13 9 月, 2021

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Osaka Gas Acquire Clean Energy Solution, Brighter Future Solar Project

TOKYO, Sep 13, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group in partnership with Osaka Gas USA has purchased equity interest in the Brighter Future Solar Farm from project developer Oriden, an MHI Group company. The solar photovoltaic (PV) project will provide 11 megawatts of clean power for Blue Ridge Energy in North Carolina, United States. Following project completion, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc. (MHIA) and Osaka Gas USA will manage day-to-day operations.The solar power plant currently under constructionMHI Group is committed to building an innovative solutions ecosystem to realize a carbon neutral future. The global company identifies investment opportunities in carbon reduction projects and climate tech start-ups to accelerate its energy transition activities.The Brighter Future Solar project aligns with that goal. It will generate and send 19,000 megawatt hours of carbon-free electricity into the grid annually. The project will enable Blue Ridge Energy to work toward its low cost, low carbon future that has two significant carbon reduction targets: to achieve 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Blue Ridge Energy will purchase the full output of the project through a 25-year fully bundled Power Purchase Agreement."MHI Group and Osaka Gas have a long history of collaboration and partnership," said Yoshihiro Shiraiwa, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America. "As we look toward the next few decades, we must work closely with new and existing partners to develop new business models that advance our goals for the energy transition. This partnership starts us on that path.""Osaka Gas USA is pleased to partner with MHI Group on this project and hopes to expand our longstanding relationship through future collaboration," said Tetsushi Ikuta, President of Osaka Gas USA. "Through this investment, we look forward to providing low-cost clean energy to ratepayers in North Carolina, while continuing our transition to a greener portfolio."The Brighter Future Solar investment establishes a new business model for MHI Group. Oriden is a company backed by the MHI Group company Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc., an industry leader in energy solutions including power generation. The existing Oriden-MHI Group relationship strengthens co-investors' trust.Masahiro Ogiso, President, Oriden, said, "Our custom-built Brighter Future Solar project in conjunction with MHI Group's investment will enable cost savings and allow Blue Ridge Energy to sustainably serve its members. Together with our partners and customers, we are creating a Change in Power."OridenLocated in Pittsburgh, Oriden develops, constructs, finances, owns and operates renewable energy projects throughout the United States. As local governments, public institutions and corporations prioritize cleaner sources for their energy needs, they want a developer with the ingenuity, the agility and the speed of a start-up - a fearless pioneer. But they also want to mitigate risk with a proven veteran that has the financial strength and experience to develop, commercialize, operate and own a highly complex project. Oriden is a full-service renewable energy developer funded by Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc., an industry leader in energy solutions including power generation. For more information, please visit www.oridenpower.com.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, logistics & infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on www.spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

8 9 月, 2021

Distributed Energy System Built on the Bitcoin Lightning Network (BLN) and Whive Protocol, Piloted in East Africa

