energy

Energy & Technology, News

Black & Veatch Urges APAC to Scale Low-Carbon Infrastructure for Decarbonisation

KUALA LUMPUR: Black & Veatch prompted Asia Pacific to rapidly identify and adopt the next generation of low-carbon and scalable infrastructure to accelerate its decarbonisation progress. The next stage of renewable energy and alternative fuel development to achieve lower carbon emissions is complex. Project sites will be larger and more challenging, with many sites requiring connecting renewable energy resources in remote areas to the grid. “Nevertheless, ample opportunities exist in the Asia Pacific to integrate a mix of different generation, transmission and distribution technologies at the right price point and the right time to achieve commercial and environmental success. “Black & Veatch has been at the forefront of building critical energy infrastructure for several decades and is committed to supporting the rising energy needs in Asia Pacific with low and no-carbon energy sources,” said Black & Veatch President for Asia Pacific and India, Narsingh Chaudhary. As Asia Pacific economies transition from a carbon-based economy to an electron- and molecule-based one, the region must find the right energy mix for near-term requirements and long-term change. Hence, liquefied natural gas (LNG) can support the shift from coal and the additional energy mix needed to fuel economic growth in developing markets. Meanwhile, energy storage technologies such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and pumped storage hydropower (PSH) can enhance energy security by balancing sudden and significant drops in power production from variable renewable energy resources to improve grid reliability and stability. In the longer term, hydrogen has the potential to provide seasonal energy storage and serve as the missing link for utilities, commercial businesses and industries seeking to operate sustainably.

Energy & Technology, News

Jiankun International Unveils Green Energy in Taman Panchor Jaya

KUALA LUMPUR: Jiankun International Bhd (JIB) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Micro Energy Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd (MEH) to advance an eco-conscious future further. This partnership illustrates the potential of sustainable development in the real estate industry and underlines a commitment to innovation and responsible development by installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in JIB’s Taman Panchor Jaya @ Nibong Tebal, Penang. JIB Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Silvester Das said this initiative with MEH is more than an advancement in the company’s project portfolio. “It is a leap towards a greener Malaysia. By integrating sustainable solutions like solar energy into our luxury housing development, we aim to create not just homes but a legacy of environmentally responsible living,” he said in a statement. According to Edwin, the Taman Panchor Jaya @ Nibong Tebal will set a benchmark for environmentally conscious developments without compromising elegance and comfort. This initiative, expected to be completed in July 2026, will feature 116 double-storey units equipped with a minimum of 2.2KW solar systems, underscoring JIB’s investment in green technology and its environmental and community benefits. “The partnership between JIB and MEH for the Taman Panchor Jaya @ Nibong Tebal project reflects our foresight in melding luxury with eco-efficiency. “We are steering the Malaysian property market towards a horizon where luxury and sustainability coexist,” Edwin said. JIB announced in December 2023 that it had acquired a 99.99% stake in Oriental Link Properties (M) Sdn Bhd (OLP). The acquisition enlarged JIB’s footprint and enriched its portfolio with OLP’s high-value projects. The Taman Panchor Jaya @ Nibong Tebal Penang represents a gross development value (GDV) of RM72.69 million and will be a gated community, indicating substantial returns rooted in strategic location and advanced planning. The development, nestled on a verdant 7.58-acre land, is projected to attract buyers keen on green energy and sustainable living. MEH Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said the company’s collaboration with JIB on the Taman Panchor Jaya project epitomises the fusion of modern technology and environmental stewardship. “By harnessing solar power, we contribute to a sustainable future and set a precedent for integrating green energy solutions in real estate development. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to innovation and dedication to promoting sustainable living across Malaysia,” he said. JIB Executive Director Datuk Ir Donald Lim said this green initiative aligns with Malaysia’s aspirations for sustainable urban development and supports the nation’s agenda to reduce its carbon footprint for the country. “The project promises to lower energy costs for residents, increase the value of their properties, and contribute to the overall welfare by fostering a healthier environment,” he said.

