Rajiv: No question of political will, govt on track with renewable energy targets

August 4, 2019

Dateline 2019-06-26, Star Online:

There is no question over political will of the government in its effort to promote the uptake of renewable energy (RE), says Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) board member Rajiv Rishyakaran.

His statement was in response to economist Prof Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram’s comment that there was a lack for political commitment to push for a swift implementation of the RE agenda.

Jomo said that the enforcement of alternative energy appeared to be lagging.


Deputy minister: Natural gas industry can play pivotal role in Malaysia’s sustainable future

August 3, 2019

Dateline 2019-06-26, Malay Mail:

Malaysia’s natural gas industry can play a pivotal role in fuelling a sustainable future for the country.

Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin said as the world’s fourth largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, Malaysia holds a significant position in the global market.

“The future prospects of the industry looks promising with global demand forecast to increase over the next decade.

“This growth trajectory reflects global aspirations of countries in pursuing prosperity, while ensuring sustainability,” he said in his speech at the Malaysian Gas Symposium (MyGas) 2019 here today, organised by the Malaysian Gas Association (MGA).


Malaysia strengthens its position as a key gas player in the region

August 2, 2019

Dateline 2019-06-26, NST:

Malaysia is poised to further strengthen its potential as a key gas player in the region by capitalising on its existing extensive gas infrastructure.

The natural gas industry has also contributed significantly to the national gross domestic product over the years, while encouraging investments opportunities for local businesses.

Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said Malaysia has recorded consistent economic expansion due to strong economic fundamentals and diverse sectorial strength despite the ongoing global economic challenges.

“As we look to sustain this momentum moving forward, the oil and gas industry, which is Malaysia’s second highest export earner is most definitely a key contributor to the country’s trade,” he said in a speech, which was read by his deputy Senator Dr. Mohd Radzi Md Jidin at the inaugural Malaysian Gas Symposium (MyGAS 2019), here today.


Malaysia ‘attractive’ for upstream investment: WoodMac

August 1, 2019

Why are there quotes around attractive?

Dateline 2019-06-26, Kallanish Energy:

Half of the 11.2 billion barrels of oil-equivalent (Bboe) product discovered in Southeast Asia between 2010 and 2018 were found in Malaysia, Kallanish Energy learns.

Independent research company Wood Mackenzie said Monday the country “has proved itself to be the hottest spot for material exploration” in the area and offers some of the most attractive upstream investment opportunities.

At the moment, Malaysia needs extra supply as the large Kasawari gas project experienced delays in its Final investment decision (Fid) due to multiple breakdowns of a pipeline. The shortage is expected to last until 2025, according to analysts, when new major fields will begin operations.


IEM Shout Out – 2019-08 Talk on “Fixed Offshore Structures”

July 31, 2019

My technical division will be hosting a talk on the 3rd August 2019 by Dr. Ir. Rafee Makbol Mohamed Ali. It is worth 2 CPD points, and held at Wisma IEM.

An offshore installation for the oil and gas industry is typically designed for specific duration that subjects to reservoir capacity and recuperation of CAPEX. For some installations in which the outputs are still good in production and found to be above the initial estimate, the Owner tends to extend the platform operation within the specific duration after the expiry of the design life. The platform life extension offers the opportunity to maximise the value of capital investment by minimising the net cost of new field new development. The approach not only a means of developing a field on a faster schedule but also a cost-effective manner especially for re-use and making installations in marginal fields viable and sustainable.

Structural requirements and design parameters for platform integrity will be discussed as in some countries, platform life extension requires certification and approval by National Regulatory Body. Therefore, the present offshore installation has to fulfil the latest Codes guidelines and to have sufficient strength to account for the latest change in environmental conditions.

Dr. Ir. Rafee Makbol Mohamed Ali is a Structural Engineer with over 29 years of experience in fabrication, design, installation and certification of offshore installations. He started his career working in fabrication then had joined several design Consultants in Kuala Lumpur prior to pursuing PhD at Imperial College London. He then joined Atkins (UK) as Lead Structural Engineer for design of wind farm substations and metrological platforms. Left UK to joint Independent Verification Body (IVB) in KL as Team Leader/Structural Specialist for certification and validation of offshore installations and later was with Oil & Gas Design Consultant Company as Lead Structural Engineer..