TALLINN, EE, Sep 8, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - BitHub Africa in collaboration with Hivos East Africa deployed its first blockchain-backed sustainable energy workable solution called the Melanin Smart Box (MSBX) at a Maasai village known as Singiraine in Kajiado, Kenya. This deployment follows five years of research and development by BitHub Africa at its research lab in Nairobi.Solar & Blockchain Documentary, BitHub Africa & Hivos East Africa Partnership https://youtu.be/L2rS1P5ph_QSolar PV Panels Installed on Singiraine Dispensary RoofBitHub Africa & Melanin Solar Research & Development TeamInstallation of Melanin Solar Smart Box (MSBX) by Vendor in SingiraineSolar & Blockchain Documentary, BitHub Africa & Hivos East Africa Partnership https://youtu.be/L2rS1P5ph_QThese efforts were made possible in partnership with the County Government of Kajiado, allowing for the installation of the initial pilot phase at a local dispensary, school and church within the village. The community has applauded the project, which they say is proving to be highly valuable to them."There was no proper lighting in many local institutions at the village coupled with insecurity at night. Since we got Melanin Solar, we have made savings on costs that would go towards purchasing petrol," Village Elder, Singiraine village.Melanin Solar, one of the forerunner projects by BitHub Africa and the first of its kind in Africa uses blockchain technology, leveraging both the Bitcoin Lightning Network (BLN) and the Whive Protocol. As a result, communities can share energy amongst themselves over the BLN as well as store excess energy in the form of Whive digital tokens.The BLN is a second layer network built on Bitcoin's blockchain that enables transactions to be automated by the MSBX in real-time, while decreasing the costs associated with using Bitcoin's layer 1 blockchain.The Whive blockchain protocol launched on 02/02/2020 is a peer-to-peer (p2p) blockchain protocol that is incentivizing the building of sustainable energy solutions through trustless rewards enabling users to convert excess solar energy into blockchain-based digital tokens, a process known as digital energy storage.As a green-first blockchain protocol, one of Whive's outstanding features is CPU mining; optimized to accelerate solar mining adoption. The protocol can also be used for other Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) projects, particularly in wind and mini-hydro projects in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations.The Whive utility token has since been exposed to market conditions after its listing on the SWFT Exchange in Singapore. BitHub Africa, was also instrumental in the development of the Whive Protocol as one of the main contributors together with US based Ujengo Lab LLC.Save for digital energy storage, the distributed energy project, presents an array of other benefits to the community, which includes the ability to share energy between themselves in a peer-to-peer(p2p) marketplace using blockchain technology."If you look at rural areas where you have somebody who has a solar system and maybe they do not use it over the weekend or certain hours during the day, that electricity could benefit somebody else. That person can buy electricity from them and it not only gives this person extra income but also an increased and versatile access to energy without a large capital cost upfront," Wangari Muchiri Innovation Lead, Voices for Climate Action at Hivos.In a recent interview, BitHub Africa's co-founder John Wainaina Karanja asserted that the project has the benefit of turning consumers of solar energy who rely on loans to acquire solar home systems to become prosumers, who produce, consume, store, and share excess energy with members of their community in a scalable manner.Spurred by a sense of urgency towards decarbonization efforts for the sake of the planet, the use of open-source, decentralized technology can expedite progress, creating transformational levels of innovation and transparency. Blockchain has the ability to accelerate a shared vision and provide market-led solutions in relation to decarbonization. It is a community effort to ensure that the industry does not further aggravate the onslaught of climate change.The successful year-long pilot affirms that the realization of clean energy solutions using blockchain technology not only for communities living in outlying regions but also for residents in urban areas is "not unattainable." BitHub Africa via Melanin Solar, thus aims to boost this adoption as it taps into the $2 trillion African market for p2p solar energy powered by blockchain.Glimpsing into a future already unfolding, the pilot sets the stage for Africa to be at the forefront of global energy innovation and climate justice fueled by the potency of technology to enact change, a welcome prospect in this small pocket of the earth that is Singiraine village, where lies a rising hope of a brighter future in the sun.About Melanin Solar & BitHub AfricaMelanin Solar, co-founded by John Karanja and Christian Kakoba in 2019, is driving sustainable energy access across Africa, through our blockchain based distributed solar energy solution called the Melanin Smart Box(MSBX); this MSBX solution will enable efficient solar micro-grid eco-systems to be deployed across our target markets.Through our Melanin Academy, which is hosted at BitHub Africa, our blockchain hub in Nairobi, Melanin Solar targets to train 2,000 blockchain engineers who will contribute to the development and deployment of Melanin Solar and other green solutions.Melanin Solar Website: https://melanin.solarWhive Protocol Discussion group: https://t.me/whiveioWatch Documentary: https://youtube.com/watch?v=L2rS1P5ph_QContact Information:Name: John KaranjaEmail: company@melanin.solarPhone: +254 725 274191SOURCE: BitHub Africa Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

