Malaysia
Part 1: Energy Efficiency is Our Future
According to a study from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), ASEAN’s power sector, both in generation, transmission and distribution, will need around $500 billion of investment as regional demand increases from 656Twh in 2010 to 2,414Twh by 2030 (Global Business Report, October 2013). If this development is to provide positive economic growth and meet the needs of a growing population, it will also require a strong dedication to efficiency. That will be the driving force behind the low energy rates which allow businesses to thrive.
A solution for a fast-growing region?
The region’s growth has naturally resulted in a consequential increase in final energy consumption. With an assumed GDP growth rate of 5.2% per annum from 2007 to 2030, it is estimated that consumption will increase to 427 MTOE (million tons of oil equivalent) in 2010 to 1,018 MTOE in 2030 (ACE and IEEJ; the 3rd ASEAN Energy Outlook: BAU Scenario). Yet as of 2011, 160 million people in Southeast Asia were still living without access to electricity. Almost 80% of those live in rural and remote areas (The Energy Collective, 2011).
The spread of electrification brings with it, huge potential and great challenges especially to the ASEAN region, constituting as it does 10 countries, most of which are spread over islands. Indonesia alone is made up of 18,000 islands and sits at a 73% electrification rate, while Vietnam stands at 76%. Thailand fares better at 99% but Myanmar sits at only 49% (IEA, World Energy Outlook, 2013).
There are two power generation models with which we might answer this challenge; a national power generation plan, with the backbone of a country-wide transmission grid, or the distributed power model, where power generation takes place, and is often utilised, locally.
National power generation requires an extensive transmission and distribution grid, often a costly exercise that will take years to develop. With many countries in this region being emerging economies and young democracies, developing the suitable infrastructure to meet supply and demand is truly challenging.
Energy efficiency in power generation is also heavily impacted by the choice of fuel and the efficiency of power plants; this includes, but is not limited to, operational and equipment efficiency. One of the most important factors that influence cost and performance in power generation is technology.
Currently in the ASEAN region the majority of power plants utilise a steam or gas turbine. The world’s most efficient gas turbine currently available is the 9HA, which has an efficiency index of 61% (Gas Turbine World publication, Jan 2014). In addition, these gas turbines provide the lowest life cycle cost and carbon emissions. No system offers a higher rate. That is the kind of economy Disraeli would be proud of.
Aside from the generation type, the choice of fuel will also contribute to differences in tariff rates for the consumer, domestic and commercial alike. With governments, including the Malaysian, moving away from a reliance on subsidies, technological efficiency and the selection of fuel becomes an increasingly important consideration.
Reliable and flexible sources of Power
Nations like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia in the region were once able to rely on a substantial amount of revenue from gas exports, helping to offset subsidies. As these reserves decline, so will the subsidies. Governments are then caught in a catch-22 situation; either continue fossil fuel subsidization, or phase out subsidies which will affect to the natural dismay of the people, the end consumers.
With this, comes an increased awareness of domestic fuel gas security, naturally sparking the debate for alternative options such as coal and renewables. However, it would be a few more years until parity between coal-and-gas-fired generation capacity is surpassed. It is therefore in the best interest of the end users (i.e. lower cost of electricity) that concerns surrounding the effects on end user tariff spurred by Fuel Cost Pass Through (FCPT) should be addressed by implementing the most efficient and competitive solutions and technologies available in the market.
While regulators are lately trending towards large coal fired plants, the environmental impact of burning coal proves a compelling argument against an over-reliance of it. According to an analysis by BCG, 50% of South East Asia’s power generation needs will be met by coal, compared to 30% in 2010. Currently, coal supplies 29.7 percent of energy use worldwide and is responsible for 44% of global CO2 emissions, posing a question mark on its efficacy.
The challenge faced due to growing demand of LNG and logistical supply issues remains a case-in-point, Japan being the largest LNG importer, looks to alleviate a steep rise in the price of LNG by employing the most efficient technology in the power generation process.
Considering that the gas cost element can amount to 70% of operating expenditures, it is imperative for developers to adopt the technology which provides the most efficient generation, including best-in-class efficiency turbines available to remain competitive. One such example would be the 9HA gas turbine, billed as the most efficient in the world, reduction in CO2 output and importantly, lower operation or maintenance cost over the long term. This coupled with a strategic generation mix will ensure a sustainable and affordable cost of electricity for end users.
Continue reading here to part 2.