic users who run up bills of more than RM77.
This contribution is on top of the consumers' monthly electricity bills.
“However, 75% of TNB's customers who use less than 300kWh per month will be exempted,” said Chin after launching the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia office here.
The FiT system is a funding mechanism under the Renewable Energy Act, designed to encourage the development of renewable energy via cost-sharing among electricity consumers.
Under the FiT system, electricity distribution licensees like TNB are obliged to buy electricity produced from certain renewable energy producers.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/23/nation/9960533&sec=nation#13220176252961&if_height=797
This follows the launch of the Government's Feed-in Tariff (FiT) system for the development of renewable energy next month.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin said electricity consumers, would contribute 1% of their total electricity bills to the Renewable Energy fund if they used more than 300kWh of electricity per month. The move will affect domestic users who run up bills of more than RM77.
This contribution is on top of the consumers' monthly electricity bills.
“However, 75% of TNB's customers who use less than 300kWh per month will be exempted,” said Chin after launching the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia office here.
The FiT system is a funding mechanism under the Renewable Energy Act, designed to encourage the development of renewable energy via cost-sharing among electricity consumers.
Under the FiT system, electricity distribution licensees like TNB are obliged to buy electricity produced from certain renewable energy producers.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/23/nation/9960533&sec=nation#13220176252961&if_height=797
Greens for life
As World Meatless Day falls on Friday, it’s appropriate that we review our eating habits, and reconsider the role of vegetables in our diet.
IN the booklet, Why Vegetarian? A Beginner’s Guide, produced by the Malaysian Vegetarian Society in the late 90s, the society’s first president, Sona Zakariya, voiced her hope that one day, instead of people asking, “Why are you a vegetarian?”, the question would instead be, “So how do you become a vegetarian?”
We often are bombarded by messages and advice telling us to “quit smoking”, “lessen sugar intake” and “cut down on fatty foods”. Some habits die hard, others die even harder. But habits can be broken, what more in human beings who are the most adaptable creatures on the planet.
According to Dr P. Vythilingam, current president of the Malaysian Vegetarian Society, there are more than one billion vegetarians in the world today, with about one million in Malaysia. And the numbers continue to grow, which should be proof enough that human beings can and do survive on a non-meat diet.
According to Dr P. Vythilingam, a vegetarian diet contains everything you would need, and a vegetarian meal actually provides more calories than a non-vegetarian one.
Today’s world provides even more reasons for one to switch to a vegetarian diet. If not for environmental or animal welfare reasons, then the very fact that humans are not anatomically equipped to handle the consumption of meat should be enough of a catalyst.
According to Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the term “omnivore” is dubious, as anthropologists and biologists have studied our evolutionary history and concluded that we are quite simply herbivores. Our stomach acidity and intestinal length all show that we cannot fully digest meat. And because we do not fully process the meat, we end up with excessive fat and cholesterol, something that does not occur in carnivores.
The Malaysian Vegetarian Society states that research has shown that vegetarians are less at risk of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cancers, bowel disorders, gall and kidney stones and osteoporosis.
William Castelli, former director of the Framingham Heart Study, once said: “Vegetarians have the best diet. They have the lowest rates of coronary disease of any group in the country (US) ... Some people scoff at vegetarians, but they have a fraction of our heart attack rate and they have only 40% of our cancer rate. On the average, they outlive other men by about six years now.”
Dr Vythilingam pointed to industrial farming practices that indirectly leads to the health problems faced by non-vegetarians – how the animals are bred and slaughtered, and the meat produced.
“There are a lot of antibiotics pumped into the animals (to keep them healthy in otherwise harsh living conditions),” he said. “There are the pesticides and DDT sprayed on the corn used for feeding livestock. And chickens, to make them grow faster, they are injected with hormones. This is why some people have hormone-related cancers.”
And whenever a cow is taken for slaughter, it becomes stressed and this increases the adrenaline inside its body, and this, in turn, affects the person who consumes the meat.
Further stress is inflicted on the animals in the form of the cutting of a pig’s tail (to prevent them biting each other in crowded pens), or the “debeaking” of a chick, all done without anaesthesia.
“They say the amount of DDT that is in livestock feed is 13 times more than the DDT on vegetables,” said Dr Vythilingam. “That’s a very dangerous level.”
Non-vegetarians usually argue that vegetables are also full of chemicals, so there is really no avoiding the danger.
But Dr Vythilingam said: “You can wash away the chemicals on the vegetables, but you cannot do the same with meat, because it is already inside the meat. If you put your vegetables under running water, most of it will be washed away. You can’t be washing every fibre in a piece of meat.”
He said organically-grown vegetables are, of course, preferable, but just washing your vegetables properly before cooking would also be enough.
Beginner’s Guide expounds the virtues of vegetarianism.
There are a lot of myths and false beliefs surrounding vegetarianism, with many believing that a vegetarian diet lacks certain nutrients and vitamins needed for balance and health. But Dr Vythilingam said a vegetarian diet contains everything you would need and a vegetarian meal actually provides more calories than a non-vegetarian one. However, a non-vegetarian diet contains more fats and cholesterol. In fact, because the stomach has to work harder to digest meat, people often feel tired after a non-vegetarian meal.
A vegetarian meal that contains grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables will ensure a balanced diet. Iron and calcium can be found in leafy greens. Almonds, chickpeas and soyabeans also contain calcium, while grains provide protein and fibre. Vitamin B12 is only needed in microscopic amounts, and most breads today are fortified with it.
A non-vegetarian diet however, leads to an overdose of protein. And that’s not all. Because our digestive system is ill-equipped for meat consumption, some of the meat remain in our bodies and rot.
“There are not enough enzymes to digest the meat fast enough,” said Dr Vythilingam. “Which means you’re putting all this dead meat in your stomach; it is like a graveyard. It is all rotting. And you do not know how fresh the meat is. To make the meat look red and fresh immediately after slaughtering, they put in nitrites and nitrates (carcinogens). But you can’t see that it’s rotting inside.”
“And look at animal diseases – mad cow disease, Japanese encephalitis, bird flu – all these are from animals. There are no such things in vegetables,” he added.
Another false belief is that vegetarians are all lean and thin, but few know that obese vegans and vegetarians do exist.
“This is because they consume more carbohydrates, more rice, and less of other things,” said Dr Vythilingam. “Again, you have to look at how the food is prepared. If they always consume deep-fried food, that will also increase the risk of diseases. We always advise vegetarians to be cautious.”
And vegetarians too can suffer from cancer if they consume too much saturated fat and deep-fried foods. But comparative studies have shown that the number of cancer sufferers among vegetarians is lower than among non-vegetarians.
Prof Nick Day of the University Of Cambridge and the European Prospective Study Into Cancer stated that there are 40% fewer cancers among vegetarians compared to the general population.
“It’s never too late to start a vegetarian diet,” advised Dr Vythilingam. “Human beings are the only ones on earth who can adapt to anything. You can’t give a cow a piece of chicken and condition the cow to eat it. And you don’t give grass to a tiger. But human beings can be ‘conditioned’.”
● World Meatless Day falls on Nov 25. The Malaysian Meatless Day campaign invites individuals and organisations to make a pledge to go meatless on that day. You can e-mail your pledge to penangmeatless@yahoo.com or fax it to 04-261 0126. All you have to say is “I hereby pledge to go meatless on Nov 25”. Name is required, but phone number and address are optional.
source: http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2011/11/23/health/9927049&sec=health
IN the booklet, Why Vegetarian? A Beginner’s Guide, produced by the Malaysian Vegetarian Society in the late 90s, the society’s first president, Sona Zakariya, voiced her hope that one day, instead of people asking, “Why are you a vegetarian?”, the question would instead be, “So how do you become a vegetarian?”
We often are bombarded by messages and advice telling us to “quit smoking”, “lessen sugar intake” and “cut down on fatty foods”. Some habits die hard, others die even harder. But habits can be broken, what more in human beings who are the most adaptable creatures on the planet.
According to Dr P. Vythilingam, current president of the Malaysian Vegetarian Society, there are more than one billion vegetarians in the world today, with about one million in Malaysia. And the numbers continue to grow, which should be proof enough that human beings can and do survive on a non-meat diet.
According to Dr P. Vythilingam, a vegetarian diet contains everything you would need, and a vegetarian meal actually provides more calories than a non-vegetarian one.
Today’s world provides even more reasons for one to switch to a vegetarian diet. If not for environmental or animal welfare reasons, then the very fact that humans are not anatomically equipped to handle the consumption of meat should be enough of a catalyst.
According to Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the term “omnivore” is dubious, as anthropologists and biologists have studied our evolutionary history and concluded that we are quite simply herbivores. Our stomach acidity and intestinal length all show that we cannot fully digest meat. And because we do not fully process the meat, we end up with excessive fat and cholesterol, something that does not occur in carnivores.
The Malaysian Vegetarian Society states that research has shown that vegetarians are less at risk of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cancers, bowel disorders, gall and kidney stones and osteoporosis.
William Castelli, former director of the Framingham Heart Study, once said: “Vegetarians have the best diet. They have the lowest rates of coronary disease of any group in the country (US) ... Some people scoff at vegetarians, but they have a fraction of our heart attack rate and they have only 40% of our cancer rate. On the average, they outlive other men by about six years now.”
Dr Vythilingam pointed to industrial farming practices that indirectly leads to the health problems faced by non-vegetarians – how the animals are bred and slaughtered, and the meat produced.
“There are a lot of antibiotics pumped into the animals (to keep them healthy in otherwise harsh living conditions),” he said. “There are the pesticides and DDT sprayed on the corn used for feeding livestock. And chickens, to make them grow faster, they are injected with hormones. This is why some people have hormone-related cancers.”
And whenever a cow is taken for slaughter, it becomes stressed and this increases the adrenaline inside its body, and this, in turn, affects the person who consumes the meat.
Further stress is inflicted on the animals in the form of the cutting of a pig’s tail (to prevent them biting each other in crowded pens), or the “debeaking” of a chick, all done without anaesthesia.
“They say the amount of DDT that is in livestock feed is 13 times more than the DDT on vegetables,” said Dr Vythilingam. “That’s a very dangerous level.”
Non-vegetarians usually argue that vegetables are also full of chemicals, so there is really no avoiding the danger.
But Dr Vythilingam said: “You can wash away the chemicals on the vegetables, but you cannot do the same with meat, because it is already inside the meat. If you put your vegetables under running water, most of it will be washed away. You can’t be washing every fibre in a piece of meat.”
He said organically-grown vegetables are, of course, preferable, but just washing your vegetables properly before cooking would also be enough.
Beginner’s Guide expounds the virtues of vegetarianism.
There are a lot of myths and false beliefs surrounding vegetarianism, with many believing that a vegetarian diet lacks certain nutrients and vitamins needed for balance and health. But Dr Vythilingam said a vegetarian diet contains everything you would need and a vegetarian meal actually provides more calories than a non-vegetarian one. However, a non-vegetarian diet contains more fats and cholesterol. In fact, because the stomach has to work harder to digest meat, people often feel tired after a non-vegetarian meal.
A vegetarian meal that contains grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables will ensure a balanced diet. Iron and calcium can be found in leafy greens. Almonds, chickpeas and soyabeans also contain calcium, while grains provide protein and fibre. Vitamin B12 is only needed in microscopic amounts, and most breads today are fortified with it.
A non-vegetarian diet however, leads to an overdose of protein. And that’s not all. Because our digestive system is ill-equipped for meat consumption, some of the meat remain in our bodies and rot.
“There are not enough enzymes to digest the meat fast enough,” said Dr Vythilingam. “Which means you’re putting all this dead meat in your stomach; it is like a graveyard. It is all rotting. And you do not know how fresh the meat is. To make the meat look red and fresh immediately after slaughtering, they put in nitrites and nitrates (carcinogens). But you can’t see that it’s rotting inside.”
“And look at animal diseases – mad cow disease, Japanese encephalitis, bird flu – all these are from animals. There are no such things in vegetables,” he added.
Another false belief is that vegetarians are all lean and thin, but few know that obese vegans and vegetarians do exist.
“This is because they consume more carbohydrates, more rice, and less of other things,” said Dr Vythilingam. “Again, you have to look at how the food is prepared. If they always consume deep-fried food, that will also increase the risk of diseases. We always advise vegetarians to be cautious.”
And vegetarians too can suffer from cancer if they consume too much saturated fat and deep-fried foods. But comparative studies have shown that the number of cancer sufferers among vegetarians is lower than among non-vegetarians.
Prof Nick Day of the University Of Cambridge and the European Prospective Study Into Cancer stated that there are 40% fewer cancers among vegetarians compared to the general population.