14 7 月, 2021

Singapore’s first large-scale solar floating farm opens at Tengeh Reservoir

SINGAPORE - Having grown its solar capacity by more than seven times since 2015, Singapore is now one of the most solar-dense cities in the world. The Republic took one big step towards environmental sustainability when its first large-scale floating solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Tengeh Reservoir - about the size of 45 football fields - was officially opened on Wednesday (July 14). Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was the guest of honour at the event. This latest solar farm in Tengeh, which has a capacity of 60 MWp, will contribute to to the country's plan to install at least 2 GWp of solar PV capacity by 2030. The project will also give the nation's solar and renewable energy industry a boost, paving the way for more such facilities to be built here and in the region, Mr Lee said. The idea of building a floating solar farm came up a decade ago when Singapore was looking for ways to harness solar energy at scale. This became an increasingly viable option as the cost of solar cells came down. Building a floating solar farm also helped to capitalise on the large surface area of reservoirs and allow for solar deployment to be scaled up, the PM added. Spread across 10 solar-panel islands, the 122,000 solar panels on the surface of Tengeh Reservoir comprise one of the world's largest inland floating solar PV systems. The energy generated there will go into the national electricity grid, providing enough power for around 16,000 four-room Housing Board flats for a year. Alternatively, that is more than enough to power the operations of our local water treatment plants that treat reservoir water to produce clean drinking water to the entire nation, Mr Lee said. In 2016, national water agency PUB and the Economic Development Board launched a 1 MWp test bed at Tengeh Reservoir, which showed that a floating solar farm was feasible and did not affect surrounding wildlife or water quality. Features of the Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm on July 13, 2021. The test bed also performed up to 15 per cent better than a conventional rooftop solar power system due to the cooler reservoir water, Mr Lee said. He added: "Because the pilot was successful, we are now building similar floating solar farms on Bedok and Lower Seletar Reservoirs, which we expect to complete later this year." The floating solar farm at Tengeh is designed, built, owned, and operated by Sembcorp Floating Solar Singapore in partnership with PUB. It was completed in less than a year, despite manpower and resource challenges caused by Covid-19. The bulk of the construction started last December. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was the guest of honour at the event. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Sembcorp's engineers came up with their own techniques to boost productivity, such as by building a device that sped up the assembly of the solar panels to the floats by up to 50 per cent. Amid the pandemic earlier this year, assembling just 1,200 solar panels a day was difficult. But productivity improvements at peak saw around 1,800 to 2,000 solar panels been assembled each day. A digital monitoring system has also been set up to monitor the health of the solar farm. And as dirt on the panels can reduce operational efficiency, they are tilted at a slight angle to allow rainwater to wash it off. Control room inside the control building of the Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm on July 13, 2021. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Drones with thermal-imaging capabilities will also be deployed to detect any faulty panels. Gaps between the solar panels will allow sunlight to pass through and deployed aerators will maintain oxygen levels in the water, reducing the impact on biodiversity and water quality of the reservoir, Mr Lee said. More on this topic Related Story Interactive: How Singapore built one of the world's biggest floating solar farms Related Story Soak up the sun: Floating solar farm will help S'pore achieve its clean energy ambition

13 7 月, 2021

Mazda Installs Solar Power System at Hiroshima Plant

HIROSHIMA, Japan, Jul 13, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - As part of its efforts to promote green manufacturing lines and offices in factories, Mazda Motor Corporation today initiated operation of its first solar power generation system.Solar PanelsThe solar power system, installed at Mazda's Hiroshima Plant, boasts an output of 1.1 MW of electricity annually. The power generated by the solar panels will supply electricity to the entire plant and be used to charge the batteries of all MX-30 EV models produced at the plant.Moving forward, Mazda will strive to introduce and use green electricity in its efforts to reach carbon neutrality in 2050 to achieve a future where all of us can permanently co-exist with our beautiful earth. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

