JDR Cable Systems, a global provider of subsea power cables, offshore
umbilical systems and specialised marine cables has been awarded the
contract for the supply of subsea power array cables for the first phase
of London Array Offshore Wind Farm by the project consortium of DONG
Energy, E.ON and Masdar.
The first phase of the development, consisting of 175 wind turbines and
2 offshore substations will be installed in water depths of up to 23
meters some 20km (12 miles) from the Kent and Essex coasts in the outer
Thames Estuary. The wind farm will be connected by subsea export cables
to an onshore substation at Cleve Hill, on the North Kent coast. From
the substation, the electricity will be fed into the existing 400kV
transmission network.
The scope awarded to JDR includes the engineering, design and
manufacture of over 200km of 33kV array cables complete with proprietary
hang-off and termination systems providing the essential link between
individual wind turbine generators, wind turbine generator arrays and
the offshore substations. The cables will be produced in 2010 and 2011.
“The London Array project team were very clear in their determination to
procure array cables that would provide the highest long-term
reliability available in the market. JDR’s dedication to the highest
levels of quality management and continuous improvement, developed over
many years of providing subsea power cables and umbilical systems for
deepwater oil & gas projects, is fully aligned with the needs of
offshore wind farm operators. We shall also be providing JDR’s
proprietary array cable termination systems, which have been
specifically designed to minimise offshore installation costs. We are
very pleased that JDR was selected as the array cable supplier and we
look forward to embarking on this world class project,” stated Patrick
Phelan, managing director of JDR Cable Systems Ltd.
When complete the first phase of London Array will be among the world’s
largest offshore wind farms, delivering up to 630MW. This is enough
power for approximately 470,000 homes and will make a substantial
contribution to the UK Government’s target of providing 15% of all
electricity supply from renewable sources by 2015.
“JDR has made significant investments over the last three years to
address the growing and vital renewable energy initiatives taking hold
in the UK and other parts of the world. Our plant in Hartlepool was
carefully chosen to be located in the heart of the UK offshore community
to best serve their ambitious projects yet optimally service all of
Northern Europe and other geographies around the world”, commented Pat
Herbert, group CEO, JDR Cable Systems (Holdings) Ltd.
Richard Rigg, the London Array Project Director stated that “London
Array Limited and its Shareholders are very pleased that JDR Cable
Systems have been successful in acquiring this scope of work and that
the project is supporting the new UK facilities developed by JDR at
Hartlepool to serve the offshore wind industry.”
About JDR Cable Systems
JDR is a leading provider of custom-designed and manufactured static and
dynamic subsea power cables, umbilical systems and marine cables for a
broad range of applications throughout the oil and gas sector, offshore
renewable energy industry, and seismic and defence markets.
JDR was featured in The Sunday Times Buyout Track 100 of the UK’s top
Private Equity-owned businesses. JDR ranked twelfth on the annual list
of 100 companies, and was the highest Original Equipment Manufacturer on
the list.
About the London Array Consortium
London Array Limited has three shareholders: E.ON, DONG Energy and
Masdar.
E.ON is one of the UK’s leading power and gas companies – generating and
distributing electricity, and retailing power and gas – and is part of
the E.ON group, the world’s largest investor-owned power and gas company.
DONG Energy is one of the leading energy groups in Northern Europe. We
are headquartered in Denmark. Our business is based on procuring,
producing, distributing and trading in energy and related products in
Northern Europe.
Masdar, wholly owned by the Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), is
Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted initiative in the development and
commercialization of renewable energy and sustainable technology.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Ratchaburi Holding Reports progress of 1,878-MW Hongsa Thermal Power Plant Project - signing 25-year concession agreement for electricity generation
Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Public Company Limited (Ratchaburi Holding) has reported to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) that Hongsa Power Co., Ltd. (HPC) and Phu Fai Mining Co., Ltd. (PFMC), both of which are joint venture companies with 40% and 37.5% respectively of equity acquired by Ratchaburi Holding are set to the operate Hongsa Thermal Power Plant project. The concession agreement was signed yesterday with the Lao PDR. (November 30, 2009).
According to the concession agreement, HPC will perform obtain a concession for electricity generation whereas PFMC will receive a concession for lignite mining from the Lao PDR. Both agreements have 25-year durations starting date of commercial operations for electricity generation and lignite mining.