Register here, or download the form here.


International Petroleum Corporation announces commencement of drilling program in Malaysia

July 30, 2019

Dateline 2019-06-25, Oil & Gas 360:

International Petroleum Corporation (IPC) (TSX, Nasdaq Stockholm: IPCO) is pleased to announce that it has commenced drilling of the first well in a planned multi-well drilling program on Block PM307, located offshore Peninsular Malaysia. IPC is the operator of Block PM307 and holds a 75% working interest, with Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd holding the remaining 25% working interest.

The PM307 drilling program is planned to consist of two infill landing pilot wells in the southeastern and northeastern areas of the Bertam field, followed by the Keruing exploration well and three Bertam field infill wells. The first pilot well will test the upside potential in the northeastern A15 area, which could lead to an additional infill well being added to the 2019 program in the success case.


PSA – Innovation Pitch and Business Matching 2019-08

July 29, 2019

Disclaimer – I have no links to the event, other than as an observer.

On the 5th August, 2019 starting at 8am at MIDA, KL Sentral, the IPBM 2019 will be held.

  1. The pitching sessions are divided into five categories as follows:
    Digital Technology, Electronics and IOT
  2. Biotechnology, Medical Device, Pharmaceuticals and Health
  3. Chemical, Advanced Materials and Plastics
  4. Machinery and Equipment
  5. Food-tech and Agriculture Technology

For further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact IPBM 2019 secretariat at +60149039085 (Ms. Sharina) or at +60134599301 (Ms. Nora) or email to ipbm@unimap.edu.my or visit at https://ipbm.unimap.edu.my/.

I am a fan of mixing it up between academia and industry, specifically where symbiosis is possible. Currently, with buzzwords like “move fast and break things”, “disruptive technology”, local public unis having their budgets slashed risking quality of education, and the ever-present cost cutting (sorry, optimization) regime, I would suggest local unis have something for those who are willing to look.

I’ve paid up my RM100 to attend. I implore that you come as well.

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Malaysia Solar Energy Profile

July 28, 2019

Dateline 2019-06-25, Solar Magazine:

Malaysia has emerged as an international hub for the manufacture of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, wafers and modules. The southeast Asian nation has been comparatively slow to take up solar energy at home, however.

U.S.-based market leaders First Solar and SunPower, along with South Korea-Germany’s Hanwha Q Cells manufacture the vast bulk of their solar PV cells and modules in Malaysia. Other market-leading manufacturers, including China’s JA Solar and Jinko Solar, have major manufacturing operations there, as well.


‘O&G business, ecosystems must be restructured to meet future economic needs’

July 27, 2019

Dateline 2019-06-25, The Edge:

To meet future economic needs, the oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) business as well as the industrial ecosystems must be restructured to remain relevant and competitive, said Minister of Economic Affairs Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

In a special address at the 20th Asia Oil & Gas Conference 2019 yesterday, Mohamed Azmin said the first National OGSE Industry Blueprint Study will be included in the 12th Malaysia Plan, with the aim of elevating the competitiveness of local players, subsequently promoting long-term resilience and industry sustainability.

“The impact of the new industry reality will be felt across various dimensions, from future economic models to human capital and new skill sets to adoption of new technologies. Disruptive forces and future trends will make it imperative for companies to relook their business models and future-proof existing strategies in order to stay competitive,” Mohamed Azmin added.

 


‘Chart new energy solutions’

July 26, 2019

First solution: use less of it, more efficiently. Cool biz and Dr M bush jackets rule.

Dateline 2019-06-25, The Star:

Countries in Asia must explore options to improve energy efficiency and affordability by diversifying its energy mix to address concerns over the sustainability of global economic growth, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Prime Minister called upon industry leaders to enter into strategic dialogues on the challenges facing the industry, especially the possibility of opening new avenues for collaboration that tap into the knowledge and expertise of other sectors aimed at innovating new energy solutions.