25 6 月, 2021

Asian Solar Summit July 2021 Live online

Singapore, Jun 25, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Key leaders from Total Solar Distributed Generation, Juwi, Total Solar, Sembcorp, Cleantech Solar, Vena Energy, ACWA, Ayala Corp and many more will be taking the virtual stage at the upcomign Asian Solar Summit, as they discuss the next big steps for Solar in Asia. With over 40 regional and international public and private developers, financiers and advocates confirmed to share their expertise, the Asian Solar Summit is THE event to take the pulse of Asia's solar market.Alongside the keynote sessions, there will be 6 country-specific panels - covering Thailand, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines - so attendees get a deeper understanding of a selection of the region's key solar markets. Leading developers, financiers, regulators, technology innovators and advocates will all be in attendance virtually.The Asian Solar Summit isn't just a chance to hear from the leaders who are working towards ambitious renewable energy development goals. It's a truly interactive event where attendees can be part of the conversation during the live panel sessions taking place throughout the day. Expert speakers sharing their insights include:1. Dr Valerie Speth, CEO APAC, juwi 2. Rajit Nanda, Chief Portfolio Management Officer and Interim Chief Investment Officer, ACWA Power 3. John Eric Francia, President and CEO, AC Energy & Managing Director, Ayala Corp 4. Maria May Militante, Chief Public Relations & Business Development Officer, MRC Allied 5. Florian Bennhold, CEO and MD, Symbior Solar 6. Frank Gluck, CEO, GreenYellow Thailand & Asia 7. Christopher Ang, Head, Infrastructure & Project Finance Asia, United Overseas Bank Limited 8. Irman Boyle, EVP/Head of Advisory, Indonesia Infrastructure Finance 9. Nicolas van den Abeele, Director of Business Development - Indonesia, ENGIE 10. Samresh Kumar, Chairman and CEO, SkyX Solar 11. Cristiano Spillati, Managing Director, LIMES Renewable Energy 12. Yash Shah, Senior Vice President, Global Structured Finance, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation 13. Franck Constant, President, Constant Energy 14. Davis Chong, Chief Executive Officer, Solarvest Energy Sdn Bhd and President, Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA) 15. Lorenzo Mancini, Regional Director, Total Solar Distributed Generation 16. Jen Tan, Head of Integrated Solutions (Singapore & SoutheastAsia), Sembcorp Industries 17. Arnaud Ayral, Country Head of Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia, Cleantech Solar 18. Laurent Margoloff, Regional Lead for Utilities - Energy Asia Pacific, ING 19. Daniel Mallo, Head of Natural Resources and Infrastructure - Asia Pacific, Societe Generale 20. Devin Narang, Managing Director (India), Sindicatum Renewable Energy CompanyKeynote and country showcase panel sessions Kicking off the day is a keynote session with panellists sharing their strategies for building capacity and driving solar generation forward in Asia. Later in the day is the second keynote session on the growing C&I solar market in the region. Throughout the Summit, panellists will give perspectives on the on-the-ground situation, government support mechanisms and trends in partnerships, investments, project development and financing. Visit LINK to view the agenda. Asian Solar Summit1st July 2021LIVE OnlineWebsite: https://bit.ly/2UuF3mRRegister: https://bit.ly/3qrNhrSAgenda : https://bit.ly/3gYPM0iAbout Terrapinn Terrapinn is a business media company. Its products are trade exhibitions, conferences, training solutions and electronic and print publications. For more information, please visit www.terrapinn.com. Note: Press registration for the conference is compulsory and advance scheduling for speaker/ sponsor interviews is recommended. Press passes are strictly reserved for reporters, journalists, editors only. Final issuance of press passes is subjected to Terrapinn's discretion.  For your complimentary press pass, please contact the following: Emma Riddington-BatesMarketing Manager Terrapinn Pte Ltd emma.riddingtonbates@terrapinn.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

11 5 月, 2021

Finance, Technology and Off-taker Deployment Themes of Solar & Storage Finance Asia

The 7th edition of the Solar & Storage Finance Asia, hosted by Solar Media is designed to propel energy projects, innovation and investment in South East Asia. Under the three themes "finance, technology and off-taker deployment", Solar & Storage Finance Asia will be held from 6-8 July virtually, to help you engage with proven investors, technology providers and business partners. Some Key Speakers Isabel Chatterton, Director & Regional Head of Industry, Asia Pacific, Infrastructure, International Finance Corporation (IFC)Vikram Raju, Head of EM & Climate Impact – AIP Private Markets, Morgan StanleyAdhi Laksmanaputra, VP Commercial, Xurya Daya IndonesiaPrabaljit Sarkar, Director Business Development, InfraCo AsiaJen Tan, Head of Integrated Solutions, Sembcorp Singapore & SEARuth Briones, Chairman/President, Greenergy Solutions View All SpeakersSome key sessions to catch:Pushing The ESG agenda – How C&I Is Leading The Way With Solar – View full agenda.With investors increasingly applying the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) standards as part of their analysis process when identifying material risks and growth opportunities, an ever-increasing number of organisations are looking to deploy solar as a way to achieve these standards and goals, especially when it comes to their manufacturing. In this session, we will hear from some of these larger organisations, who are pushing for an increase of solar deployment, and gather their views on investing in green energy.Key topics include:Potential, forecasts and drivers for deploymentFeasibility and planning stagesSingapore's offshore floating solar – lessons learnt Register here and join us and the other 300+ solar and storage professionals at the conference with 20% off! Use our code ACN20 Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

12 3 月, 2021

HDB calls for sixth tender to install solar panels on 1,198 HDB blocks, 57 government sites