Energy & Technology, News

Renuka Sharma Promoted to Director of Energy Solutions APAC at BayWa r.e.

BANGKOK: Renuka Sharma has been promoted to Director of Energy Solutions for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region at BayWa r.e., a global renewable energy developer and service provider. This promotion recognizes Renuka’s outstanding leadership and her significant contributions to the company’s growth and influence in renewable energy. With more than 18 years of experience spanning various industries, Renuka has consistently demonstrated her ability to navigate complex projects and drive the energy transition forward. Previously, she served as Managing Director of BayWa r.e. Thailand, leading initiatives to promote renewable energy adoption in Southeast Asia. In her new role, Renuka will be responsible for guiding the strategic direction and operational performance of BayWa r.e.’s Energy Solutions business throughout the APAC region. Drawing from her extensive experience with companies like SunEdison and Brookfield Renewables, Renuka is well-positioned to foster innovation and sustainable growth within the organization. Reflecting on her promotion, Renuka remarked, “I am deeply honoured and excited to take on this new role at BayWa r.e. Our region is at a pivotal moment in the energy transition, and I am committed to leveraging our collective strengths to drive positive change and deliver sustainable solutions for our customers and communities.” Renuka, who holds degrees in Law and Russian, as well as an LLM in Banking and Finance Law from Kings College, London, is also a strong advocate for workplace diversity. Daniel Gaefke, Global Director of Projects & Executive Board Member at BayWa r.e., emphasized his confidence in Renuka’s leadership to drive the company’s energy transition objectives in APAC. BayWa r.e.’s Energy Solutions team has been active in Southeast Asia since 2019, delivering projects with a combined capacity of nearly 100MW for notable corporations in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and more. Their recent partnership with SUSI Partners underscores their commitment to advancing large-scale rooftop PV projects with major C&I corporations.

Energy & Technology

Unitrade Teams Up with Huawei, JJ-Lapp for Renewable Energy Push

KUALA LUMPUR: Homegrown building materials wholesaler and distributor Unitrade Industries Bhd (UIB), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Syarikat Logam Unitrade Sdn Bhd (SLU), signed a collaboration agreement with Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and JJ-LAPP (M) Sdn Bhd. The agreement aims to advance solar adoption by pooling the collective expertise, resources, and technology to facilitate purchasing and selling Huawei digital power-smart photovoltaic (PV) solutions. Under the agreement, Huawei will serve as the technology advisor, while JJ-LAPP will be the authorised value-added partner to promote and sell smart PV solutions across residential as well as commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. Meanwhile, UIB will facilitate broader market access as the project delivery partner. UIB managing director Nomis Sim Siang Leng said the company is committed to continuously enhancing its customers’ value. “Recognising the growing demand for solar energy, we offer comprehensive solar PV products featuring top-quality options like Huawei’s smart PV solutions and PV Evolution Labs (PVEL), a recognised astronergy solar panels. “By integrating solar solutions into our existing portfolio of over 6,000 building material stock-keeping units, we not only meet our customers’ extensive building and infrastructure project needs but also streamline the process for those seeking to adopt solar energy solutions,” Sim said in a statement. Huawei’s smart PV solutions integrate modern digital technologies into solar power systems to optimise energy generation and efficiency while enabling remote monitoring and management of solar power systems – a significant advantage for businesses and homeowners. The agreement reinforces UIB’s commitment to providing a holistic solution for customers seeking to adopt solar energy solutions. UIB has built a full-suite of solar offerings portfolio, including solar panels, inverters, mounting brackets, cables, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, batteries, and optimisers, providing customers with a one-stop solution for their solar energy needs. “Importantly, this strategic initiative aligns seamlessly with our commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and our ambition to contribute to Malaysia’s energy transition journey. “The growing awareness for sustainability initiatives, especially among the C&I players, signifies a positive shift towards clean energy adoption. “Encouragingly, the government’s proactive efforts, including the unveiling of National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the recent open bidding of 2GW for the large-scale solar programme (LSS), along with the introduction of Solar for Rakyat incentive scheme (SolaRIS) further drives this transition,” Sim said. This agreement builds upon the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huawei and JJ-LAPP in January 2024 to explore the business opportunities under Huawei’s smart PV solutions across residential and C&I sectors.