Mr. Noppol Milinthanggoon, the President of Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL., said that “the concession agreement signing between HPC and Lao PDR. is a significant milestone for the Hongsa Thermal Power Plant project, which is a joint investment by the Company, Banpu Group and LHSE (Lao Holding State Enterprise). This is an IPP with a high project value, which combined the expertise of the joint-ventures. Ratchaburi Holding has a proven record in IPP project development and management while Banpu Group has expertise in the coal mining industry and LHSE has long standing experience in electricity utility development in the Lao PDR. With the above mentioned factors, the Company strongly believes that this project will enhance the stability of the electricity system in both Thailand and the Lao PDR.”
Hongsa Thermal Power Plant is coal-fired using lignite as the primary fuel for electricity generation. It is a shared equity enterprise from Ratchaburi Holding with 40%, Banpu Power Co., Ltd. with 40% and Lao Holding State Enterprise with 20%. With a total installed capacity of 1,878 MW, the project has 3 units, 626 MW each, and it is expected to start commercial operation by 2015. According to the MOU signed on May 13, 2009, electricity of 1,473 MW will be sold to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and approximately 100 MW will be sold to Electricite du Laos: EDL to support the power demands of the Lao PDR, the remainder will be used for the lignite mining operation and the project’s electricity generation.
According to the concession agreement, HPC will perform obtain a concession for electricity generation whereas PFMC will receive a concession for lignite mining from the Lao PDR. Both agreements have 25-year durations starting date of commercial operations for electricity generation and lignite mining.
Mr. Noppol Milinthanggoon, the President of Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL., said that “the concession agreement signing between HPC and Lao PDR. is a significant milestone for the Hongsa Thermal Power Plant project, which is a joint investment by the Company, Banpu Group and LHSE (Lao Holding State Enterprise). This is an IPP with a high project value, which combined the expertise of the joint-ventures. Ratchaburi Holding has a proven record in IPP project development and management while Banpu Group has expertise in the coal mining industry and LHSE has long standing experience in electricity utility development in the Lao PDR. With the above mentioned factors, the Company strongly believes that this project will enhance the stability of the electricity system in both Thailand and the Lao PDR.”
Hongsa Thermal Power Plant is coal-fired using lignite as the primary fuel for electricity generation. It is a shared equity enterprise from Ratchaburi Holding with 40%, Banpu Power Co., Ltd. with 40% and Lao Holding State Enterprise with 20%. With a total installed capacity of 1,878 MW, the project has 3 units, 626 MW each, and it is expected to start commercial operation by 2015. According to the MOU signed on May 13, 2009, electricity of 1,473 MW will be sold to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and approximately 100 MW will be sold to Electricite du Laos: EDL to support the power demands of the Lao PDR, the remainder will be used for the lignite mining operation and the project’s electricity generation.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Free Green Technologies Seminar and Exhibition
The Royal Danish Embassy in Bangkok is hosting a combined green technology exhibition and seminar as a lead-up to the COP15 conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.
Beside the invited government and state enterprise officials, academics in engineering and architecture, and corporate firms with interest in green tech¬nologies and energy reduction, the Danish Embassy would like to invite interested among the public. The seminar is free of charge and will be held in Thai language.
Different green technology products will be presented during the whole day event comprising of solar panels, cooling systems based on the burning of biomass suitable for larger cooling systems and buildings, organic waste water treatment systems, smart solutions for electric grids that reduced the usage of electricity, low energy houses, machinery for the fishing/shrimp industry that reduced the usage of water and chemicals, recycling of organic waste and others.
It is expected that 300 delegates, including government officials, academics, and business people with interest in eco technologies will be participating in the event. H.E. Dr. Wannarat Channukul, Minister of Energy in Thailand and the Danish Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Michael Sternberg will preside over the opening ceremony.
Beside the invited government and state enterprise officials, academics in engineering and architecture, and corporate firms with interest in green tech¬nologies and energy reduction, the Danish Embassy would like to invite interested among the public. The seminar is free of charge and will be held in Thai language.
Different green technology products will be presented during the whole day event comprising of solar panels, cooling systems based on the burning of biomass suitable for larger cooling systems and buildings, organic waste water treatment systems, smart solutions for electric grids that reduced the usage of electricity, low energy houses, machinery for the fishing/shrimp industry that reduced the usage of water and chemicals, recycling of organic waste and others.