SINGAPORE - In its latest push to generate more clean energy in Singapore, the Housing Board (HDB) has called for its sixth tender to install solar panels across 1,198 HDB blocks and 57 government sites on Friday (March 12). This is to meet demand for the production of a total solar capacity of 70 megawatt-peak (MWp) across government sites and HDB blocks managed by Sembawang, Tampines and Tanjong Pagar town councils. Government sites that will participate in this tender include 40 primary and secondary schools, as well as the Tuas South Desalination Plant and Kallang Fire Station. It comes under the Government's SolarNova programme, which compiles solar demand from various agencies to enjoy economies of scale, and is jointly led by HDB and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). As part of this tender, vendors will be required to install smart electrical sub-meters in HDB blocks to track energy consumption patterns and the performance of common services such as lifts, lights and water pumps in each block. With this data, the HDB and respective town councils will then be able to optimise maintenance cycles of these common services, as well as detect anomalies such as equipment faults. Under the SolarNova programme, harnessed solar energy is first used to power common services in HDB estates in the day. Excess energy will be channelled to the electrical grid. On average, HDB blocks are able to achieve net-zero energy consumption at common areas, which means the building produces more energy than it consumes. Across all six tenders, the HDB has committed a total solar capacity of 330 MWp for 6,901 HDB blocks as it leads the charge to reduce Singapore's carbon emissions and, in turn, the effects of climate change. This is equivalent to powering 82,500 four-room flats with solar energy, potentially reducing carbon emissions by 198,000 tonnes per year, said HDB. HDB is working towards its solar target of 540 MWp by 2030 - the equivalent of powering about 135,000 four-room flats with clean energy - which was announced in 2019. The target could potentially generate 648 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of green energy annually, said HDB. It contributes towards the national solar targets of 1.5 gigawatt-peak (GWp) by 2025, and 2 GWp by 2030 as set out under the Singapore Green Plan. As at last December, about 2,470 HDB blocks have been installed with solar panels. Works at another 2,080 HDB blocks are in progress or will commence soon. HDB chief executive Tan Meng Dui said: "As new innovations and solutions emerge, HDB will continue to strengthen our solar capabilities and expand our installed capacity, as part of the national effort to develop greener and more sustainable towns, while reducing Singapore's carbon footprint." Prior to this tender, the fifth solar tender under the SolarNova programme was awarded to Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp), through its wholly owned subsidiary, Sembcorp Solar Singapore, last month. More on this topic Related Story Sembcorp snags solar energy contract from HDB, EDB; to add over 400 jobs Related Story Sunseap to supply Facebook in Singapore with solar power from over 1,200 HDB rooftops It is also Sembcorp's second contract under the SolarNova programme, the first being in 2018. The fifth tender, which will reap a solar capacity of 60 MWp, had attracted five bids from local and foreign companies. Solar panels will be installed at 1,154 HDB blocks and 46 government sites from the first quarter of this year and is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2023. These include HDB blocks managed by Marine Parade, East Coast-Fengshan and Jalan Besar town councils, 31 primary and secondary schools and the Coney Island Reception Hub. Having clinched a total of 82 MWp in new solar energy projects this year, Sembcorp estimates an addition of more than 400 jobs in Singapore's solar sector to support construction of announced projects. Mr Koh Chiap Khiong, chief executive of Singapore, South-east Asia and China, Sembcorp Industries, said: "This award is testament to our focused strategy to grow our renewable energy portfolio. "With our international track record, we are well-positioned and committed to support Singapore's Green Plan, and to serve the nation with clean energy." More on this topic Related Story Want home solar panels? Here's help from OCBC Related Story HDB increases solar target, enough to power 135,000 four-room flats by 2030

19 2 月, 2021

MITSUBISHI MOTORS Started Operation of a Rooftop Solar Power System at Its Laemchabang Factory in Thailand