“It’s never too late to start a vegetarian diet,” advised Dr Vythilingam. “Human beings are the only ones on earth who can adapt to anything. You can’t give a cow a piece of chicken and condition the cow to eat it. And you don’t give grass to a tiger. But human beings can be ‘conditioned’.”
● World Meatless Day falls on Nov 25. The Malaysian Meatless Day campaign invites individuals and organisations to make a pledge to go meatless on that day. You can e-mail your pledge to penangmeatless@yahoo.com or fax it to 04-261 0126. All you have to say is “I hereby pledge to go meatless on Nov 25”. Name is required, but phone number and address are optional.
source: http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2011/11/23/health/9927049&sec=health
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Exxon Mobil: Gas, coal to stay as region’s main energy sources
KUALA LUMPUR: Natural gas and coal will continue to be the main energy sources in South-East Asia, said Exxon Mobil Corporation.
Senior energy advisor, corporate strategic planning department, David S. Reed said Malaysia would continue to see rising demand for electricity driven by the residential, commercial and industrial sectors, mainly for air conditioning.
He said gas and coal provide the lowest cost electricity generation in South-East Asian countries like Malaysia, and would contribute further to the increase in demand.
“Demand for coal and gas together for electricity production is expected to triple from 2005 to 2030,” he said in a media roundtable on ExxonMobil's Outlook for Energy here yesterday.
Reed said power generation demand increases the most volumetrically as electricity demand grows with higher incomes.
“Today, about 40% of the world's power comes from coal, while about 20% comes from natural gas.“However, the government will gain as natural gas produces up to 60% less CO2 emissions than coal,” he said. ExxonMobil projects global energy demand to rise by 35% from 2005 to 2030, even with substantial gains in efficiency across all regions around the world.
He said the world's energy supply was getting very diverse and would continue to be so, which signified a good trend.
Transportation energy demand in South-East Asia would nearly double going forward due to a rapid increase in the personal car fleet and road and marine freight movements, he added.
“Industrial demand growth is supported by growth in heavy industry such as steel and cement production and auto manufacturing,” he said.
It would take decades to make a meaningful change to the world's energy mix, but those changes were underway in South-East Asia and globally, he said.
Reed said the world was moving towards cleaner, more diverse energy sources. - Bernama
source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/19/business/9935793&sec=business#13216857348281&if_height=538
Senior energy advisor, corporate strategic planning department, David S. Reed said Malaysia would continue to see rising demand for electricity driven by the residential, commercial and industrial sectors, mainly for air conditioning.
He said gas and coal provide the lowest cost electricity generation in South-East Asian countries like Malaysia, and would contribute further to the increase in demand.
“Demand for coal and gas together for electricity production is expected to triple from 2005 to 2030,” he said in a media roundtable on ExxonMobil's Outlook for Energy here yesterday.
Reed said power generation demand increases the most volumetrically as electricity demand grows with higher incomes.
“Today, about 40% of the world's power comes from coal, while about 20% comes from natural gas.“However, the government will gain as natural gas produces up to 60% less CO2 emissions than coal,” he said. ExxonMobil projects global energy demand to rise by 35% from 2005 to 2030, even with substantial gains in efficiency across all regions around the world.
He said the world's energy supply was getting very diverse and would continue to be so, which signified a good trend.
Transportation energy demand in South-East Asia would nearly double going forward due to a rapid increase in the personal car fleet and road and marine freight movements, he added.
“Industrial demand growth is supported by growth in heavy industry such as steel and cement production and auto manufacturing,” he said.
It would take decades to make a meaningful change to the world's energy mix, but those changes were underway in South-East Asia and globally, he said.
Reed said the world was moving towards cleaner, more diverse energy sources. - Bernama
source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/19/business/9935793&sec=business#13216857348281&if_height=538
Friday, November 18, 2011
COMPUGT獲太陽能計劃
吉隆坡16日訊）今日成交最熾熱的COMPUGT控股（COMPUGT，5037，主板貿服組）獲沙巴園公司（Sabah Parks）頒發合約，以在海龜島公園（Turtle Island Park）供應及安裝6千瓦綠色太陽能混合系統。
該公司發文告指出, 實驗性計劃也是沙巴園打入綠色替代能源的首炮。
除了沙巴園，COMPUGT控股也正與其他政府機構及沙巴當地機構展開洽談，以提供綠色能源解決方案。（星洲日報／財經）
該公司發文告指出, 實驗性計劃也是沙巴園打入綠色替代能源的首炮。
除了沙巴園，COMPUGT控股也正與其他政府機構及沙巴當地機構展開洽談，以提供綠色能源解決方案。（星洲日報／財經）
Panasonic to build solar panel plant in M'sia reports Nikkei
TOKYO: Panasonic Corp will invest 50 billion yen ($645 million) to build a solar panel plant in Malaysia, to bolster output by a third to 900,000 kilowatts, the Nikkei business daily reported.
The plant, which will open in 2012, will be its first full-range production facility outside Japan that will make silicon wafers and complete final assembly of panels, the Nikkei said.
By building panels overseas the Japanese company is aiming to remain competitive as a strong yen at home pushes up production costs, the paper said
Panasonic, which has been touting environmental and energy technology as key growth areas, in October dropped a plan to convert a television plant into a solar power factory because of the strong yen and an industry price war. ($1 = 76.985 Japanese Yen)
source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/18/business/20111118075129&sec=business
The plant, which will open in 2012, will be its first full-range production facility outside Japan that will make silicon wafers and complete final assembly of panels, the Nikkei said.
By building panels overseas the Japanese company is aiming to remain competitive as a strong yen at home pushes up production costs, the paper said
Panasonic, which has been touting environmental and energy technology as key growth areas, in October dropped a plan to convert a television plant into a solar power factory because of the strong yen and an industry price war. ($1 = 76.985 Japanese Yen)
source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/11/18/business/20111118075129&sec=business
Thursday, November 17, 2011
First Solar to enlarge pool of Malaysia suppliers
KULIM Solar cell vendor First Solar Inc is looking to increase the local content of the photovoltaic (PV) solar modules it ships out of Malaysia by enlarging the pool of its local suppliers.
The company - via wholly-owned subsidiary First Solar Malaysia Sdn Bhd - currently sources between 20 per cent and 25 per cent of its materials from a pool of local vendors in sectors such as glass, packaging, labelling and the handling of semiconductor materials.
"We expect to see a greater role played in our manufacturing operations by small and medium-sized firms here next year.
"By the third quarter of 2012, First Solar will finalise how much more local content can be incorporated into our products," First Solar Malaysia's managing director P'ng Soo Hong told reporters during the company's milestone ce-lebrations of hitting a cumulative total of three gigawatts (GW) power worth of solar modules at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah yesterday.
The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.
First Solar Malaysia began operations in Kulim in 2007 with a single manufacturing plant and 109 employees.
Today, the company has six facilities and has grown its workforce to 3,500, while contributing some RM3.45 billion to the local economy since 2007.
P'ng said as First Solar works on growing its supplier base in Malaysia, providers of raw materials and spare parts needed for solar panels would be sought.
"The sustainable growth of our production is proof that the decision to make Malaysia the largest production hub for First Solar globally was the right one," he added.
A trade publication on photonics last year stated that First Solar had earmarked US$1 billion (RM3.17 billion) for 2011 to increase its total production capacity from 1.43 GW in 2010 to around 2.1 GW this year and 2.7 GW in 2012.
Meanwhile, Mukhriz in his speech said with the momentous output by First Solar currently, Malaysia is firming up its position as one of the largest solar panel producing nations."We are now overtaking much larger competitor nations as world-class companies start to expand their capacities in Malaysia."
source: http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/solar16/Article/index_html
The company - via wholly-owned subsidiary First Solar Malaysia Sdn Bhd - currently sources between 20 per cent and 25 per cent of its materials from a pool of local vendors in sectors such as glass, packaging, labelling and the handling of semiconductor materials.
"We expect to see a greater role played in our manufacturing operations by small and medium-sized firms here next year.
"By the third quarter of 2012, First Solar will finalise how much more local content can be incorporated into our products," First Solar Malaysia's managing director P'ng Soo Hong told reporters during the company's milestone ce-lebrations of hitting a cumulative total of three gigawatts (GW) power worth of solar modules at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah yesterday.
The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.
First Solar Malaysia began operations in Kulim in 2007 with a single manufacturing plant and 109 employees.
Today, the company has six facilities and has grown its workforce to 3,500, while contributing some RM3.45 billion to the local economy since 2007.
P'ng said as First Solar works on growing its supplier base in Malaysia, providers of raw materials and spare parts needed for solar panels would be sought.
"The sustainable growth of our production is proof that the decision to make Malaysia the largest production hub for First Solar globally was the right one," he added.
A trade publication on photonics last year stated that First Solar had earmarked US$1 billion (RM3.17 billion) for 2011 to increase its total production capacity from 1.43 GW in 2010 to around 2.1 GW this year and 2.7 GW in 2012.
Meanwhile, Mukhriz in his speech said with the momentous output by First Solar currently, Malaysia is firming up its position as one of the largest solar panel producing nations."We are now overtaking much larger competitor nations as world-class companies start to expand their capacities in Malaysia."
source: http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/solar16/Article/index_html
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Maybank starts US$500m clean energy fund
Maybank and Maybank MEACP Pte Ltd of Singapore have launched a US$500 million (RM1.568 billion) clean energy fund, which offers investors an opportunity to tap the growing interest in clean and renewable energy in Asia.
Maybank Investment Bank chief executive officer, Tengku Datuk Zafrul Tengku Aziz, said the ten-year private equity fund was targeted at global institutional investors with a minimum US$10 million investment.
"The fund will be invested in a diversified portfolio of clean energy projects in the Asia-Pacific focusing on China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos," he said.
Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony and launch of the fund here today, Zafrul said, the fund would prioritise power generation infrastructure projects using renewable sources.
He said to-date the fund has US$87.5 million, of which Maybank contributed US$50 million, Asia Development Bank US$20 million and International Finance Corp US$17.5 million.
Zafrul said the fund was dedicated for clean and energy projects in sectors such as wind, solar, geothermal, small hydro, biomass, bio fuels and energy efficiency.
"Through this fund Maybank is able to tap a sector with immense potential and attractive returns, while being a responsible corporate citizen in doing our part for the environment," he said.
The new fund will be co-managed by Maybank Ventures Sdn Bhd and Maybank MEACP Pte Ltd, a joint venture private equity fund manager set up by Maybank with private funds managers from Asia-Pacific and Middle East. - Bernama
Read more: Maybank starts US$500m clean energy fund http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111115191231/Article/index_html#ixzz1dm40AHRI
Maybank Investment Bank chief executive officer, Tengku Datuk Zafrul Tengku Aziz, said the ten-year private equity fund was targeted at global institutional investors with a minimum US$10 million investment.
"The fund will be invested in a diversified portfolio of clean energy projects in the Asia-Pacific focusing on China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos," he said.
Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony and launch of the fund here today, Zafrul said, the fund would prioritise power generation infrastructure projects using renewable sources.
He said to-date the fund has US$87.5 million, of which Maybank contributed US$50 million, Asia Development Bank US$20 million and International Finance Corp US$17.5 million.
Zafrul said the fund was dedicated for clean and energy projects in sectors such as wind, solar, geothermal, small hydro, biomass, bio fuels and energy efficiency.
"Through this fund Maybank is able to tap a sector with immense potential and attractive returns, while being a responsible corporate citizen in doing our part for the environment," he said.
The new fund will be co-managed by Maybank Ventures Sdn Bhd and Maybank MEACP Pte Ltd, a joint venture private equity fund manager set up by Maybank with private funds managers from Asia-Pacific and Middle East. - Bernama
Read more: Maybank starts US$500m clean energy fund http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111115191231/Article/index_html#ixzz1dm40AHRI
Saturday, November 12, 2011
ABB concept to revolutionize concentrating solar power plants
ABB concept to revolutionize concentrating solar power plants
2011-11-10 - ABB has launched a new concept for turnkey concentrating solar power plants based on a low-cost, highly efficient and highly scalable technology that uses considerably less material, land and water than any other CSP technology.
ABB and Novatec Solar, a company in which ABB is a shareholder, are together able to offer scalable turnkey solutions for revolutionary concentrating solar power (CSP) plants that are extremely quick, easy and cost effective to build and operate.
Based on Novatec Solar’s patented Fresnel-based CSP technology, the plants use 70 percent less material, require 40 percent less land and consume 80 percent less water per megawatt generated than parabolic trough designs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ABB-Novatec Solar concept can be used to generate energy in a wide range of applications including stand alone or hybrid power plants, as fuel savers in existing power plants, in desalination and district cooling plants, and in industrial processes that require steam.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is achieved through an innovative solar boiler design for direct steam generation based on linear Fresnel collector technology. Instead of the curved mirrors of a parabolic trough, the collectors use flat glass mirrors to reflect solar energy onto a receiver in which water is vaporized directly to produce superheated steam at temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 100 bars.
