Author: Lakshita Kapoor

Petronas, Malaysia’s leading state-owned energy firm, Italy’s Enilive SpA, and Japan’s Euglena Co are teaming up to build a new biorefinery in Malaysia, a project expected to significantly enhance the country’s sustainable fuel capabilities. The companies have reached a final investment decision, marking a substantial step forward in their joint venture. The biorefinery will be constructed at Petronas’s integrated refinery and petrochemical complex located in Pengerang, Johor state. The decision to build the facility highlights a growing trend towards sustainable energy solutions. The biorefinery is slated to process up to 650,000 tons of raw materials annually. This capacity will allow…

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China has surged ahead in renewable energy adoption, achieving or surpassing international benchmarks, a recent report reveals. According to the State Grid Energy Research Institute, China’s utilisation of renewable energy has consistently exceeded 95% since 2018, hitting an impressive 97.6% utilisation rate last year. This places China on par with developed nations like Germany in sustainable energy deployment. In 2023, China’s renewable energy generation reached 1,469.1 billion kilowatt-hours, marking a significant 23% increase from the previous year. This surge accounted for 15.8% of total power generation, underscoring a notable 2.1 percentage point increase over the previous year. Notably, renewable energy…

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DPS Resources Bhd’s subsidiary, DPS Energy Sdn Bhd (DPSE), has teamed up with Mutiara Mahajuta Sdn Bhd to develop a 170-acre site in Alor Gajah, Melaka. This joint venture, announced in a filing with Bursa Malaysia, aims to pioneer projects integrating agro-tourism, renewable energy, and sustainable farming practices. The collaboration with Mutiara Mahajuta spans multiple phases over an initial thirty-year period, with potential for extension. The first phase will emphasise agro-tourism attractions, crop cultivation, and bio-farming techniques like aquaponics. Subsequently, the focus will shift to renewable energy, particularly the establishment of a solar farm during the second phase. Mutiara Mahajuta,…

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In the first half of 2024, coal-fired power plants in China produced 59.6% of the country’s total electricity, marking the first time coal’s share fell below 60% during this period. This shift reflects a broader trend towards cleaner energy sources, according to data from energy think tank Ember. From January to June 2024, coal-fired electricity generation totaled 2,793.5 terawatt hours (TWh), up by 2.4% compared to the same period in 2023. Despite this increase, coal’s portion of China’s overall electricity mix reached a new low as clean energy sources surged to record highs. Clean electricity generation in China rose to…

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Eastern Pacific Industrial Corp Bhd (EPIC) is set to mark its presence in Malaysia’s solar energy sector through its subsidiary, EPIC Solar Sdn Bhd (ESSB), aiming to contribute significantly to the country’s renewable energy targets. Dr. Mamad Puteh, chairman of ESSB, revealed that the company’s expansion plans are aligned with Malaysia’s ambitious goal of achieving 40% renewable energy usage by 2035. Highlighting their proactive approach, Dr. Mamad emphasized ESSB’s role as a pioneer in solar projects on the East Coast. A major milestone in ESSB’s efforts is the inauguration of a sprawling 28-hectare solar farm in Teluk Kalong, Terengganu. This…

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In recent months, Spain has seen a remarkable shift towards solar power, with photovoltaic cells emerging as the leading source of electricity in the country’s energy mix. According to Cristian Fabrega, an expert from the University of Barcelona, this trend is set to continue as Spain harnesses its abundant solar resources.  In June alone, photovoltaic solar energy accounted for 22.2% of Spain’s total electricity production, surpassing wind and nuclear energy. This surge, amounting to 4,791 gigawatt-hours (GWh), underscores Spain’s growing reliance on solar technology.  Fabrega attributes this rise to several factors, including generous European subsidies and advancements in solar panel…

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In a move towards greener energy, China’s central government has given the green light to Shanghai’s ambitious plan to construct 29 gigawatts of offshore wind power capacity. This initiative is part of Shanghai’s broader efforts to reduce emissions and align with Beijing’s ambitious climate goals. Once completed, the offshore wind project is expected to supply Shanghai with approximately 100 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, surpassing half of the city’s total power consumption. The approval signals a major step towards bolstering China’s renewable energy sector and reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels. The city also plans to augment its green…

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Vietnam has introduced a groundbreaking regulation, Decree 80, which is poised to revolutionise its energy landscape by promoting the adoption of solar and wind power. This move aims to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on the state-run Vietnam Electricity, opening avenues for direct purchase agreements (DPPAs) between businesses and renewable energy producers. The decree, following Uruguay’s lead, allows businesses to buy renewable energy directly from producers. This shift is expected to alleviate pressure on Vietnam’s aging electricity grid, which has struggled with blackouts affecting major companies like Samsung Electronics. Local renewable energy leader Luu Hoang Ha expressed optimism, citing…

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SATAS Group, a prominent player in Asia’s economic landscape, has pledged significant investments aimed at accelerating economic growth while prioritizing environmental sustainability. With over $15 billion committed to green technologies and sustainable practices, SATAS Group is setting new benchmarks in integrating environmental stewardship into business strategies. Asia’s rapid economic growth has been a catalyst for prosperity, driven by market reforms and substantial foreign investments. However, concerns over environmental impact have grown in tandem. SATAS Group, under the leadership of Mai Vu Minh, Chairman, recognizes the imperative of balancing economic progress with ecological preservation. Minh’s vision emphasizes collaborative efforts across sectors…

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In a  move to enhance the renewable energy sector, Japan’s Electric Power Development Co., known as J-Power, has successfully secured approval for its A$381 million ($257.56 million) acquisition of Australia’s Genex Power. This approval came following a decisive vote on Tuesday, as announced by Genex.  J-Power’s acquisition bid, valued at 27.5 Australian cents per share, garnered strong support with 83.54% of proxy votes in favor during an investor meeting in Sydney. This overwhelming approval surpassed the required threshold of 75%, ensuring the deal’s progression. Notably, a majority of individual shareholders also backed the acquisition, underscoring confidence in the proposed transaction. …

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