TOKYO, Feb 19, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC) started operation of a 5-megawatt (MW(1)) capacity rooftop solar power system at the Laemchabang Factory of Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (MMTh), a production and sales company in Thailand.Combined this solar power system with the 2-MW capacity system, which is scheduled to be implemented in the near future, MMTh expects to reduce CO2 emissions from production activities by more than 6,100 tons per year. MMTh aims to create an environment where automobiles can be produced cleanly with low carbon.MMTh has car-production plants and an engine facility in Chonburi Province, and has become MMC's largest manufacturing center outside Japan.In November 2020, MMC announced the New Environmental Plan, which sets out the direction and goals of its environmental efforts. Based on the Environmental Targets 2030(2), MMC is proceeding with efforts to achieve a 40-percent reduction in CO2 through its business activities compared to FY2014. As one of these, the Company is promoting the introduction of renewable energy in order to reduce CO2 emissions from production activities, and plans to introduce more utility-scale solar power systems at domestic and overseas manufacturing centers.(1) 1MW=1,000kw(2) Goals that clarify items to be tackled by 2030 in order to contribute to the realization of a society with zero CO2 emissions in 2050About MITSUBISHI MOTORSMITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has a competitive edge in SUVs and pickup trucks, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company launched the i-MiEV - the first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, which was followed by the OUTLANDER PHEV in 2013 - a plug-in hybrid market leader in Japan and Europe. Mitsubishi Motors has 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan, Thailand, China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Russia. Models, such as the PAJERO SPORT/MONTERO SPORT, TRITON/L200, OUTLANDER, ASX/OUTLANDER SPORT/RVR and XPANDER play a major role in achieving its growth. The global sales volume in fiscal year 2019 was 1,127,000 units, and the net sales of Mitsubishi Motors for fiscal year 2019 was 2.27 trillion yen. Mitsubishi Motors is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

5 1 月, 2021

Parliament: Plans to make energy greener, more reliable as Singapore rebounds from 2020 electricity demand fall, says Tan See Leng

SINGAPORE - Overall electricity demand in Singapore is expected to have fallen by between 2 per cent and 4 per cent last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but energy use is expected to rebound as the economy recovers and grows. Singapore wants to green its energy mix as this happens, but is also taking steps to ensure electricity supply remains stable and reliable, said Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng in Parliament on Tuesday (Jan 5). "We will harness four switches to transform and diversify our energy supply, so as to achieve our vision of a clean and efficient energy future," he said in response to four MPs who had asked about Singapore's efforts to tap renewable energy and the country's electricity import plans. Currently, 95 per cent of Singapore's electricity is generated from burning natural gas, the cleanest form of fossil fuel, but a fossil fuel nonetheless. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which trap heat on the planet, causing the climate to change. Dr Tan said this fuel will continue to be the main source of energy for power generation to serve households and industries here reliably in the medium term, given that the Republic does not have access to other renewable energy sources, such as hydro or wind power. But he said the country is taking steps to increase the proportion of renewables in its energy mix in the longer term. For one thing, it will increase the amount of sunshine it harnesses. Dr Tan said solar energy is the most viable source of renewable energy in Singapore, and pointed to how installed solar capacity has increased more than a hundredfold over the past decade, from 3.8 megawatt-peak in 2010 to around 400 megawatt-peak in mid-2020. "We are accelerating our efforts and we will almost quadruple our solar capacity to 1.5 gigawatt-peak by 2025, and to 2 gigawatt-peak by 2030," he said. Currently, less than 1 per cent of Singapore's electricity is generated by solar panels. But by 2030, Dr Tan said solar energy could supply around 3 per cent of the country's total electricity consumption. Another option for Singapore, he said, is to tap regional power grids that would allow the country to access its neighbours' renewable energy sources. Last October, Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing announced that Singapore will be importing 100 megawatts of electricity from Malaysia over a trial period of two years. This makes up about 1.5 per cent of Singapore's peak electricity demand. Dr Tan said on Tuesday that Singapore prefers to import electricity from renewable energy sources. "Therefore, the cleanliness of the generation source will be a major consideration in selecting the importer," he said. In response to Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC), who asked for an update on solar firm Sun Cable's plan to supply solar power from northern Australia to Singapore via the world's longest subsea high-voltage cable, Dr Tan said discussions are ongoing and that the Energy Market Authority under his ministry is unable to share details due to commercial sensitivities. But he added: "While we welcome these interests, we have to pace these imports to ensure that they do not undermine the reliability of our electricity supply and the stability of our electricity market." Dr Tan also said that Singapore is also looking to science and technology to make electricity generation greener. More on this topic Related Story Singapore to ramp up solar energy production to power 350,000 homes by 2030 Related Story S'pore to import electricity from Malaysia in pilot trial over 2 years "We are working with the industry and research community to study emerging low-carbon technologies, such as hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage," he said, pointing to the new $49 million Low-Carbon Energy Research Funding Initiative. This funding initiative, first announced last October, will explore areas such as the supply, storage and downstream uses of hydrogen - which has the potential to be an environmentally friendly fuel since it produces no emissions when burned - as well as carbon capture and storage for use in building materials or fuels, he said. Dr Tan said that by tapping all four switches - using natural gas instead of other fossil fuels, tapping solar energy, importing electricity and studying low-carbon alternatives - Singapore will be able to diversify its energy sources. "This will enhance our access to secure and competitively priced energy supplies, which will reduce our energy security risks," he added. More on this topic Related Story S'pore shifting to cleaner alternatives, but LNG to remain primary energy source for now