Investment & Market Trends, News

Meta Bright Partners with Doople Tech for RE Venture

KUALA LUMPUR: Meta Bright Group Bhd (MBG), via its wholly-owned subsidiary, FBO Land (Serendah) Sdn Bhd (FBO Land), signed a subscription and joint venture agreement with Doople Tech Sdn Bhd (DTSB).   In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, MBG said the agreement entails FBO Land to subscribe 1,000,000 redeemable non-convertible preference shares (RNCPS) at an issue price of RM1.00 per RNCPS in a new joint venture company to be incorporated. The new joint venture company will identify, invest in, and develop renewable energy (RE) projects, particularly those requiring Bumiputera’s participation. This initiative perfectly aligns with MGB’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s national energy roadmap and contributing to a greener planet. MBG executive director of corporate and strategic planning Derek Phang Kiew Lim said the company looks forward to its partnership with DTSB, which has expertise in the solar sector and is experienced in the commercial and industrial (C&I) front. “This partnership allows MBG to leverage its position as a listed company to fund promising renewable energy projects, while DTSB’s technical proficiency ensures exceptional execution,” he said in a statement. Besides expansion into sustainable energy, the joint venture also promises substantial financial benefits. FBO Land is set to receive a yearly cumulative preferential dividend of 8 per cent per annum, creating a stable, recurring income stream over the five-year tenure of the RNCPS. This collaboration highlights the synergistic potential between MBG’s financial capabilities and DTSB’s operational expertise. The focus will particularly be on niche markets within the solar C&I sector, which are currently underserved by larger players. This targeted approach is expected to unlock new opportunities and drive growth within Malaysia’s renewable energy sector. MBG reported that the total value of projects that have completed installation is approximately RM3.55 million. Additionally, the company has projects currently in progress valued at around RM11.89 million.

Energy & Technology, News

Over RM90 Bil Investment Needed to Fund Crucial Energy Projects In Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: According to Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Malaysia would need an allocation of RM60 billion to RM90 billion from the government for the next 10 years to fund critical projects revolving around energy transition. The projects would involve improving the public transportation sector, strengthening grid infrastructure and workforce upskilling. Nik Nazmi explained that it is important to have a robust and adaptable grid to handle the increasing reliance on renewable energy sources. He also added that the estimated cost for the grid alone could reach over RM180 billion by 2050. He said this during a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Bursa Malaysia and the UK government’s Mobilising Institutional Capital Through Listed Product Structures (MOBILIST) programme in Kuala Lumpur today. Nazmi said that the collaboration – aimed at enabling greater investment and advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Malaysia – will be a catalyst for positive change that could encourage more green investments across the region. “Our thanks also go to the UK government for its leadership in establishing this programme. This collaboration on sustainable finance builds on a strong foundation of collaboration between our countries, such as the existing MoU between the UK and Malaysia to jointly work towards addressing climate issues,” he added. Improving Electricity Supply In Sarawak Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy Bhd provided an allocation of RM42 million last year to finance several improvement projects in Sibu, Kanowit, Kapit, Daro and Dalat, which will ensure the stability of electricity supply to consumers. Earlier this month, the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili said that the allocation is used to fund the construction of a new substation in Kemuyang (Sibu). The new substation is aimed at increasing the electricity supply and managing the distribution system. He also mentioned that Sawarak Energy will implement a smart grid project to help achieve the desired level of supply security and reliability. The smart grid project is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. “As the main electricity supplier in the state, Sawarak Energy achieved an almost full electricity rate throughout the state,” Sharbini added. — BERNAMA

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