By using standard materials such as sheet plates and glass mirrors, the automated mass production of key components in locally erected production facilities, a fast and accurate assembly process, highly efficient land use, and a robotic cleaning system that uses very little water, the cost of building and operating the plants is kept exceptionally low, features that offer huge potential for global deployment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I was really impressed by the technology and its simplicity. This cost-effective solution and the very low amount of water needed, make it particularly suitable for installations in Algeria and all African countries experiencing difficult climate conditions.”
Bennaceur Fateh, expert engineer at Sonelgaz CEEG
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In September, this concept was introduced to some 50 customers from all over the world visiting two installations in Spain to learn more about the ABB-Novatec offering and see the simplicity and ingenuity of the technology at first hand.
The guests visited Novatec Solar’s 1.4 megawatt (MWe) demonstration plant in Murcia, which has been generating power for the Spanish power grid since 2009. Next to the site and currently under construction is the first commercial installation of the technology - a 30 MWe solar thermal power plant that is scheduled to start generating power for the grid in 2012.
A third plant in Australia demonstrates the versatility of the concept. When completed in early 2012 the 9.3 MWth plant will be the world’s first solar boiler contributing steam to drive the turbines and helping reduce carbon emissions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The concept fits very well with our products. In particular, it is possible to couple with it a power block with one of our steam turbines and generators. The high temperature achieved by the solution can play a significant role in the field of integrated solar gas turbine power plants. Compared to other technologies, the ratio of megawatt-hours per square meter is particularly favorable.”
Lucio Gallo, Vice President and Head of Renewables and Distributed Energies, Ansaldo Energia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to its role as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), ABB will also supply the electrical and control equipment for the plant and provide the all-important grid connection to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of the electricity generated to the power grid.
ABB already has a highly successful EPC concept for photovoltaic (PV) power plants, and has successful delivered 26 plants with a combined capacity of more than 120 MW in the past nine months alone (tbc). The largest of these plants has a generating capacity of 39 MW.
source: http://www.abb.com/cawp/seitp202/66052e8a3be4619fc12579430047917f.aspx
2011-11-10 - ABB has launched a new concept for turnkey concentrating solar power plants based on a low-cost, highly efficient and highly scalable technology that uses considerably less material, land and water than any other CSP technology.
ABB and Novatec Solar, a company in which ABB is a shareholder, are together able to offer scalable turnkey solutions for revolutionary concentrating solar power (CSP) plants that are extremely quick, easy and cost effective to build and operate.
Based on Novatec Solar’s patented Fresnel-based CSP technology, the plants use 70 percent less material, require 40 percent less land and consume 80 percent less water per megawatt generated than parabolic trough designs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ABB-Novatec Solar concept can be used to generate energy in a wide range of applications including stand alone or hybrid power plants, as fuel savers in existing power plants, in desalination and district cooling plants, and in industrial processes that require steam.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is achieved through an innovative solar boiler design for direct steam generation based on linear Fresnel collector technology. Instead of the curved mirrors of a parabolic trough, the collectors use flat glass mirrors to reflect solar energy onto a receiver in which water is vaporized directly to produce superheated steam at temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 100 bars.
By using standard materials such as sheet plates and glass mirrors, the automated mass production of key components in locally erected production facilities, a fast and accurate assembly process, highly efficient land use, and a robotic cleaning system that uses very little water, the cost of building and operating the plants is kept exceptionally low, features that offer huge potential for global deployment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I was really impressed by the technology and its simplicity. This cost-effective solution and the very low amount of water needed, make it particularly suitable for installations in Algeria and all African countries experiencing difficult climate conditions.”
Bennaceur Fateh, expert engineer at Sonelgaz CEEG
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In September, this concept was introduced to some 50 customers from all over the world visiting two installations in Spain to learn more about the ABB-Novatec offering and see the simplicity and ingenuity of the technology at first hand.
The guests visited Novatec Solar’s 1.4 megawatt (MWe) demonstration plant in Murcia, which has been generating power for the Spanish power grid since 2009. Next to the site and currently under construction is the first commercial installation of the technology - a 30 MWe solar thermal power plant that is scheduled to start generating power for the grid in 2012.
A third plant in Australia demonstrates the versatility of the concept. When completed in early 2012 the 9.3 MWth plant will be the world’s first solar boiler contributing steam to drive the turbines and helping reduce carbon emissions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The concept fits very well with our products. In particular, it is possible to couple with it a power block with one of our steam turbines and generators. The high temperature achieved by the solution can play a significant role in the field of integrated solar gas turbine power plants. Compared to other technologies, the ratio of megawatt-hours per square meter is particularly favorable.”
Lucio Gallo, Vice President and Head of Renewables and Distributed Energies, Ansaldo Energia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to its role as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), ABB will also supply the electrical and control equipment for the plant and provide the all-important grid connection to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of the electricity generated to the power grid.
ABB already has a highly successful EPC concept for photovoltaic (PV) power plants, and has successful delivered 26 plants with a combined capacity of more than 120 MW in the past nine months alone (tbc). The largest of these plants has a generating capacity of 39 MW.
source: http://www.abb.com/cawp/seitp202/66052e8a3be4619fc12579430047917f.aspx
Friday, November 4, 2011
Sell renewable energy by testing system tomorrow
PETALING JAYA: Those interested in applying for the feed-in-tariff (FiT) system a mechanism that allows individuals and others to sell electricity generated from renewable resources to utility firms are invited to test the e-Fit Online System tomorrow.
The three-day trial run is a chance for the public to familiarise themselves with the system before its Dec 1 launch.
The trial run was announced by Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn, chairman of Sustainable Energy Deve-lopment Authority (Seda) Malaysia, which manages and monitors the FiT programme.
FiT allows individuals or non-individuals to sell electricity generated from renewable energy resources back to power utility firms at a fixed premium price for a specific duration.
The four renewal energy resources that are eligible for FiT are biogas, biomass, small hydropower and solar photovoltaic.
Although allocations for FiT are based on a first-come-first-serve basis through the e-FiT Online System, there are quotas in place for each of the four resources.
According to Seda's website, the quotas are put in place to ensure there is enough funding for FiT payments to those participating as electricity generators.
The rules and guidelines for FiT are as yet unavailable, but a Seda spokesman said they would be put online by month's end.
Testing on seda.gov.my/gamma/ will be conducted from 10am on Nov 5 to 5pm on Nov 7.
Users are invited to e-mail their feedback to Seda Malaysia by Nov 8 at fit@seda.gov.my.
Source: The star
The three-day trial run is a chance for the public to familiarise themselves with the system before its Dec 1 launch.
The trial run was announced by Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn, chairman of Sustainable Energy Deve-lopment Authority (Seda) Malaysia, which manages and monitors the FiT programme.
FiT allows individuals or non-individuals to sell electricity generated from renewable energy resources back to power utility firms at a fixed premium price for a specific duration.
The four renewal energy resources that are eligible for FiT are biogas, biomass, small hydropower and solar photovoltaic.
Although allocations for FiT are based on a first-come-first-serve basis through the e-FiT Online System, there are quotas in place for each of the four resources.
According to Seda's website, the quotas are put in place to ensure there is enough funding for FiT payments to those participating as electricity generators.
The rules and guidelines for FiT are as yet unavailable, but a Seda spokesman said they would be put online by month's end.
Testing on seda.gov.my/gamma/ will be conducted from 10am on Nov 5 to 5pm on Nov 7.
Users are invited to e-mail their feedback to Seda Malaysia by Nov 8 at fit@seda.gov.my.
Source: The star
Proton hopes Govt will look into incentive policy for electric vehicles
SURREY (Britain): Malaysia's national car maker, Proton Holdings Bhd, hopes the government will look into an incentive policy or offer rebate for electric vehicles (EVs) to spur Malaysians to move to EVs.
Its Green Tech Department, Board Project director Datuk Zainuddin Che Din said the cost of the vehicle ownership was among the challenges in the implementation of the EVs or hybrid vehicles initiatives.
He said the Green Project Team is working with the United Kingdom-based Frazer-Nash Research Ltd to develop the Proton Saga EV and Proton Exora Extended Range EV (REEV) expected to roll out in the first half of 2013.
Citing examples, he said, the United States government provides US$7,500 tax credit, the Chinese government provides subsidies of up to US$8,800 for purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and UK Plug-in Car Grant offers 25 per cent discount up to a maximum 5,000 pounds for a new car.
Zainuddin said there was lack of awareness of the benefits and advantages in Malaysia for EV vehicles and relatively the cost would be higher than normal vehicles.
"The EV or better known as the hybrid industry is still new among Malaysians and the price will be higher due to high technology acquisition costs and high installation costs of charging stations," he told BERNAMA after briefing the Malaysian media on the progress of electrification plans for proton cars.
At the media briefing, Zainuddin said while the EVs would be cheaper to operate but purchasing would be costly, (therefore) it was important to promote the industry's growth.
He said incentives or rebates would be one way to attract Malaysians to buy EVs which would snowball to create awareness going forward.The Exora REEV has an on-board generator to recharge the battery-driven engine and the Proton Saga EV is purely battery-powered.
On demand, Zainuddin said if the government withdrew fuel subsidies, the petrol consumption would be less as compared to previous petrol quantity at the same price.
"So, demand for EVs would likely increase as people will perhaps look into moving to EVs and incentives will encourage them further," he added. - BERNAMA
source: The Star
Its Green Tech Department, Board Project director Datuk Zainuddin Che Din said the cost of the vehicle ownership was among the challenges in the implementation of the EVs or hybrid vehicles initiatives.
He said the Green Project Team is working with the United Kingdom-based Frazer-Nash Research Ltd to develop the Proton Saga EV and Proton Exora Extended Range EV (REEV) expected to roll out in the first half of 2013.
Citing examples, he said, the United States government provides US$7,500 tax credit, the Chinese government provides subsidies of up to US$8,800 for purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and UK Plug-in Car Grant offers 25 per cent discount up to a maximum 5,000 pounds for a new car.
Zainuddin said there was lack of awareness of the benefits and advantages in Malaysia for EV vehicles and relatively the cost would be higher than normal vehicles.
"The EV or better known as the hybrid industry is still new among Malaysians and the price will be higher due to high technology acquisition costs and high installation costs of charging stations," he told BERNAMA after briefing the Malaysian media on the progress of electrification plans for proton cars.
At the media briefing, Zainuddin said while the EVs would be cheaper to operate but purchasing would be costly, (therefore) it was important to promote the industry's growth.
He said incentives or rebates would be one way to attract Malaysians to buy EVs which would snowball to create awareness going forward.The Exora REEV has an on-board generator to recharge the battery-driven engine and the Proton Saga EV is purely battery-powered.
On demand, Zainuddin said if the government withdrew fuel subsidies, the petrol consumption would be less as compared to previous petrol quantity at the same price.
"So, demand for EVs would likely increase as people will perhaps look into moving to EVs and incentives will encourage them further," he added. - BERNAMA
source: The Star
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
i-MiEV註冊‧三菱首推電動車
大馬三菱汽車不久前在馬來西亞率先註冊了第一輛純電動車――三菱i-MiEV。
隨著i-MiEV的註冊，大馬三菱也將展開多項配合性活動，主旨在於喚醒公眾的醒覺意識，而全電動車的推介，主要的標在於協助減緩日漸暖化的氣候壓力。
i-MiEV的註冊，意味著愛車人有機會測試純電動車，從中瞭解革新車藝的研發背景，以及如何為零排廢的宏願盡一分力。
充電8小時
行駛160公里
i-MiEV的取名由來，源自於Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle，在友善的應用模式下，車主在家中可通過230伏特的電壓充電，8小時的充電過程，二廂四座五門掀背式的電動車，在時速130公里的駕駛狀態下，續航里程長達160公里。
2010年發售以來，三菱i-MiEV至今已在日本售出4千輛，海外銷售量更為標青，1萬輛以上的銷售量，登陸點包括歐洲、香港、澳洲、紐西蘭及智利等。
靈感源自三菱Minicab EV的i-MiEV，純電動車的驅動力，來自於鋰離子電池與永磁式電動馬達組合，最大馬力及最大扭力分別為49千瓦及180牛頓米。（星洲日報／投資致富‧車壇GoGo）
隨著i-MiEV的註冊，大馬三菱也將展開多項配合性活動，主旨在於喚醒公眾的醒覺意識，而全電動車的推介，主要的標在於協助減緩日漸暖化的氣候壓力。
i-MiEV的註冊，意味著愛車人有機會測試純電動車，從中瞭解革新車藝的研發背景，以及如何為零排廢的宏願盡一分力。
充電8小時
行駛160公里
i-MiEV的取名由來，源自於Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle，在友善的應用模式下，車主在家中可通過230伏特的電壓充電，8小時的充電過程，二廂四座五門掀背式的電動車，在時速130公里的駕駛狀態下，續航里程長達160公里。
2010年發售以來，三菱i-MiEV至今已在日本售出4千輛，海外銷售量更為標青，1萬輛以上的銷售量，登陸點包括歐洲、香港、澳洲、紐西蘭及智利等。
靈感源自三菱Minicab EV的i-MiEV，純電動車的驅動力，來自於鋰離子電池與永磁式電動馬達組合，最大馬力及最大扭力分別為49千瓦及180牛頓米。（星洲日報／投資致富‧車壇GoGo）
Tenaga faces gas shortage for 2-3 mths more
SINGAPORE: Malaysian energy utility Tenaga Nasional Bhd will have to deal with gas shortages for another two to three months, the country’s energy minister said on Tuesday.