14 12 月, 2020

Sharp Builds Mega Solar Power Plant in Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam

Vietnam, Dec 14, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Sharp Energy Solutions Corporation (SESJ)(3) announces the completion of a mega solar power plant in Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam. The project was a collaboration with multiple partners, including power generating company Viet Nam Viet Renewable Energy Joint Stock Company(4) and local construction company as well as co-owner of the project NSN Construction and Engineering Joint Stock Company(5).Completed solar power plantThe new plant has an output of approximately 50 MW-dc, with annual power generation capacity estimated at 82,506 MWh/year. This is equivalent to the amount consumed in a year by about 43,700 average Vietnamese households. SESJ has so far constructed six solar power plants in Vietnam, for a combined capacity of approximately 290 MW-dc. This new plant will raise the total capacity to approximately 340 MW-dc. The Vietnamese government has formulated a plan(6) to raise solar power generation capacity in the country to 12,000 MW by the year 2030. SESJ will leverage the technologies and know-how it has gained from the construction of power plants around the world and remains committed to spreading renewable energy in Vietnam.(1) Calculated at 1,887 kWh/year per household.(2) Estimate for the initial year of operation.(3) SESJ is a subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, specializing in energy solutions such as the sales of PV systems and the installation of electrical equipment.(4) This company will be in charge of operating the new plant.(5) A Vietnamese company handling architectural design, construction, and others.(6) Source: the Vietnamese government's 7th Power Development Plan (PDP7). Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

3 12 月, 2020

Greenbriar Capital Corp Announces Acquisition of 500MW Solar Energy Project Portfolio in Alberta

Coquitlam, British Columbia, Dec 3, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Greenbriar Capital Corp. (TSXV: GRB) (OTC Pink: GEBRF) ("Greenbriar") is pleased to announce that it has executed a formal agreement with Devon Sandford of Lethbridge, Alberta, for the acquisition of a 500 MW photovoltaic solar energy project portfolio in Alberta. The proprietary portfolio is at various stages of development, including late stage, mid stage and early stage projects.Devon owns and operates a world class large utility scale solar energy construction firm (Northern DC Solar Inc. "NDC") and has very recently built several large utility scale solar projects in Alberta. Transitioning from the manufacturing and commissioning of utility scale power systems into utility scale solar projects has provided NDC a unique perspective, critical insights and overall advantages on how to deliver large scale solar projects efficiently and cost effectively.Greenbriar gains an advantage in the market as it benefits from NDC's recent successful mechanical and electrical installation of the first large scale tracking solar system in Canada. Located in Southern Alberta, with over 70,000 modules, 7,000 piles, 4.8 million mechanical pieces and 200,000 labour hours, NDC has the ability to claim for Greenbriar what it also can show, which is building large scale projects, under budget and on time.The terms of the transaction call for a series of performance payments based on the capital cost savings below a certain threshold at commercial production for each project. The payments can be paid from the construction proceeds or elected by Devon to be taken in shares at the then current market price, except the company will seek TSXV approval for the first two million shares to be taken at current market prices. In addition Devon will receive 100,000 shares for each project placed in production plus 500,000 stock options at $1.50 per share. Greenbriar will pay an arms-length consultant 50,000 shares for arranging this transaction.About Greenbriar Capital CorpGreenbriar is a leading developer of sustainable real estate and renewable energy. With long-term, high impact, contracted sales agreements in key project locations and led by a successful, industry-recognized operating and development team, Greenbriar targets deep valued assets directed at accretive shareholder value.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS"Jeff Ciachurski"Jeffrey J. CiachurskiChief Executive Officer and DirectorPhone: 949.903.5906The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" and include any information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Company's strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/69381 Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