It is expected that 300 delegates, including government officials, academics, and business people with interest in eco technologies will be participating in the event. H.E. Dr. Wannarat Channukul, Minister of Energy in Thailand and the Danish Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Michael Sternberg will preside over the opening ceremony.
Glow’s profitability on track in Q3 2009
Glow Group (“Glow”) posted consolidated total revenues of THB 25,836 million, Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) of THB 5,743 million and Normalized Net Profit (“NNP”, net profit before unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses) of THB 2,669 million for the 9 months of 2009.
The 3rd quarter NNP of 2009 for Glow stood at THB 899 million. The key drivers for the result were strong industrial customers’ sales, whose power and steam consumption have returned back to normal levels since mid year, and favorable operating margins, where fuel prices have stabilized along with the electricity tariffs.
The 3rd quarter result is THB 274 million below the previous quarter, mainly because of two key reasons. First, unlike in the previous quarter, the 3rd quarter result does not include the business interruption compensation for the outage earlier this year of the 150 MW coal-fired Unit 1. The Company expects to receive the remaining business interruption claim of more than THB 100 million. Secondly, there was lower availability in the 3rd quarter due to a minor forced outage and a one-month major maintenance of the 150 MW coal-fired Unit 2, which was deferred from the previous quarter, the total effect was a reduction in profitability in the 3rd quarter by about 100 million baht. The 4th quarter plant availability is expected to return to normal as there is no other major maintenance scheduled until later 2011
Mr. Esa Heiskanen, the CEO of Glow Group commented: “The operation and performance of the Group have returned to normal and our industrial customer sales volumes have returned to expected levels. Our operating margin has also recovered to normal levels as the Ft remains high and fuel prices have stabilized .”
Mr. Esa continued to add “We are following up very closely on what the impact of the temporary suspension ruling has on our numerous customers in Map Ta Phut, Glow currently has all the necessary permits for our expansions, including the 115 MW coal-fired, 382 MW gas-fired, and 660 MW coal-fired IPP. Our expansions will utilize proven technology to ensure low emissions and will include reduction in emission from our existing plants, where the net result will be an improvement in the overall air quality in Map Ta Phut. We are confident that our projects are environmentally sound and will benefit surrounding communities as the total emission from our existing and new plants would be lower than current levels.
”Glow’s year-to-date interest expenses and corporate income tax have increased from same period last year. The effective tax rate has gradually been increasing year on year, as tax privileges for some of Glow’s older plants are starting to expire. However, the overall effective tax rate for the group will come down after the tax exemption period begins for the expansion projects after commercial operation starting in 2010.
Mr. Suthiwong Kongsiri, the CFO of Glow Group further explained: “The increased interest expenses is not due to higher funding costs but it is reflecting the higher debt level due especially to our strategy to pre-fund some of our funding needs at the beginning of the year, this strategy is aimed at mitigating liquidity risk which has resulted from troubles in global financial market. We now have the necessary funding through to the 2nd quarter of 2010 and are very confident in our ability to secure the remaining funds needed for our expansion projects, thanks to our solid business fundamentals, robust performance and improved market conditions.”
About Glow Energy
Glow Energy is a member of the Glow Group who is a major energy player in Thailand. Glow Group combined installed capacities include 1,860 MW (Glow’s stake is 1,775 MW) of electricity and 967 tons per hour of steam.
Glow Group generate and supply electricity to Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) under Thailand's SPP (Small Power Producer) and IPP (Independent Power Producer) programs, as well as electricity, steam, industrial water and services to large industrial customers principally located in the Map Ta Phut area and nearby.
GDF SUEZ Energy Europe & International is Glow Energy’s major shareholder and is a division of the GDF SUEZ Group, one of the largest international industrial and services groups in the world.
The 3rd quarter NNP of 2009 for Glow stood at THB 899 million. The key drivers for the result were strong industrial customers’ sales, whose power and steam consumption have returned back to normal levels since mid year, and favorable operating margins, where fuel prices have stabilized along with the electricity tariffs.
The 3rd quarter result is THB 274 million below the previous quarter, mainly because of two key reasons. First, unlike in the previous quarter, the 3rd quarter result does not include the business interruption compensation for the outage earlier this year of the 150 MW coal-fired Unit 1. The Company expects to receive the remaining business interruption claim of more than THB 100 million. Secondly, there was lower availability in the 3rd quarter due to a minor forced outage and a one-month major maintenance of the 150 MW coal-fired Unit 2, which was deferred from the previous quarter, the total effect was a reduction in profitability in the 3rd quarter by about 100 million baht. The 4th quarter plant availability is expected to return to normal as there is no other major maintenance scheduled until later 2011
Mr. Esa Heiskanen, the CEO of Glow Group commented: “The operation and performance of the Group have returned to normal and our industrial customer sales volumes have returned to expected levels. Our operating margin has also recovered to normal levels as the Ft remains high and fuel prices have stabilized .”