“We have to grapple with this issue for the next two to three months. It is a maintenance issue rather than a complete lack of gas,” Malaysia’s Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Peter Chin said on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week conference.
Tenaga has been buying more expensive fuel oil to replace natural gas for electricity generation, which its chief executive has said cost the company an additional RM2.1 billion (US$684 million) in fuel costs for the second half of 2011. -- Reuters
Read more: Tenaga faces gas shortage for 2-3 mths more http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111101131145/Article/index_html#ixzz1cRVlaXKI
“We have to grapple with this issue for the next two to three months. It is a maintenance issue rather than a complete lack of gas,” Malaysia’s Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Peter Chin said on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week conference.
Tenaga has been buying more expensive fuel oil to replace natural gas for electricity generation, which its chief executive has said cost the company an additional RM2.1 billion (US$684 million) in fuel costs for the second half of 2011. -- Reuters
Read more: Tenaga faces gas shortage for 2-3 mths more http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111101131145/Article/index_html#ixzz1cRVlaXKI
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Renewable energy tariff bidding to go online from Dec
KUALA LUMPUR: Renewable energy (RE) producers will not automatically receive payment under the feed-in tariff (FiT) from December 2011.
Nevertheless, consumers in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, whose monthly electricity bills exceed RM77, will have to start paying an additional 1 per cent levy to subsidise RE producers from December 2011.
The FiT essentially guarantees RE producers a premium selling price over that generated from depleting and finite sources such as oil, gas and coal.
Power generated from sustainable sources that will benefit from FiT includes that of oil palm biomass, biogas, small hydro and solar.
Energy, Green Technology and Water minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin said, "RE producers need to go online and bid for the RE quota and the relevant FiT rate.
"This is because the FiT rate differs for different RE technologies and installed capacities."
Chin said this is the first time a government agency is facilitating FiT bidding via the Internet.
"This is to ensure a transparent application process. The online FiT application system is available from December 2011," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of memorandum of understanding between Flexo-research Malaysia and Flexoresearch Thailand here yesterday.
RE producers have to apply for licence from Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) via http://seda.gov.my/.
Chin said during the application for a FiT approval, an eligible producer will be required to submit the work plan for their RE installation/plant. Once the Feed-in-Approval is granted, Seda will closely monitor each RE installation/plant until commencement date is achieved.
This close monitoring is to prevent the applicant from monopolising the RE quota. This monitoring is important as once a FiT application has been approved, a portion of the RE fund will automatically be allocated to the approved applicant.
The minister said the RE quota is revised accordingly to take into account the reduced RE Fund availability.
To avoid any monopolisation of the RE quota, Chin said Seda's online system will track the RE installation/plant's milestones via the submitted work plan.
If any delays are detected, a notice will be sent to the applicant to request for an explanation for the delay. If the applicant fails to respond satisfactorily, then the application will be revoked.
When that happens, the fund committed to the applicant will be released, and this will return the allocated quota to the system.
"This is to prevent any abuse of the FiT system and to allow other interested parties to apply for the FiT," Chin added
Read more: Renewable energy tariff bidding to go online from Dec http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/REbid/Article/#ixzz1b8aqPvUS
Nevertheless, consumers in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, whose monthly electricity bills exceed RM77, will have to start paying an additional 1 per cent levy to subsidise RE producers from December 2011.
The FiT essentially guarantees RE producers a premium selling price over that generated from depleting and finite sources such as oil, gas and coal.
Power generated from sustainable sources that will benefit from FiT includes that of oil palm biomass, biogas, small hydro and solar.
Energy, Green Technology and Water minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin said, "RE producers need to go online and bid for the RE quota and the relevant FiT rate.
"This is because the FiT rate differs for different RE technologies and installed capacities."
Chin said this is the first time a government agency is facilitating FiT bidding via the Internet.
"This is to ensure a transparent application process. The online FiT application system is available from December 2011," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of memorandum of understanding between Flexo-research Malaysia and Flexoresearch Thailand here yesterday.
RE producers have to apply for licence from Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) via http://seda.gov.my/.
Chin said during the application for a FiT approval, an eligible producer will be required to submit the work plan for their RE installation/plant. Once the Feed-in-Approval is granted, Seda will closely monitor each RE installation/plant until commencement date is achieved.
This close monitoring is to prevent the applicant from monopolising the RE quota. This monitoring is important as once a FiT application has been approved, a portion of the RE fund will automatically be allocated to the approved applicant.
The minister said the RE quota is revised accordingly to take into account the reduced RE Fund availability.
To avoid any monopolisation of the RE quota, Chin said Seda's online system will track the RE installation/plant's milestones via the submitted work plan.
If any delays are detected, a notice will be sent to the applicant to request for an explanation for the delay. If the applicant fails to respond satisfactorily, then the application will be revoked.
When that happens, the fund committed to the applicant will be released, and this will return the allocated quota to the system.
"This is to prevent any abuse of the FiT system and to allow other interested parties to apply for the FiT," Chin added
Read more: Renewable energy tariff bidding to go online from Dec http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/REbid/Article/#ixzz1b8aqPvUS
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
More gas-fired power plants
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia plans to call for bids by as early as the first quarter of next year to help build gas-fired power plants in Peninsular Malaysia.
Energy Commission (EC) chairman, Tan Sri Ahmad Tajuddin Ali said the country will need another 4,500 megawatts (MW) from 2017 and all of that will be fuelled by gas.
The initial tender will be for a 750MW gas-fired plant.
"The 750MW is part of the 4,500MW that will be needed in 2017 ... We hope through this process, we will get offers that are competitive, so we will be able to maintain at least reasonable tariffs to the consumers," Ahmad Tajuddin told newsmen after launching the International Energy Regulatory Forum 2011 in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The EC is now preparing tender documents and is also in the midst of appointing consultants for the job.
Apart from saying that the power plants will be in Peninsular Malaysia, Ahmad Tajuddin did not say where they would be located.
Asked if there will be competitive bidding for the new jobs on offer, Ahmad Tajuddin said the bids will be based on an open competitive bidding process.
This year alone, two major power plant contracts have been given out by the government to help secure the country's future energy requirements.
The government recently awarded 1,000MW coal-fired power plant contracts to Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Malakoff Corp Bhd.
These power plants are being built in Manjung, Perak and Tanjung Bin, Johor, and are slated to be commissioned in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Read more: More gas-fired power plants http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ecbid-2/Article/index_html#ixzz1aXHQkUqf
Energy Commission (EC) chairman, Tan Sri Ahmad Tajuddin Ali said the country will need another 4,500 megawatts (MW) from 2017 and all of that will be fuelled by gas.
The initial tender will be for a 750MW gas-fired plant.
"The 750MW is part of the 4,500MW that will be needed in 2017 ... We hope through this process, we will get offers that are competitive, so we will be able to maintain at least reasonable tariffs to the consumers," Ahmad Tajuddin told newsmen after launching the International Energy Regulatory Forum 2011 in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The EC is now preparing tender documents and is also in the midst of appointing consultants for the job.
Apart from saying that the power plants will be in Peninsular Malaysia, Ahmad Tajuddin did not say where they would be located.
Asked if there will be competitive bidding for the new jobs on offer, Ahmad Tajuddin said the bids will be based on an open competitive bidding process.
This year alone, two major power plant contracts have been given out by the government to help secure the country's future energy requirements.
The government recently awarded 1,000MW coal-fired power plant contracts to Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Malakoff Corp Bhd.
These power plants are being built in Manjung, Perak and Tanjung Bin, Johor, and are slated to be commissioned in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Read more: More gas-fired power plants http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ecbid-2/Article/index_html#ixzz1aXHQkUqf
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Need to define 'green technology' clearly
THE newly announced duty exemption for franchise holders of electric vehicles and hybrid cars is a good initiative. However, such vehicles have a limited impact on cutting down carbon dioxide (CO2) emission.
Electric vehicles reduce exhaust pollution but do not help much to cut overall carbon emission. This is due to our high carbon emission in electricity generation and supply.
In Malaysia, electricity production efficiency is about 35 per cent. Each kiloWatthour releases 0.69 kg of CO2.
This electricity is converted to charge the battery of an electric car. If the efficiency of that electricity converter is only 60 per cent, the electric car's battery will be only 21 per cent efficient in the total use of electricity.
So, it wastes energy resources and emits more CO2 than direct combustion of fuel in an engine.
In many developed nations, energy efficiency is developed first and renewable energy (RE) is introduced after that.
Malaysia set up the Sustainable Energy Development Authority recently to govern small scale RE development. However, large-scale RE projects and research and development of RE are not governed by this agency. And there is a serious lack in energy efficiency.
There should be a clear definition, identification, standard, labelling and certification of what is green and otherwise. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a good tool to ensure this.
However, its adoption in Malaysia has been very slow due to lack of funding and database development. LCA will play a vital role in building Malaysia as a green technology hub.
* The writer is the president of Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER)
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/hippie/Article/
Read more: Need to define 'green technology' clearly http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/hippie/Article/#ixzz1aHPezPcO
Electric vehicles reduce exhaust pollution but do not help much to cut overall carbon emission. This is due to our high carbon emission in electricity generation and supply.
In Malaysia, electricity production efficiency is about 35 per cent. Each kiloWatthour releases 0.69 kg of CO2.
This electricity is converted to charge the battery of an electric car. If the efficiency of that electricity converter is only 60 per cent, the electric car's battery will be only 21 per cent efficient in the total use of electricity.
So, it wastes energy resources and emits more CO2 than direct combustion of fuel in an engine.
In many developed nations, energy efficiency is developed first and renewable energy (RE) is introduced after that.
Malaysia set up the Sustainable Energy Development Authority recently to govern small scale RE development. However, large-scale RE projects and research and development of RE are not governed by this agency. And there is a serious lack in energy efficiency.
There should be a clear definition, identification, standard, labelling and certification of what is green and otherwise. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a good tool to ensure this.
However, its adoption in Malaysia has been very slow due to lack of funding and database development. LCA will play a vital role in building Malaysia as a green technology hub.
* The writer is the president of Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER)
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/hippie/Article/
Read more: Need to define 'green technology' clearly http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/hippie/Article/#ixzz1aHPezPcO
Proton sees fillip to green car ownership
The government's efforts in driving the "green" initiative as outlined in the 2012 Budget, will encourage market acceptance and further motivate Malaysians to own green vehicles, says Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton).
Its Group Managing Director, Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said: "This is a positive point for Proton as we are moving towards this direction with the development of green vehicles, namely the Saga EV and Exora REEV."
Both cars are now being put on road-trial via Proton's Fleeting Testing Vehicle (FTV) Programme with the government, he said in a statement today.
However, he hoped, that this will be subsequently followed with more initiatives by the government to further encourage the take-up of such vehicles, including measures to reduce cost of ownership and localisation of related component parts.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in tabling the 2012 Budget in Parliament yesterday, proposed a full exemption of import and excise duty on hybrid and electric cars to continue to be given to franchise holders, to promote green technology and ensure sustainable development of the industry.
Meanwhile, Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) Managing Director, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said the 2012 Budget will definitely help lessen the impact of global economic challenges. -- Bernama
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111008153932/Article/index_html
Its Group Managing Director, Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said: "This is a positive point for Proton as we are moving towards this direction with the development of green vehicles, namely the Saga EV and Exora REEV."
Both cars are now being put on road-trial via Proton's Fleeting Testing Vehicle (FTV) Programme with the government, he said in a statement today.
However, he hoped, that this will be subsequently followed with more initiatives by the government to further encourage the take-up of such vehicles, including measures to reduce cost of ownership and localisation of related component parts.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in tabling the 2012 Budget in Parliament yesterday, proposed a full exemption of import and excise duty on hybrid and electric cars to continue to be given to franchise holders, to promote green technology and ensure sustainable development of the industry.