26 10 月, 2020

S’pore to import electricity from Malaysia in pilot trial over 2 years

SINGAPORE - The little red dot wants a greener energy mix, and is taking multiple steps to achieve this - from an electricity import pilot with Malaysia to soaking up more sunshine at home and investing in research on emerging low-carbon technologies. Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing on Monday (Oct 26) laid out the steps that Singapore will take to be a "bright green spark" for the world - a place where ideas and applications can be an inspiration and help to create more sustainable and higher quality living environments. As part of its plans, Singapore hopes to tap green energy from around the region through regional power grids. The groundwork for this will be laid through an electricity import pilot with Malaysia over two years. "We will be kicking this off with 100 megawatts of electricity imports over a trial period of two years," said Mr Chan. This will make up about 1.5 per cent of Singapore’s peak electricity demand. "This (trial) can help us to access clean energy from regional countries and improve our energy resilience. We have been working closely with Malaysia and are thankful for their strong support," Mr Chan said in his opening remarks at the Singapore International Energy Week, a week-long energy conference. The Energy Market Authority (EMA), an agency under Mr Chan's ministry, plans to issue a request for proposal by March next year. Electricity imports could begin as early as end-2021, via the existing electricity interconnector between Singapore and Malaysia. The Straits Times understands that the trial could also pave the way for energy imports from other countries. Reuters reported last November that two Australian billionaires have invested tens of millions of dollars in a project to supply solar power from northern Australia to Singapore via the world's longest subsea high-voltage cable. More on this topic Related Story Energy storage systems deployed to grow Singapore's solar power capacity Related Story Sunseap to supply Facebook in Singapore with solar power from over 1,200 HDB rooftops The Republic will also ramp up its drive to tap more sunshine here, with a goal of achieving 1.5 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar deployment by 2025, said Mr Chan. This will meet about 2 per cent of Singapore’s energy demand in 2025. This is an acceleration of the solar deployment plan that Mr Chan announced at last year's conference, which was to have an installed solar capacity of 2 GWp by 2030. "Solar power is our most promising renewable energy resource. We need to maximise its role in the energy mix," said Mr Chan, adding that this can be done with the public sector taking the lead. There is plenty of sunshine in Singapore, but harnessing it to power the nation comes with obstacles. The lack of space to deploy solar panels and the intermittency of sunshine due to cloud cover and urban shading are some of the challenges. Reducing the intermittency problem requires solar "batteries", or energy storage systems. To this end, Mr Chan said the EMA and Keppel Offshore and Marine have jointly awarded a research grant for energy storage systems to a consortium led by technology company Envision Digital. More on this topic Related Story Singapore LNG Corp and France's Total in deal for solar energy system Related Story Singapore solar power firm to install 10,000 electric vehicle charging points here by 2030 Over the longer term, Singapore could also potentially tap emerging low-carbon technologies, such as using hydrogen as a fuel or deploying carbon capture utilisation and storage to "suck" planet-warming carbon dioxide out of the air. Such technologies are still relatively nascent, said Mr Chan, but the Government has set aside around $49 million to fund low-carbon energy research and test-bedding efforts in hydrogen and carbon capture utilisation and storage. Mr Chan said that as an alternative energy disadvantaged country, Singapore has always had to find creative ways to tackle its energy challenges. But it will rise to the challenge, just as it has done with Covid-19, he added, noting that the Singapore International Energy Week is the first large-scale physical Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) event since the pandemic started. Various safe management measures have been implemented, he said, pointing to how all attendees have to take antigen rapid tests before being allowed to participate, and the use of artificial intelligence-based technologies to detect abnormal body temperatures and monitor compliance to safety measures. More on this topic Related Story Nearly a million trees' worth of greenhouse gases offset by solar power from home-grown Sunseap in 2019 Related Story Singapore to ramp up solar energy production to power 350,000 homes by 2030 "The trialling of such innovative solutions will set Singapore apart as the world's leading destination for safe, trusted and innovative Mice events," he said. "I hope that our efforts inspire not only our people and businesses, but also the world. Let us all work together to craft the next chapter of our energy story as we redefine ourselves as a Bright Green Spark for the world."