Mr. Esa continued to add “We are following up very closely on what the impact of the temporary suspension ruling has on our numerous customers in Map Ta Phut, Glow currently has all the necessary permits for our expansions, including the 115 MW coal-fired, 382 MW gas-fired, and 660 MW coal-fired IPP. Our expansions will utilize proven technology to ensure low emissions and will include reduction in emission from our existing plants, where the net result will be an improvement in the overall air quality in Map Ta Phut. We are confident that our projects are environmentally sound and will benefit surrounding communities as the total emission from our existing and new plants would be lower than current levels.
”Glow’s year-to-date interest expenses and corporate income tax have increased from same period last year. The effective tax rate has gradually been increasing year on year, as tax privileges for some of Glow’s older plants are starting to expire. However, the overall effective tax rate for the group will come down after the tax exemption period begins for the expansion projects after commercial operation starting in 2010.
Mr. Suthiwong Kongsiri, the CFO of Glow Group further explained: “The increased interest expenses is not due to higher funding costs but it is reflecting the higher debt level due especially to our strategy to pre-fund some of our funding needs at the beginning of the year, this strategy is aimed at mitigating liquidity risk which has resulted from troubles in global financial market. We now have the necessary funding through to the 2nd quarter of 2010 and are very confident in our ability to secure the remaining funds needed for our expansion projects, thanks to our solid business fundamentals, robust performance and improved market conditions.”
About Glow Energy
Glow Energy is a member of the Glow Group who is a major energy player in Thailand. Glow Group combined installed capacities include 1,860 MW (Glow’s stake is 1,775 MW) of electricity and 967 tons per hour of steam.
Glow Group generate and supply electricity to Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) under Thailand's SPP (Small Power Producer) and IPP (Independent Power Producer) programs, as well as electricity, steam, industrial water and services to large industrial customers principally located in the Map Ta Phut area and nearby.
GDF SUEZ Energy Europe & International is Glow Energy’s major shareholder and is a division of the GDF SUEZ Group, one of the largest international industrial and services groups in the world.
Bangkok Bank supports 3 KSL projects valued at more than Baht 8 billion
Bangkok Bank is providing Baht 8,134 million of financial support to Khon Kaen Sugar Industry (KSL) to invest in 3 new projects at Bo Ploy District, Kanchanaburi Province.
Bangkok Bank Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking, Chansak Fuangfu, said Bangkok Bank has signed an agreement to provide loans of Baht 8,134 million to Khon Kaen Sugar Industry (KSL) and its subsidiaries, including New Krung Thai Sugar Factory Co., Ltd., Khon Kaen Sugar Power Plant Co., Ltd and Khon Kaen Alcohol Co., Ltd.
Mr. Chansak added that under the loan agreement, New Krung Thai Sugar Factory Company will use the funds to relocate its sugar mill from Tamaka District to Bo Ploy District, Kanchanaburi Province, and expand its production capacity, from 8,385 tons of cane per day (TCD) to 20,400 TCD. The sugar from this factory will be distributed to large food and beverage manufacturers in Thailand and other countries as a key ingredient of their products. Major export markets are Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Russia and China.
In terms of alternative energy investment projects, the Khon Kaen Sugar Power Plant Company will build its second plant with an electricity production capacity of 90 MWH using biomass and biogas as raw materials. The company will sell electricity and steam to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and KSL’s subsidiaries.
The third and final project under this agreement is Khon Kaen Alcohol Company’s construction of a second plant. This plant will produce up to 200,000 litres of ethanol per day from molasses and other waste products from sugar production process. Ethanol is mixed with gasoline to make the vehicle fuel, gasohol.
“KSL Group’s investments increase sugar productivity and add value to the by-products of sugar manufacturing,” concluded Mr Chansak. “The company’s investment in value-added projects also supports the government’s energy and environmental policies. Sugar production is one of Thailand’s core industries and Thailand is the second-largest sugar exporter after Brazil, exporting mainly to countries in Asia.”