Meanwhile, Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) Managing Director, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said the 2012 Budget will definitely help lessen the impact of global economic challenges. -- Bernama
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111008153932/Article/index_html
Malaysian-funded solar water for children in Ladakh
LEH: A group of Malaysians has proven that charity is borderless and colour blind.
For almost a decade, Buddhist Gem Fellowship (BGF) members have been rendering humanitarian services to underprivileged children in remote Ladakh, a parched Himalayan mountainous region in Jammu and Kashmir, in northern India.
Using funds, largely donated by a low-profile Malaysian woman philanthropist, they cheer up nearly 500 mountainous children at monasteries and schools in the Leh Valley in Ladakh.
The philanthropist-funded solar water system provides hot water, underground water supply and irrigation system to water vegetables and fruit trees in the arid land of the monasteries.
"Now, there is a 24-hour hot water supply at eight buildings, even in winter," BGF member Charlie Chia Lui Meng, who had been spearheading these projects, told Bernama.
In the sprawling Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Leh, a sizeable Malaysian charity helps local children go to school and provide basic needs to many, aged between five and 15.
"Children from 65 villages from the high mountains live here (monastery and boarding schools) and our focus is on helping poor and backward families.
"Malaysian-sponsored projects, big or small, are a big help for us and they have been our big supporters," said Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder and chief monk of Mahabodhi.
In 1986, the former soldier-turned-monk started the centre to help spread spiritual teachings and offer social services for people in the remote Ladakh.
Today, as the harsh Himalayan winter approaches, the centre provides shelter to the aged, those with impaired vision, boarding school students and little monks and nuns living at an altitude of 3,500m. - Bernama
source:the star
For almost a decade, Buddhist Gem Fellowship (BGF) members have been rendering humanitarian services to underprivileged children in remote Ladakh, a parched Himalayan mountainous region in Jammu and Kashmir, in northern India.
Using funds, largely donated by a low-profile Malaysian woman philanthropist, they cheer up nearly 500 mountainous children at monasteries and schools in the Leh Valley in Ladakh.
The philanthropist-funded solar water system provides hot water, underground water supply and irrigation system to water vegetables and fruit trees in the arid land of the monasteries.
"Now, there is a 24-hour hot water supply at eight buildings, even in winter," BGF member Charlie Chia Lui Meng, who had been spearheading these projects, told Bernama.
In the sprawling Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Leh, a sizeable Malaysian charity helps local children go to school and provide basic needs to many, aged between five and 15.
"Children from 65 villages from the high mountains live here (monastery and boarding schools) and our focus is on helping poor and backward families.
"Malaysian-sponsored projects, big or small, are a big help for us and they have been our big supporters," said Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder and chief monk of Mahabodhi.
In 1986, the former soldier-turned-monk started the centre to help spread spiritual teachings and offer social services for people in the remote Ladakh.
Today, as the harsh Himalayan winter approaches, the centre provides shelter to the aged, those with impaired vision, boarding school students and little monks and nuns living at an altitude of 3,500m. - Bernama
source:the star
2012財政預算案‧優惠延長2年‧混動車免稅至2013年
吉隆坡7日訊）2012年財政預算案建議，進口油電混合系統（Hybrid）汽車或電子車享有100%豁免入口稅及國產稅的優惠，將延長2年至2013年。
政府在2011年財政預算案中，為了把大馬打造成為本區域的油電混合系統汽車中心，宣佈從2011年1月至2011年12月31日期間，讓引進整裝進口（CBU）的油電混合系統新車與電子車，100%豁免進口稅及國產稅。
為了進一步提昇油電混合系統汽車在大馬使用率，政府建議將上述優惠延長2年。
須符合特定條規要享有上述免稅措施必須符合一定的條規，包括油電混合車必須符合聯合國的定義（在驅動汽車方面，車子至少擁有兩種不同的能源轉換器及能源儲存系統）、引擎容積低於2千CC的載客新車、引擎規格至少符合歐盟3型（Euro3）標準。
同時，車子須通過陸路交通局確認為油電混合系統，取得‘車輛類型認證’，同時和其他以汽油驅動的汽車相比，在城市駕駛的耗油量證實能節省不少過50%、在城市和高速公路行駛節省不少過25%，每公里的排碳量也不能超過2.3克。
至於電子車必須符合聯合國的定義，僅限整裝進口（CBU）、擁有低於100kw電力引擎的全新電子車。
2012年財政預算案】
（星洲日報）
http://www.sinchew-i.com/sciWWW/node/244712?tid=783
政府在2011年財政預算案中，為了把大馬打造成為本區域的油電混合系統汽車中心，宣佈從2011年1月至2011年12月31日期間，讓引進整裝進口（CBU）的油電混合系統新車與電子車，100%豁免進口稅及國產稅。
為了進一步提昇油電混合系統汽車在大馬使用率，政府建議將上述優惠延長2年。
須符合特定條規要享有上述免稅措施必須符合一定的條規，包括油電混合車必須符合聯合國的定義（在驅動汽車方面，車子至少擁有兩種不同的能源轉換器及能源儲存系統）、引擎容積低於2千CC的載客新車、引擎規格至少符合歐盟3型（Euro3）標準。
同時，車子須通過陸路交通局確認為油電混合系統，取得‘車輛類型認證’，同時和其他以汽油驅動的汽車相比，在城市駕駛的耗油量證實能節省不少過50%、在城市和高速公路行駛節省不少過25%，每公里的排碳量也不能超過2.3克。
至於電子車必須符合聯合國的定義，僅限整裝進口（CBU）、擁有低於100kw電力引擎的全新電子車。
2012年財政預算案】
（星洲日報）
http://www.sinchew-i.com/sciWWW/node/244712?tid=783
Monday, October 3, 2011
Air con at 24°C ‘will save govt RM100m’
PUTRAJAYA: The government can save about RM100 million a year when the 24,300 government premises observe the 24° Celsius temperature limit for air conditioning.
The measure will be implemented as soon as the chief secretary to the government issues a circular.
Public Works Department directorgeneral Datuk Mohd Noor Yaacob said some of these premises comprised three to five buildings.
He said increasing the temperature by a degree could save five per cent of the energy that went towards air conditioning.
The department’s building here, he said, could save up to RM60,000 a year by setting the air conditioning temperature at 24°C.
“This is definitely a good practice as the money saved could be channelled to other uses. We could use it to maintain roads and other facilities,” Noor said in an interview.
He said the government was spending RM3.5 billion annually on utilities, including electricity, water and phone bills.
Asked about online comments that the government should focus on bigger things, Noor said even the three “R” campaign — reduce, reuse and recycle — was based on small efforts. “If we can’t do the small things well, how can we do the big things?” In August, the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry ordered all government offices to set their airconditioning no lower than 24ºC. In every government office, at least 40 per cent of energy consumed goes to air-conditioning.
The order will be extended to the private sector by 2013.
Energy Commission senior executive (Demand Side Management) Zul Azri Hamidon said government offices accounted for about 17 per cent of commercial floor space, while the remaining 83 per cent was for non-government buildings nationwide, including offices and shopping complexes.
The floor space calculated is based on the size of the building.
“This means that non-government buildings can save up to five times what government premises can save,” Zul Azri sai
Read more: Air con at 24°C ‘will save govt RM100m’ http://www.nst.com.my/articles/2011100301101820111003011018/Article//Article#ixzz1Zh2NeWY1
The measure will be implemented as soon as the chief secretary to the government issues a circular.
Public Works Department directorgeneral Datuk Mohd Noor Yaacob said some of these premises comprised three to five buildings.
He said increasing the temperature by a degree could save five per cent of the energy that went towards air conditioning.
The department’s building here, he said, could save up to RM60,000 a year by setting the air conditioning temperature at 24°C.
“This is definitely a good practice as the money saved could be channelled to other uses. We could use it to maintain roads and other facilities,” Noor said in an interview.
He said the government was spending RM3.5 billion annually on utilities, including electricity, water and phone bills.
Asked about online comments that the government should focus on bigger things, Noor said even the three “R” campaign — reduce, reuse and recycle — was based on small efforts. “If we can’t do the small things well, how can we do the big things?” In August, the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry ordered all government offices to set their airconditioning no lower than 24ºC. In every government office, at least 40 per cent of energy consumed goes to air-conditioning.
The order will be extended to the private sector by 2013.
Energy Commission senior executive (Demand Side Management) Zul Azri Hamidon said government offices accounted for about 17 per cent of commercial floor space, while the remaining 83 per cent was for non-government buildings nationwide, including offices and shopping complexes.
The floor space calculated is based on the size of the building.
“This means that non-government buildings can save up to five times what government premises can save,” Zul Azri sai
Read more: Air con at 24°C ‘will save govt RM100m’ http://www.nst.com.my/articles/2011100301101820111003011018/Article//Article#ixzz1Zh2NeWY1
Thailand : The World's Largest 73MW Micro Amorphous Solar Power PLant (Is sun fueled by Sharp)
An Aeriel View of the world's largest thin film silicon solar power plant in Lopburi, Thailand that will generate 73MW of electricity in 2011 with over 500,000 SHARP solar panels to power 70,000 homes.( value calculated on the basic of the average home in Thailand consuming 1438.8kW per year.
Friday, September 30, 2011
TNB: No knowledge of break-up plan
PETALING JAYA: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) said it has no knowledge of any plan to break-up the power company into three units to reform the energy sector.
It said this in a filing with Bursa Malaysia in responding to a news article that a proposal on the break-up was being looking into.
The company said this “was never discussed with TNB and that TNB has no knowledge of this matter”.
On Wednesday, StarBiz quoted Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry secretary-general Datuk Loo Took Gee as saying that the Government was looking into the proposal to split TNB into the three units but said the matter was “under study” and declined to elaborate further.
Source:The star
It said this in a filing with Bursa Malaysia in responding to a news article that a proposal on the break-up was being looking into.
The company said this “was never discussed with TNB and that TNB has no knowledge of this matter”.
On Wednesday, StarBiz quoted Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry secretary-general Datuk Loo Took Gee as saying that the Government was looking into the proposal to split TNB into the three units but said the matter was “under study” and declined to elaborate further.
Source:The star
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Cypark, LG in solar farm deal
SEREMBAN: Cypark Resources Bhd, the country's largest publicly traded renewable energy company, has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea's LG Electronics to help develop a solar farm in Pajam, Negri Sembilan.
Under the deal, the South Korean company will become Cypark's technology partner and EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor for the RM94 million solar project.
Cypark had on Thursday, after the market close, sought a one-day trading suspension, presumably to announce the deal.
Yesterday, the company signed a financing agreement with HSBC Amanah Malaysia to finance the Pajam plant.
It also announced that the company had received a letter from the state government, granting rights for a 21-year lease of the land.
Chief executive officer Daud Ahmad explained that the bulk of the capital expenditure for the project is via debt.
Cypark has secured RM75 million financing loan from HSBC Amanah for the project, while the balance RM19 million will come from internally generated funds.
The solar park will be developed in three stages on a 12.15ha land and will consist of two plants, which will eventually be connected to the power grid.
The first phase, a 160 kilowatt solar project, was launched in March by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak
The second phase, an eight megawatt (MW) solar energy plant, will start operating in December, while the third phase for a 2MW biogas energy will be operational by March 2012.
"Currently, we are connecting in progress ... It is very important that we do the first phase because the first phase will set whether the remaining of the other phases is viable," Daud said.
He also said renewable energy will become a major contributor to Cypark's revenue.
He expects the energy business to generate some RM20 million a year for the company.
"Our main focus will be on the landfills in Negri Sembilan before moving into land in states such as Perlis and Terengganu," he said
Read more: Cypark, LG in solar farm deal http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/cypark2/Article/index_html#ixzz1YrQwMMIC
Under the deal, the South Korean company will become Cypark's technology partner and EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor for the RM94 million solar project.
Cypark had on Thursday, after the market close, sought a one-day trading suspension, presumably to announce the deal.
Yesterday, the company signed a financing agreement with HSBC Amanah Malaysia to finance the Pajam plant.
It also announced that the company had received a letter from the state government, granting rights for a 21-year lease of the land.
Chief executive officer Daud Ahmad explained that the bulk of the capital expenditure for the project is via debt.
Cypark has secured RM75 million financing loan from HSBC Amanah for the project, while the balance RM19 million will come from internally generated funds.
The solar park will be developed in three stages on a 12.15ha land and will consist of two plants, which will eventually be connected to the power grid.
The first phase, a 160 kilowatt solar project, was launched in March by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak
The second phase, an eight megawatt (MW) solar energy plant, will start operating in December, while the third phase for a 2MW biogas energy will be operational by March 2012.
"Currently, we are connecting in progress ... It is very important that we do the first phase because the first phase will set whether the remaining of the other phases is viable," Daud said.
He also said renewable energy will become a major contributor to Cypark's revenue.
