Week In ASEAN: Changi Airport Group And Keppel Unveil Singapore’s Largest Single-Site Solar Project; MGen Renewable Energy Boosts Stake In SP New Energy Corp., Securing 55.96% Control; And More

Changi Airport Group and Keppel Unveil Singapore’s Largest Single-Site Solar Project: Pioneering Sustainable Aviation Infrastructure

Changi Airport Group (CAG) has enlisted Keppel Ltd. (Keppel) to spearhead the design, construction, ownership, and operation of an extensive solar photovoltaic (PV) system across the terminal buildings, auxiliary structures, airfield, and cargo facilities of Changi Airport. Spanning a duration of 25 years, this initiative aims to culminate in Singapore’s largest single-site rooftop solar PV system, with an anticipated completion date set for early 2025. The system will boast a combined generation capacity of 43 Megawatt peak (MWp), with 38 MWp allocated for rooftop installations and the remaining 5 MWp dedicated to a turf area within the airport’s airfield—a groundbreaking venture marking the airport’s inaugural foray into airfield solar installations.

MGen Renewable Energy Boosts Stake In SP New Energy Corp., Securing 55.96% Control

MGen Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), a fully-owned subsidiary of Meralco Powergen Corp., has increased its ownership stake in integrated solar developer SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC). MGreen purchased 2.17 billion shares of SPNEC from Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. for P2.50 billion, equivalent to a 4.34 per cent stake. This acquisition strengthens MGreen and its affiliated companies’ controlling interest in SPNEC to 55.96 per cent, up from the previous 50.55 per cent. Earlier, MGreen had acquired 15.70 billion common shares, constituting 31.4 per cent of SPNEC’s total outstanding common shares, for P15.9 billion. Additionally, they acquired 19.40 billion preferred shares, bringing MGreen’s total voting interest in the listed firm to 50.53 per cent. In May of the previous year, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), an affiliate of MGreen, initiated a purchase of 1.60 billion shares of SPNEC from Solar Philippines for P2 billion.

The Energy Commission Of Sabah, Malaysia Launches SELCO-PV SABAH Solar Program

The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) has launched a new program called the Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic System For Self Consumption Programme In Sabah (SELCO-PV SABAH). The program is designed to allow consumers in Sabah to install solar panels on their own property and generate their own electricity. This will help consumers lower their electricity bills and reduce their reliance on the grid. The SELCO-PV SABAH program is a self-consumption program, which means that any excess energy generated by the solar panels will not be exported back to the grid. This is in contrast to net metering programs, which allow consumers to sell excess energy back to the utility company. The program is open to all consumers in Sabah, regardless of whether they are residential, commercial, or industrial. Consumers who are interested in participating in the program can apply online or by contacting a participating electrical contractor.

Ranhill Utilities’ Subsidiary Achieves Commercial Operation For 50MW Solar Project In Malaysia

Ranhill Utilities Berhad’s subsidiary, Ranhill Solar I Sdn Bhd, has achieved Commercial Operation Date (COD) for its 50MWac Large Scale Solar Photovoltaic Project under Large Scale Solar Phase 4 @ MEnTARI (LSS4@MEnTARI). The project, operating under a 25-year concession period, marks Ranhill’s inaugural foray into large-scale solar asset ownership, aligning with its commitment to renewable energy. The COD is expected to positively impact Ranhill Group’s earnings over the next 25 years and contribute significantly to environmental sustainability by mitigating 2,135,880.25 tons of CO2 emissions. This milestone reinforces Ranhill’s dedication to clean energy and a greener, sustainable future.

Solar-Powered Water Pump Project Revolutionizes Agriculture In Calapan, Philippines

Agricultural communities in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, are celebrating a sustainable future with the inauguration of the “Agos para sa Masaganang Ani” solar-powered water pump project. Spearheaded by Yara Fertilizers Philippines, Inc., in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the initiative aims to revolutionize rice irrigation in Barangay Santa Cruz. The project, funded by a PHP 4 million grant, replaces traditional diesel-powered pumps, reducing costs, ensuring better profitability for farmers, and minimizing CO2 emissions. The Royal Norwegian Embassy emphasizes its commitment to climate change, environmental protection, and food security, endorsing the project as a pilot for future scalability. The solar-powered pumps are expected to enhance food production while reducing the overall carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Helios and BPI Launch Groundbreaking Solar Mortgage Program: Democratizing Solar Power Access for Homeowners in Asia

Helios, a climate fintech firm, has introduced Asia’s inaugural solar mortgage program, aiming to democratize solar power accessibility for homeowners. In a pioneering move, Helios has teamed up with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to integrate solar energy solutions into residential properties acquired through home loans. Alex Aronson, co-founder of Helios, describes the solar mortgage as a groundbreaking Filipino innovation. This innovative approach ensures that the green loan with BPI is cash flow positive, meaning the savings generated from installing solar panels exceed any payment obligations, thereby making homes more affordable for consumers servicing home loans. The solar mortgage program offers a wide range of options, with financing available for both new home purchases and existing homes seeking solar upgrades, ranging from PHP 400,000 to over PHP 10 million. This flexibility caters to the diverse needs and budgets of homeowners, making solar energy more accessible.

TNB’s Strategic Partnership with China to Revolutionize ASEAN Power Grid with HVDC Technology: Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions in the Region

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), a leading energy provider, is spearheading a transformative partnership with China’s state-owned power utilities to revolutionize the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) through cutting-edge high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. This strategic initiative underscores TNB’s dedication as a regional energy leader committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions. During a recent analyst briefing, TNB President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Seri Ir. Baharin Din, unveiled the ambitious venture, highlighting the pivotal role of HVDC technology in facilitating efficient power trading, seamless resource sharing, and the integration of renewable energy (RE) sources among ASEAN nations.

Philippine Embassy Explores Solar Power Ventures With FAS Energy In Saudi Arabia

The Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia has initiated discussions with FAS Energy, exploring potential investments in solar power. Chargé d’affaires Rommel Romato held talks with Marcus Schrauf, CEO for Renewables (Solar) at FAS Energy, to explore opportunities for involvement in the Philippine solar energy sector. The focus is on leveraging Maharlika Investment Corp. and taking advantage of the Philippines’ favorable geographic, weather, and socio-economic conditions. This conversation signifies a positive step toward unlocking the solar power potential in the Philippines, facilitating the country’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy source, as highlighted by the embassy. Officials note that the Philippines has been actively pursuing clean energy solutions, with solar power playing a crucial role in the national energy plan.

The Board Of Investments Greenlights Major Solar Power Project In Pangasinan, Philippines

In a significant move to enhance the renewable energy sector in the Philippines, the Board of Investments (BOI), through its One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI), has awarded a Green Lane Certificate to the Burgos Pangasinan Solar Power Project. This solar initiative, set to rise in the Municipality of Burgos, Pangasinan, received the certificate during an awarding ceremony at the BOI Main Office on January 31, 2024. Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Managing Head of BOI, presented the Green Lane Certificate of Endorsement to officials from Burgos Pangasinan Solar Energy Corporation (BPSEC), with Mr. Kyle A. Mina leading the delegation. The project, expected to be operational by September 2026, is a ground-mount solar power plant spanning approximately 71.5 hectares, aiming for an installed capacity of 65 MWp or 50 MWac.