Bangkok Bank Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking, Chansak Fuangfu, said Bangkok Bank has signed an agreement to provide loans of Baht 8,134 million to Khon Kaen Sugar Industry (KSL) and its subsidiaries, including New Krung Thai Sugar Factory Co., Ltd., Khon Kaen Sugar Power Plant Co., Ltd and Khon Kaen Alcohol Co., Ltd.
Mr. Chansak added that under the loan agreement, New Krung Thai Sugar Factory Company will use the funds to relocate its sugar mill from Tamaka District to Bo Ploy District, Kanchanaburi Province, and expand its production capacity, from 8,385 tons of cane per day (TCD) to 20,400 TCD. The sugar from this factory will be distributed to large food and beverage manufacturers in Thailand and other countries as a key ingredient of their products. Major export markets are Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Russia and China.
In terms of alternative energy investment projects, the Khon Kaen Sugar Power Plant Company will build its second plant with an electricity production capacity of 90 MWH using biomass and biogas as raw materials. The company will sell electricity and steam to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and KSL’s subsidiaries.
The third and final project under this agreement is Khon Kaen Alcohol Company’s construction of a second plant. This plant will produce up to 200,000 litres of ethanol per day from molasses and other waste products from sugar production process. Ethanol is mixed with gasoline to make the vehicle fuel, gasohol.
“KSL Group’s investments increase sugar productivity and add value to the by-products of sugar manufacturing,” concluded Mr Chansak. “The company’s investment in value-added projects also supports the government’s energy and environmental policies. Sugar production is one of Thailand’s core industries and Thailand is the second-largest sugar exporter after Brazil, exporting mainly to countries in Asia.”
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Bangkok Bank supports 3 KSL projects valued at more than Baht 8 billion
Bangkok Bank is providing Baht 8,134 million of financial support to Khon Kaen Sugar Industry (KSL) to invest in 3 new projects at Bo Ploy District, Kanchanaburi Province.
Bangkok Bank Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking, Chansak Fuangfu, said Bangkok Bank has signed an agreement to provide loans of Baht 8,134 million to Khon Kaen Sugar Industry (KSL) and its subsidiaries, including New Krung Thai Sugar Factory Co., Ltd., Khon Kaen Sugar Power Plant Co., Ltd and Khon Kaen Alcohol Co., Ltd.
Mr. Chansak added that under the loan agreement, New Krung Thai Sugar Factory Company will use the funds to relocate its sugar mill from Tamaka District to Bo Ploy District, Kanchanaburi Province, and expand its production capacity, from 8,385 tons of cane per day (TCD) to 20,400 TCD. The sugar from this factory will be distributed to large food and beverage manufacturers in Thailand and other countries as a key ingredient of their products. Major export markets are Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Russia and China.
In terms of alternative energy investment projects, the Khon Kaen Sugar Power Plant Company will build its second plant with an electricity production capacity of 90 MWH using biomass and biogas as raw materials. The company will sell electricity and steam to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and KSL’s subsidiaries.
The third and final project under this agreement is Khon Kaen Alcohol Company’s construction of a second plant. This plant will produce up to 200,000 litres of ethanol per day from molasses and other waste products from sugar production process. Ethanol is mixed with gasoline to make the vehicle fuel, gasohol.
“KSL Group’s investments increase sugar productivity and add value to the by-products of sugar manufacturing,” concluded Mr Chansak. “The company’s investment in value-added projects also supports the government’s energy and environmental policies. Sugar production is one of Thailand’s core industries and Thailand is the second-largest sugar exporter after Brazil, exporting mainly to countries in Asia.”
Bangkok Bank Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking, Chansak Fuangfu, said Bangkok Bank has signed an agreement to provide loans of Baht 8,134 million to Khon Kaen Sugar Industry (KSL) and its subsidiaries, including New Krung Thai Sugar Factory Co., Ltd., Khon Kaen Sugar Power Plant Co., Ltd and Khon Kaen Alcohol Co., Ltd.
Mr. Chansak added that under the loan agreement, New Krung Thai Sugar Factory Company will use the funds to relocate its sugar mill from Tamaka District to Bo Ploy District, Kanchanaburi Province, and expand its production capacity, from 8,385 tons of cane per day (TCD) to 20,400 TCD. The sugar from this factory will be distributed to large food and beverage manufacturers in Thailand and other countries as a key ingredient of their products. Major export markets are Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Russia and China.