He expects the energy business to generate some RM20 million a year for the company.
"Our main focus will be on the landfills in Negri Sembilan before moving into land in states such as Perlis and Terengganu," he said
Read more: Cypark, LG in solar farm deal http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/cypark2/Article/index_html#ixzz1YrQwMMIC
Gas shortage, fuel cost affecting rating performance of TNB
PETALING JAYA: Gas supply shortage and high fuel cost are affecting Tenaga Nasional Bhd's (TNB) rating performance, with analysts dowgrading the stock on concern that solutions are nowhere to be seen.
TNB closed at RM5.02 yesterday, up two sen, with 3.98 million shares changing hands.
ECM Libra Investment Research, in its downgrade of TNB to “hold”, noted heightened risks as a result of the prolonged gas curtailment.
This was following a news report that TNB had bought 105,000 tonnes of fuel for October delivery and expected to continue purchasing steady volumes until next year.
ECM Libra said the news signalled that the much-awaited gas recovery at the Bekok C field, offshore Terengganu, had been delayed again.
"The previous timeline for Bekok C gas to be back online was by end-September. With this latest purchase of oil delivery in October, it looks very likely that the gas recovery has yet again been delayed,” it said.
TNB had estimated that for every 100 million standard cu ft per day of gas shortage that was met by burning oil and distillates (which was six times more expensive), the negative impact to the bottom line was about RM7mil to RM7.5mil a day.
Chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohd Noh was quoted in the media as saying that TNB was incurring an additional RM400mil a month in fuel cost to replace the gas shortfall.
“On a separate note, the utility giant has realised its 11-month electricity sales figures, which showed a year-on-year unit demand growth of 3%.
“This is within our full-year estimate of 2.2%. August's demand is expected to be weak due to the Hari Raya festive season,” ECM Libra said.
The brokerage has pegged the utility's financial year 2012 (FY12) earnings per share estimate to a lower price/earnings multiple of 12.8 times, which was a 15% discount to the five-year average of 15 times.
“We currently do not have good visibility as to when the gas shortage issue will be solved. The many delays in getting back gas supply from Bekok C field have been disappointing,” it said.
“Right now, nobody knows for sure when the Bekok C gas field will be back online or whether Petroliam Nasional Bhd's gas fields will have further unplanned maintenance shutdowns.”
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Kenanga Research downgraded TNB to “underweight” from “neutral” as the utility company faced longer-than-expected gas supply curtailments.
This was largely due to the delay in the Bekok gas line, resulting in higher usage of medium fuel oil and diesel fuels which, based on per unit cost, is six times higher than that of gas, it said.
TNB closed at RM5.02 yesterday, up two sen, with 3.98 million shares changing hands.
ECM Libra Investment Research, in its downgrade of TNB to “hold”, noted heightened risks as a result of the prolonged gas curtailment.
This was following a news report that TNB had bought 105,000 tonnes of fuel for October delivery and expected to continue purchasing steady volumes until next year.
ECM Libra said the news signalled that the much-awaited gas recovery at the Bekok C field, offshore Terengganu, had been delayed again.
"The previous timeline for Bekok C gas to be back online was by end-September. With this latest purchase of oil delivery in October, it looks very likely that the gas recovery has yet again been delayed,” it said.
TNB had estimated that for every 100 million standard cu ft per day of gas shortage that was met by burning oil and distillates (which was six times more expensive), the negative impact to the bottom line was about RM7mil to RM7.5mil a day.
Chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohd Noh was quoted in the media as saying that TNB was incurring an additional RM400mil a month in fuel cost to replace the gas shortfall.
“On a separate note, the utility giant has realised its 11-month electricity sales figures, which showed a year-on-year unit demand growth of 3%.
“This is within our full-year estimate of 2.2%. August's demand is expected to be weak due to the Hari Raya festive season,” ECM Libra said.
The brokerage has pegged the utility's financial year 2012 (FY12) earnings per share estimate to a lower price/earnings multiple of 12.8 times, which was a 15% discount to the five-year average of 15 times.
“We currently do not have good visibility as to when the gas shortage issue will be solved. The many delays in getting back gas supply from Bekok C field have been disappointing,” it said.
“Right now, nobody knows for sure when the Bekok C gas field will be back online or whether Petroliam Nasional Bhd's gas fields will have further unplanned maintenance shutdowns.”
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Kenanga Research downgraded TNB to “underweight” from “neutral” as the utility company faced longer-than-expected gas supply curtailments.
This was largely due to the delay in the Bekok gas line, resulting in higher usage of medium fuel oil and diesel fuels which, based on per unit cost, is six times higher than that of gas, it said.
Exim Bank evaluates RM500m green loans
KUALA LUMPUR: Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (Exim
Bank) is evaluating loan applications close to RM500 million for green echnology projects in sync with the government’s call for financial nstitutions to support such projects.
Managing director and chief executive officer Adissadikin Ali said the bank ad received several applications from Malaysian companies involved in green echnology projects overseas particularly in the Asian region.
"We are currently evaluating loan applications for construction of public housing projects using the industrialised building systems (IBS) concept in a few countries in South Asia, the Middle East and Australasia,” he told BERNAMA.
Adissadikin said over the last three months, the company received many enquiries for green technology and renewable energy projects in some Asian countries and these include mini-hydro, biomass and incinerator projects.
He is bullish on the green technology sector and expects to receive overwhelming response from domestic firms for such projects.
"The world is going green and the first to go green are the developed countries. The developing and less-developed nations will follow suit,” he said.
Adissadikin also said Exim Bank, which sees a growing number of loan applications for cross-border trade finance, targets 30 per cent of its total loans to be approved next year to come from the sector.
The bank aims to approve deals worth RM3 billion for next year. “We are growing our trade financing numbers. There are now demand for trade finance from non-traditional markets like Kazakhstan,” he said.
For the last six months, trade finance projects made up about 40 per cent of the RM1.7 billion that was sanctioned to finance 54 deals, he said.
"These are financing for Malaysian companies such as the small-and medium-sized-enterprises (SMEs) that produced locally and sell overseas.
They are involved in palm oil, processed rubber and other products that are manufactured locally and exported.
The major destination of palm oil is the traditional export market for Malaysia, particularly China, India and other developed countries,” he said.
Adissadikin also said the current world economic situation may not severely affect the bank as the slowdown has also hit other parts of the world, mainly in Europe and the United States.
"Asia is still going strong and 60 per cent of our exposure is in Asia,” he added. - Bernama
Read more: Exim Bank evaluates RM500m green loans http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110921110716/Article/index_html#ixzz1YpHd0F9c
Bank) is evaluating loan applications close to RM500 million for green echnology projects in sync with the government’s call for financial nstitutions to support such projects.
Managing director and chief executive officer Adissadikin Ali said the bank ad received several applications from Malaysian companies involved in green echnology projects overseas particularly in the Asian region.
"We are currently evaluating loan applications for construction of public housing projects using the industrialised building systems (IBS) concept in a few countries in South Asia, the Middle East and Australasia,” he told BERNAMA.
Adissadikin said over the last three months, the company received many enquiries for green technology and renewable energy projects in some Asian countries and these include mini-hydro, biomass and incinerator projects.
He is bullish on the green technology sector and expects to receive overwhelming response from domestic firms for such projects.
"The world is going green and the first to go green are the developed countries. The developing and less-developed nations will follow suit,” he said.
Adissadikin also said Exim Bank, which sees a growing number of loan applications for cross-border trade finance, targets 30 per cent of its total loans to be approved next year to come from the sector.
The bank aims to approve deals worth RM3 billion for next year. “We are growing our trade financing numbers. There are now demand for trade finance from non-traditional markets like Kazakhstan,” he said.
For the last six months, trade finance projects made up about 40 per cent of the RM1.7 billion that was sanctioned to finance 54 deals, he said.
"These are financing for Malaysian companies such as the small-and medium-sized-enterprises (SMEs) that produced locally and sell overseas.
They are involved in palm oil, processed rubber and other products that are manufactured locally and exported.
The major destination of palm oil is the traditional export market for Malaysia, particularly China, India and other developed countries,” he said.
Adissadikin also said the current world economic situation may not severely affect the bank as the slowdown has also hit other parts of the world, mainly in Europe and the United States.
"Asia is still going strong and 60 per cent of our exposure is in Asia,” he added. - Bernama
Read more: Exim Bank evaluates RM500m green loans http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110921110716/Article/index_html#ixzz1YpHd0F9c
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Those with energy bills of between RM3 and RM285 can claim RM200 rebate
PUTRAJAYA: From today, more people can qualify for the RM200 government rebate when they buy energy-efficient refrigerators.
The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry has decided to allow those with energy bills of between RM3 and RM285 per month to claim the RM200 rebate for refrigerators it rates as effi-cient.
Previously, only households in peninsular Malaysia with energy bills of between RM43.60 and RM117 per month could claim the rebate when buying new refrigerators.
Consumers can also look forward to more choices for refrigerators under the rebate programme as the ministry is including more brands. Currently, it only covers 12 brands.
The ministry's Sustainability Achieved via Energy Efficiency (SAVE) programme head Zaini Abdul Wahab said it was important to extend the eligibility for the rebates as Malaysia was now becoming a “dumping ground” for non-energy saving appliances.
“In the future, only products with a certain efficiency level will be able to enter our market. Many other countries are already doing this,” he said, adding that the Government wanted to regulate the market in terms of energy performance.
He said allowing more people to enjoy the rebates would also increase awareness among Malaysians on the importance of saving energy.
Zaini said the original power usage range under the programme between 200 and 400kWh per month had been introduced to encourage middle-class households to buy energy-efficient appliances.
He said since the programme was launched on July 7, more than 17,000 customers had downloaded and printed the SAVE rebate coupons from its website at www.saveenergy.gov.my.
“The response has been positive. Of those who printed coupons, 77% bough a five-star rated electrical appliance.
“The ministry will now open the offer to more households by expanding the qualifying range to 0-800kwh power usage per month, which means an energy bill of between RM3 to RM285,” said Zaini.
Under the programme, consumers can download the rebates of RM200 for refrigerators and RM100 for air-conditioners from the website.
However, although the qualification for the RM100 rebate for air-conditioners is automatic, not every household in the peninsula can be eligible for the refrigerator rebate, unlike households in Sabah and Sarawak.
He said one reason that all households were automatically eligible for air-conditioner rebates was because the market in Malaysia was growing very quickly.
“We feel that the rebates for refrigerators and air-conditioners are sufficient for now because these two are our biggest markets. We cannot afford to offer rebates for every appliance,” he said.
The rebate is one-off and the downloaded voucher is valid for only a certain period. Once it expires, consumers cannot download the voucher again.
Consumers need only enter their Tenaga Nasional account number at the website to see if they qualify before they can download and print the voucher.
Currently, 4,000 retail outlets are registered for the programmes.
SAVE has set aside RM41mil for the rebate programme for consumers including RM14.4mil for energy-efficient chillers for commercial users like shopping malls and hotels.
source : The Star
The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry has decided to allow those with energy bills of between RM3 and RM285 per month to claim the RM200 rebate for refrigerators it rates as effi-cient.
Previously, only households in peninsular Malaysia with energy bills of between RM43.60 and RM117 per month could claim the rebate when buying new refrigerators.
Consumers can also look forward to more choices for refrigerators under the rebate programme as the ministry is including more brands. Currently, it only covers 12 brands.
The ministry's Sustainability Achieved via Energy Efficiency (SAVE) programme head Zaini Abdul Wahab said it was important to extend the eligibility for the rebates as Malaysia was now becoming a “dumping ground” for non-energy saving appliances.
“In the future, only products with a certain efficiency level will be able to enter our market. Many other countries are already doing this,” he said, adding that the Government wanted to regulate the market in terms of energy performance.
He said allowing more people to enjoy the rebates would also increase awareness among Malaysians on the importance of saving energy.
Zaini said the original power usage range under the programme between 200 and 400kWh per month had been introduced to encourage middle-class households to buy energy-efficient appliances.
He said since the programme was launched on July 7, more than 17,000 customers had downloaded and printed the SAVE rebate coupons from its website at www.saveenergy.gov.my.
“The response has been positive. Of those who printed coupons, 77% bough a five-star rated electrical appliance.
“The ministry will now open the offer to more households by expanding the qualifying range to 0-800kwh power usage per month, which means an energy bill of between RM3 to RM285,” said Zaini.
Under the programme, consumers can download the rebates of RM200 for refrigerators and RM100 for air-conditioners from the website.
However, although the qualification for the RM100 rebate for air-conditioners is automatic, not every household in the peninsula can be eligible for the refrigerator rebate, unlike households in Sabah and Sarawak.
He said one reason that all households were automatically eligible for air-conditioner rebates was because the market in Malaysia was growing very quickly.
“We feel that the rebates for refrigerators and air-conditioners are sufficient for now because these two are our biggest markets. We cannot afford to offer rebates for every appliance,” he said.
The rebate is one-off and the downloaded voucher is valid for only a certain period. Once it expires, consumers cannot download the voucher again.
Consumers need only enter their Tenaga Nasional account number at the website to see if they qualify before they can download and print the voucher.
Currently, 4,000 retail outlets are registered for the programmes.
SAVE has set aside RM41mil for the rebate programme for consumers including RM14.4mil for energy-efficient chillers for commercial users like shopping malls and hotels.
source : The Star
Monday, September 19, 2011
California schools saving with Solar Power
Courtesy: CNN
(CNN) -- California schools are hurting. Budget cuts in the millions are causing school districts to find ways to save cash.
Some schools have laid off staff. Others have increased class sizes. And some have spent millions on solar panels to trim their electricity bills.
With the help of low-interest loans from the federal government, the San Ramon Valley Unified School
District installed 10,000 photovoltaic panels at five schools.
It was one of 90 systems in California, including some colleges, to do so.
Those panels should create enough electricity to offset 67% to 75% of each school's electrical use, a San Ramon Valley official said. The savings initially will be used to pay back the loans, which came from federal stimulus funds, officials said.
My favourite comment: " Until the Chinese got involved big-time, the price of photovoltaics dropped about 10 percent over a twenty-five year period, In the last two years, they have dropped 70 percent. Good for the Chinese."
Some people claim this is a bad business move, let's see what they say in 6 years time when the solar installation has been paid off! I personally think this is a great move for the long term.
Best Regards,
Mark & Michael,
The Greencrusader.org Team
(CNN) -- California schools are hurting. Budget cuts in the millions are causing school districts to find ways to save cash.
Some schools have laid off staff. Others have increased class sizes. And some have spent millions on solar panels to trim their electricity bills.
With the help of low-interest loans from the federal government, the San Ramon Valley Unified School
District installed 10,000 photovoltaic panels at five schools.
It was one of 90 systems in California, including some colleges, to do so.
Those panels should create enough electricity to offset 67% to 75% of each school's electrical use, a San Ramon Valley official said. The savings initially will be used to pay back the loans, which came from federal stimulus funds, officials said.
My favourite comment: " Until the Chinese got involved big-time, the price of photovoltaics dropped about 10 percent over a twenty-five year period, In the last two years, they have dropped 70 percent. Good for the Chinese."
Some people claim this is a bad business move, let's see what they say in 6 years time when the solar installation has been paid off! I personally think this is a great move for the long term.
Best Regards,
Mark & Michael,
The Greencrusader.org Team
Saturday, September 17, 2011
TNB to issue RM5bil sukuk for Janamanjung plant soon
PETALING JAYA: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) will raise RM5bil from a 20-year ringgit-denominated sukuk issuance at the end of next month to finance the extension of its Janamanjung power plant.
This comes at a time when the national utility company is facing a severe gas supply shortage that may result in it incurring additional fuel cost.
In a Bernama report on Thursday, TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohd Noh said the group would do its book-building exercise in the third week of October. “The timing is good as the domestic market is now flush with liquidity,” he said.
In April, TNB awarded French group Alstom a 650-million-euro (RM2.8bil) contract to build the Janamanjung 1,000-MW supercritical coal-fired power plant.
Alstom will engineer, procure, construct and commission a 1,000-MW steam turbine, a generator, a supercritical boiler and auxiliaries. The plant is expected to come online in 2015.
The plant will be the single largest in South-East Asia and will produce enough electricity to power nearly two million households in the country.
The project follows TNB's 1999 contract with Alstom to build the currently operating 2,100-MW Manjung coal-fired power plant.
The supercritical power plant operates at a higher temperature than regular coal-fired power plants. Its high temperature increases the pressure at which it operates, which in turn improves its efficiency, increasing the amount of power output and decreasing emission per unit of fuel burned.
Meanwhile, TNB is still bogged down by cost concerns whereby it may incur additional fuel costs of up to RM3bil.
On Tuesday, Che Khalib said the company's fourth-quarter performance would be weak and his earnings estimate for 2011 had gone haywire and had been cut by more than 50%, marred by a continued gas supply shortage.
Analysts have said the gas shortage might only be permanently resolved by the second half of 2012, when Petronas Gas' regasification terminal in Malacca was operational and Malaysia started importing liquefied natural gas at market prices.
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/9/17/business/9517953&sec=business
This comes at a time when the national utility company is facing a severe gas supply shortage that may result in it incurring additional fuel cost.
In a Bernama report on Thursday, TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohd Noh said the group would do its book-building exercise in the third week of October. “The timing is good as the domestic market is now flush with liquidity,” he said.
In April, TNB awarded French group Alstom a 650-million-euro (RM2.8bil) contract to build the Janamanjung 1,000-MW supercritical coal-fired power plant.
Alstom will engineer, procure, construct and commission a 1,000-MW steam turbine, a generator, a supercritical boiler and auxiliaries. The plant is expected to come online in 2015.
The plant will be the single largest in South-East Asia and will produce enough electricity to power nearly two million households in the country.
The project follows TNB's 1999 contract with Alstom to build the currently operating 2,100-MW Manjung coal-fired power plant.
The supercritical power plant operates at a higher temperature than regular coal-fired power plants. Its high temperature increases the pressure at which it operates, which in turn improves its efficiency, increasing the amount of power output and decreasing emission per unit of fuel burned.
Meanwhile, TNB is still bogged down by cost concerns whereby it may incur additional fuel costs of up to RM3bil.
On Tuesday, Che Khalib said the company's fourth-quarter performance would be weak and his earnings estimate for 2011 had gone haywire and had been cut by more than 50%, marred by a continued gas supply shortage.
Analysts have said the gas shortage might only be permanently resolved by the second half of 2012, when Petronas Gas' regasification terminal in Malacca was operational and Malaysia started importing liquefied natural gas at market prices.
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/9/17/business/9517953&sec=business
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Proton goes electric
PUTRAJAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd’s global compact electric and hybrid car, Emas, could enter the market in two to three years, its chairman, Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh, said.
The electric vehicle, designed by Italdesign Giugiaro and developed by Proton, was first unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show last year.
Emas, short for Eco Mobility Advance Solution, is a plug-in electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV).
The compact car’s powertrain could include a turbocharged small engine of 1.2-litre capacity, or lower.
Proton is currently fleet-testing the Exora REEV and Saga EV to assess their potential.
The national car maker yesterday handed over five Exora REEVs and three Saga EVs to the government to be test driven. This would be the first step before mass-producing them.
The vehicles were received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in a ceremony witnessed by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is also Proton’s adviser.
Others who took delivery of the vehicles at the PM’s Department were Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir and Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.
This is the first phase of fleet testing, a collaboration between Proton, the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry and International Trade and Industry Ministry.
Nadzmi said 250 electric-powered cars would be handed to the government in phases for fleet-testing by the year-end or early next year.
“We want to deliver them as fast as possible.”
Proton will get feedback from the testing, covering the technological aspects, design and performance of the vehicles.
Charging stations provided by Proton will be at the Prime Minister’s Department and the four minis tries.
The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry, in a statement, said that a charging system for home use would be supplied to motorists who will be identified from the PM’s Department and the four ministries.
According to Dr Mahathir, Proton took three years to develop the vehicles.
“We hope that Proton will one day produce trucks and buses using this system which reduces the use of petrol by relying on batteries to power the engine.”
Read more: Proton goes electric http://www.nst.com.my/articles/Protongoeselectric/Article//Article#ixzz1XykP2yVP
The electric vehicle, designed by Italdesign Giugiaro and developed by Proton, was first unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show last year.
Emas, short for Eco Mobility Advance Solution, is a plug-in electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV).
The compact car’s powertrain could include a turbocharged small engine of 1.2-litre capacity, or lower.
Proton is currently fleet-testing the Exora REEV and Saga EV to assess their potential.
The national car maker yesterday handed over five Exora REEVs and three Saga EVs to the government to be test driven. This would be the first step before mass-producing them.
The vehicles were received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in a ceremony witnessed by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is also Proton’s adviser.
Others who took delivery of the vehicles at the PM’s Department were Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir and Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.
This is the first phase of fleet testing, a collaboration between Proton, the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry and International Trade and Industry Ministry.
Nadzmi said 250 electric-powered cars would be handed to the government in phases for fleet-testing by the year-end or early next year.
“We want to deliver them as fast as possible.”
Proton will get feedback from the testing, covering the technological aspects, design and performance of the vehicles.
Charging stations provided by Proton will be at the Prime Minister’s Department and the four minis tries.
The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry, in a statement, said that a charging system for home use would be supplied to motorists who will be identified from the PM’s Department and the four ministries.
According to Dr Mahathir, Proton took three years to develop the vehicles.
“We hope that Proton will one day produce trucks and buses using this system which reduces the use of petrol by relying on batteries to power the engine.”
Read more: Proton goes electric http://www.nst.com.my/articles/Protongoeselectric/Article//Article#ixzz1XykP2yVP
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
TNB: Gas shortage may force us to borrow
Kuala Lumpur: For the first time ever, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) may have to go to the banks to seek money for its operational expenditure if the gas supply shortage persists next year.
TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said the company had spent close to RM2.1 billion from January 2010 to August this year to substitute gas with distillates (diesel) as a temporary measure.
Distillates cost five times more than gas.
"We have never asked for opex (operational expenditure) before. This would be our first time ever. All this while we kept going to the banks for capex (capital expenditure)," he told reporters after TNB's Hari Raya Open House yesterday.
We cannot go on like this. Right now, the additional cost is being incurred by us through our reserves. We used to have RM5 billion (in reserves) which have depleted and we cannot finance that kind of money for next year all by ourselves anymore," Che Khalib added.
TNB has proposed to the government that the extra fuel costs be shared between the utility, Petronas and IPPs (independent power producers).
"This is bleeding the company now. If that proposal comes through, then we won't go to the banks for opex, but if it doesn't, then we have no choice, but to head to the banks," he added.
TNB expects the cost for distillates to reach an estimated RM3 billion by the end of this year.
"This is why we don't think we can do well this year. Don't expect our fourth quarter results to be good, it will be bad or possibly the worst ever result," Che Khalib added.
However, he said consumers will not have to worry because any additional cost will not be passed on to them.
The gas problem would only end after Malaysia's first liquefied natural gas import terminal in Malacca is up by next July.
"We really hope it comes up on time," he added.
Read more: TNB: Gas shortage may force us to borrow http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/jrtnb/Article/index_html#ixzz1Xt8nLv8w
TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said the company had spent close to RM2.1 billion from January 2010 to August this year to substitute gas with distillates (diesel) as a temporary measure.
Distillates cost five times more than gas.
"We have never asked for opex (operational expenditure) before. This would be our first time ever. All this while we kept going to the banks for capex (capital expenditure)," he told reporters after TNB's Hari Raya Open House yesterday.
We cannot go on like this. Right now, the additional cost is being incurred by us through our reserves. We used to have RM5 billion (in reserves) which have depleted and we cannot finance that kind of money for next year all by ourselves anymore," Che Khalib added.
TNB has proposed to the government that the extra fuel costs be shared between the utility, Petronas and IPPs (independent power producers).
"This is bleeding the company now. If that proposal comes through, then we won't go to the banks for opex, but if it doesn't, then we have no choice, but to head to the banks," he added.
TNB expects the cost for distillates to reach an estimated RM3 billion by the end of this year.
"This is why we don't think we can do well this year. Don't expect our fourth quarter results to be good, it will be bad or possibly the worst ever result," Che Khalib added.
However, he said consumers will not have to worry because any additional cost will not be passed on to them.
The gas problem would only end after Malaysia's first liquefied natural gas import terminal in Malacca is up by next July.
"We really hope it comes up on time," he added.
Read more: TNB: Gas shortage may force us to borrow http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/jrtnb/Article/index_html#ixzz1Xt8nLv8w
Monday, September 12, 2011
KL to go car-free for a day
KUALA LUMPUR: Could city folk, particularly those in congested business districts, be willing to do without their cars for only one day -- the World Car-Free Day on Sept 22?
Although awareness of environmental concerns brought about by emissions and the need to ease traffic congestion seemed to be on the rise, little efforts to garner public involvement towards solutions have been in place.
The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) is calling attention to the World Car-Free Day from the public and the authorities.
"This is now a global effort, but so far, Malaysia has never been part of the World Car-Free Day, let alone organise our own car-free days," said MNCF deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad.
The World Car-Free Day was initiated in 1994 upon a presentation by the EcoPlan team at the International Accessible Cities Conference in Toledo, Spain.
The project states that car-free days should generally be held on Thursdays as they demonstrate the effects of doing without cars on a regular working day.
This has resulted in cities around the world, even some of the most congested like, Jakarta, adopting the project, either on a once-a-year basis, or with more frequency.
Jakarta holds car-free days on Sundays fortnightly, where a triangular connection of the city's three busiest roads are closed to motorised vehicles.
Millions of the city's inhabitants swarm those streets to cycle and jog on those car-free Sundays.
"A car-free day is when people do without cars and find other means of commuting, be it by public transport, bicycles or a combination of the two," said Naim.
He added that the MNCF had been part of discussions to conduct programmes with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and other government agencies to promote bicycles as a healthy and environmentally-friendly means of commuting.
"Nothing has been done before, but we can start with this year's World Car-Free Day. The government, too, has to take notice."
Naim said the MNCF's Cycling For All Committee was willing to work with the government and the public to draw up plans to ensure cities were made more conducive for those willing to commute by bicycles.
"The public transport system needs to be more bicycle-friendly.
"We need to find out what the barriers are and propose projects to solve these issues. The public needs to be heard and the government needs to listen."
The MNCF has monitored the growth in the recreational segment of cycling and believes there is room for such an idea to be developed.
"A number of corporate figures and even politicians are avid cyclists who cycle for fitness," said Naim.
"We have respected figures who can set the example, but whether they see their bicycle as a suitable mode of commuting remains to be seen."
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek will begin his quest to lead by example today, when his entourage rides from his office in Putrajaya to Bukit Jalil, where he will evaluate the progress on the ministry's Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house venue.
Read more: KL to go car-free for a day http://www.nst.com.my/articles/6cars/Article//Article#ixzz1XhJE29mK
Although awareness of environmental concerns brought about by emissions and the need to ease traffic congestion seemed to be on the rise, little efforts to garner public involvement towards solutions have been in place.
The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) is calling attention to the World Car-Free Day from the public and the authorities.
"This is now a global effort, but so far, Malaysia has never been part of the World Car-Free Day, let alone organise our own car-free days," said MNCF deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad.
The World Car-Free Day was initiated in 1994 upon a presentation by the EcoPlan team at the International Accessible Cities Conference in Toledo, Spain.
The project states that car-free days should generally be held on Thursdays as they demonstrate the effects of doing without cars on a regular working day.
This has resulted in cities around the world, even some of the most congested like, Jakarta, adopting the project, either on a once-a-year basis, or with more frequency.
Jakarta holds car-free days on Sundays fortnightly, where a triangular connection of the city's three busiest roads are closed to motorised vehicles.
Millions of the city's inhabitants swarm those streets to cycle and jog on those car-free Sundays.
"A car-free day is when people do without cars and find other means of commuting, be it by public transport, bicycles or a combination of the two," said Naim.
He added that the MNCF had been part of discussions to conduct programmes with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and other government agencies to promote bicycles as a healthy and environmentally-friendly means of commuting.
"Nothing has been done before, but we can start with this year's World Car-Free Day. The government, too, has to take notice."
Naim said the MNCF's Cycling For All Committee was willing to work with the government and the public to draw up plans to ensure cities were made more conducive for those willing to commute by bicycles.
"The public transport system needs to be more bicycle-friendly.
"We need to find out what the barriers are and propose projects to solve these issues. The public needs to be heard and the government needs to listen."
The MNCF has monitored the growth in the recreational segment of cycling and believes there is room for such an idea to be developed.
"A number of corporate figures and even politicians are avid cyclists who cycle for fitness," said Naim.
"We have respected figures who can set the example, but whether they see their bicycle as a suitable mode of commuting remains to be seen."
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek will begin his quest to lead by example today, when his entourage rides from his office in Putrajaya to Bukit Jalil, where he will evaluate the progress on the ministry's Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house venue.
Read more: KL to go car-free for a day http://www.nst.com.my/articles/6cars/Article//Article#ixzz1XhJE29mK
Friday, September 9, 2011
Do you want to earn money from your home ?Selling Solar energy to Grid in Malaysia
The implementation of Feed in tariff will launch very soon.However, alot of info such as how the RE funding and the objective of RE Act and related info are available for Malaysian as below link:
http://www.mbipv.net.my/content.asp?zoneid=6&categoryid=34
One of the most interesting for us is to find out how much we can earn if we install solar panel at our home and sell the solar generated electricity to TNB (Malaysia Utility company). From the official website, below is the Feed in Tariff rate offer to customers that interested to participate this special RE programme. This RE programme expected to effective up to 21 years with annual degression rate of 8% of from the initial offer price.
http://www.mbipv.net.my/content.asp?zoneid=6&categoryid=34
One of the most interesting for us is to find out how much we can earn if we install solar panel at our home and sell the solar generated electricity to TNB (Malaysia Utility company). From the official website, below is the Feed in Tariff rate offer to customers that interested to participate this special RE programme. This RE programme expected to effective up to 21 years with annual degression rate of 8% of from the initial offer price.
source: Malaysia Feed In Tariff Handbook
Q What is a ‘degression’? What does it mean and why is there a need for one?
Tariff degression refers to the annual reduction of renewable energy tariffs. The rate of reduction depends on the maturity and the existing cost reduction potential. Tariff degression applies to all technologies and will only affect a developer every time he/she comes applies for the FiT.
For example, a home owner (A) installs a Solar PV system in year 1 and signs an agreement with TNB at an FiT rate of RM1.75 per kWh. Home owner (A) will continue to receive this rate throughout his/her agreement duration of 21 yrs. A year after home owner (A) installs the system, his/her neighbour, (B) decides to install a PV system in his/her home too. By year 2 the FiT rate has now reduced by 8% to RM1.61 per kWh. Therefore, home owner (B) will now have a 21-year contract with the TNB selling their PV electricity at RM1.61 per kWh. This form of degression rewards the early movers of RE in the country and also promotes cost reduction of the RE technology.
Source: FAQ Feed in Tariff
電費逾RM77.40多繳1%‧供設永續基金‧12月起生效
吉隆坡9日訊）能源、綠色工藝及水務部長拿督斯里陳華貴宣佈，從12月1日起，每月用電逾300千瓦特或電費77令吉40仙以上的家庭用戶，需額外繳付1%費用，以成立永續能源發展機構（SEDA）基金。
他說，政府每半年將檢討1%的收費是否足夠，以回購再生能源；同時，政府將不斷評估，以瞭解這項新機制是否奏效，再決定未來是否需要調整收費。
他說，政府是於9月1日成立大馬永續能源發展機構，以管理和執行“電力收購制”（FEED-IN TARIFF，FIT），推動國內再生能源的發展。國能向用戶收取的額外1%電費，將轉交給該機構作為發展基金。
舉例說，如果家庭用戶每月的電費是200令吉，用戶需額外繳付2令吉。
陳華貴在新聞發佈會上說，人民若欲追求更干凈和更有效的能源，就需繳付更高電費，這屬於全球趨勢。
馮鎮安受委主席
他也宣佈，前人力資源部長丹斯里馮鎮安受委為“大馬永續能源發展機構”主席，該機構將從12月1日起正式運作。
陳華貴指出，如果用戶在住家建置太陽能，投資年限長達21年，若是生物氣體（bio-gas）和生物質量（Biomass）則是16年。
陳華貴鼓勵家庭用戶向大馬永續能源發展機構申請再生能源發電系統。有關家庭用戶將裝置兩個電費錶，一個是國能的電錶，另一個則是SEDA機構的電錶，以輸出或“賣電”給電力分銷商。
目前全球已有68個國家採用FIT制度，包括德國、泰國、韓國和日本。大馬的起步已落後其他國家。
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
新聞背景
再生能源賣回給分銷商
2011年再生能源法令制定了“電力收購制”，以把再生能源生產者生產的再生能源，銜接至電力供應線，同時由電力分銷商優先採購這些再生能源。
所謂的FIT，即是政府提供給建置再生能源發電系統的業者、團體或個人一個保證購回電價的價格，並持續一段時間，以讓投資者可以得到一定的回收。
(星洲日報）
他說，政府每半年將檢討1%的收費是否足夠，以回購再生能源；同時，政府將不斷評估，以瞭解這項新機制是否奏效，再決定未來是否需要調整收費。
他說，政府是於9月1日成立大馬永續能源發展機構，以管理和執行“電力收購制”（FEED-IN TARIFF，FIT），推動國內再生能源的發展。國能向用戶收取的額外1%電費，將轉交給該機構作為發展基金。
舉例說，如果家庭用戶每月的電費是200令吉，用戶需額外繳付2令吉。
陳華貴在新聞發佈會上說，人民若欲追求更干凈和更有效的能源，就需繳付更高電費，這屬於全球趨勢。
馮鎮安受委主席
他也宣佈，前人力資源部長丹斯里馮鎮安受委為“大馬永續能源發展機構”主席，該機構將從12月1日起正式運作。
陳華貴指出，如果用戶在住家建置太陽能，投資年限長達21年，若是生物氣體（bio-gas）和生物質量（Biomass）則是16年。
陳華貴鼓勵家庭用戶向大馬永續能源發展機構申請再生能源發電系統。有關家庭用戶將裝置兩個電費錶，一個是國能的電錶，另一個則是SEDA機構的電錶，以輸出或“賣電”給電力分銷商。
目前全球已有68個國家採用FIT制度，包括德國、泰國、韓國和日本。大馬的起步已落後其他國家。
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
新聞背景
再生能源賣回給分銷商
2011年再生能源法令制定了“電力收購制”，以把再生能源生產者生產的再生能源，銜接至電力供應線，同時由電力分銷商優先採購這些再生能源。
所謂的FIT，即是政府提供給建置再生能源發電系統的業者、團體或個人一個保證購回電價的價格，並持續一段時間，以讓投資者可以得到一定的回收。
(星洲日報）
GE, GreenTech in green initiative pact
General Electric International Inc (GE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Malaysian Green Technology
Corp (GreenTech), a government agency under the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, to collaborate on green initiatives of strategic interests in Malaysia.
Regional managing director of business development, GE Asean, Rahul Gupta, said under the MOU, GE and GreenTech would endeavour to cooperate and explore the feasibility of an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and framework for private, public and commercial application.
"We will work towards developing the blueprint for an EV infrastructure framework in Malaysia," he said at the signing of the MOU here today.
The signing of the MOU was held in conjunction with the second annual International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia 2011 (IGEM), which is held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Sept 7-9.
GE is showcasing its flagship "Sustainable Cities" concept at the IGEM. Rahul said the initiative would entail joint lobbying to raise public and government awareness on the EV framework, as well as running EV pilot tests in several locations across Malaysia and working with GE's partners and stakeholders with regards to this effort.
"We believe that a strategic collaboration is beneficial for both parties as we work towards the development and promotion of green technology and services in Malaysia, in transforming the country into a green technology hub," he said.
GE and GreenTech, he said, would also collaborate on public awareness campaigns to promote green technology and sustainability initiatives.
Chief executive officer of GreenTech Malaysia, Dr Nazily Mohd Noor, said the MOU would explore collaborations in projects involving the design, planning and implementation of a new government certification or standards for green technology development.
"The collaboration will also provide a platform for both parties to jointly influence policy formulation and regulatory framework through consultation and participation in relevant roundtablde discussions with the Malaysian government on the National Green Technology policy and related policy initiatives," he said. -- Bernama
Corp (GreenTech), a government agency under the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, to collaborate on green initiatives of strategic interests in Malaysia.
Regional managing director of business development, GE Asean, Rahul Gupta, said under the MOU, GE and GreenTech would endeavour to cooperate and explore the feasibility of an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and framework for private, public and commercial application.
"We will work towards developing the blueprint for an EV infrastructure framework in Malaysia," he said at the signing of the MOU here today.
The signing of the MOU was held in conjunction with the second annual International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia 2011 (IGEM), which is held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Sept 7-9.
GE is showcasing its flagship "Sustainable Cities" concept at the IGEM. Rahul said the initiative would entail joint lobbying to raise public and government awareness on the EV framework, as well as running EV pilot tests in several locations across Malaysia and working with GE's partners and stakeholders with regards to this effort.
"We believe that a strategic collaboration is beneficial for both parties as we work towards the development and promotion of green technology and services in Malaysia, in transforming the country into a green technology hub," he said.
GE and GreenTech, he said, would also collaborate on public awareness campaigns to promote green technology and sustainability initiatives.
Chief executive officer of GreenTech Malaysia, Dr Nazily Mohd Noor, said the MOU would explore collaborations in projects involving the design, planning and implementation of a new government certification or standards for green technology development.
"The collaboration will also provide a platform for both parties to jointly influence policy formulation and regulatory framework through consultation and participation in relevant roundtablde discussions with the Malaysian government on the National Green Technology policy and related policy initiatives," he said. -- Bernama
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