In terms of alternative energy investment projects, the Khon Kaen Sugar Power Plant Company will build its second plant with an electricity production capacity of 90 MWH using biomass and biogas as raw materials. The company will sell electricity and steam to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and KSL’s subsidiaries.
The third and final project under this agreement is Khon Kaen Alcohol Company’s construction of a second plant. This plant will produce up to 200,000 litres of ethanol per day from molasses and other waste products from sugar production process. Ethanol is mixed with gasoline to make the vehicle fuel, gasohol.
“KSL Group’s investments increase sugar productivity and add value to the by-products of sugar manufacturing,” concluded Mr Chansak. “The company’s investment in value-added projects also supports the government’s energy and environmental policies. Sugar production is one of Thailand’s core industries and Thailand is the second-largest sugar exporter after Brazil, exporting mainly to countries in Asia.”
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Stoppage hits Glow's Q3
The SET-listed power producer Glow Energy saw earnings slow in the third quarter due to a one-month maintenance closure of one of its plants.
Two factors caused its normalised net profit to drop to 899 million baht in the third quarter, down by 274 million from the second quarter, the company said in its statement.
Reduced power output due to a onemonth maintenance closure at its 150 MW coal-fired station affected te thirdquarter performance.
The quarter's results also weakened as Glow had not booked the business interruption liability for a stoppage earlier this year at the 150 MW station.
Output is expected to return to normal in the final quarter as there are no more major maintenance stoppages scheduled until late 2011. The company also plans to book the remaining business inter-ruption claim of more than 100 million baht in the fourth quarter.
Glow reported sales of 26.6 billion baht over the first nine months, up 3.3%year-on-year from 25.7 billion. But its net profit fell by 5% from the same period last year to 3.04 billion baht.
Chief executive Esa Heikanen said higher interest payments of 705.5 million baht, up from 605 million last year, from increasing project finance caused the weaker performance. Fuel costs also rose by 2.8% for natural gas and 1.8% for coal.
However, Mr Heikanen said that performance declined at a slower pace than the rise in costs, thanks to revitalised sales to industrial customers.
Shares of Glow closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 33 baht, up 3 baht, in trade worth 41.53 million baht.
Two factors caused its normalised net profit to drop to 899 million baht in the third quarter, down by 274 million from the second quarter, the company said in its statement.
Reduced power output due to a onemonth maintenance closure at its 150 MW coal-fired station affected te thirdquarter performance.
The quarter's results also weakened as Glow had not booked the business interruption liability for a stoppage earlier this year at the 150 MW station.
Output is expected to return to normal in the final quarter as there are no more major maintenance stoppages scheduled until late 2011. The company also plans to book the remaining business inter-ruption claim of more than 100 million baht in the fourth quarter.
Glow reported sales of 26.6 billion baht over the first nine months, up 3.3%year-on-year from 25.7 billion. But its net profit fell by 5% from the same period last year to 3.04 billion baht.
Chief executive Esa Heikanen said higher interest payments of 705.5 million baht, up from 605 million last year, from increasing project finance caused the weaker performance. Fuel costs also rose by 2.8% for natural gas and 1.8% for coal.
However, Mr Heikanen said that performance declined at a slower pace than the rise in costs, thanks to revitalised sales to industrial customers.
Shares of Glow closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 33 baht, up 3 baht, in trade worth 41.53 million baht.
Egco profit steady
The Electricity Generating Plc (EGCO) reported a steady net profit in the third quarter, with profit growth for the nine-month period,thanks to additional capacity.
Thailand's first private power producer posted a consolidated net profit of 2 billion baht, unchanged from a year earlier. Nine-month consolidated net profit was 6.65 billion (12.64 baht a share), up from 6.26 billion baht (11.91 baht a share).
This year, the company gained more income from new capacity at its Kaeng Khoi 2 Unit 2 plant, which started operations in February.
However, performance was affected by lower electricity sales of subsidiaries Rayong Electricity Generating Co (Regco) and Khanom Electricity Generating Co (Kegco), caused by a reduction in the base availability credit; and lower service income from Egco Engineering & Service Co Ltd.
Since late last year, Egco has focused on expanding in Asean countries to maintain profit and revenue at a time of lower demand in Thailand. It also is looking to acquire new fuel-related and renewable energy businesses locally.
Egco Group has 13 plants with 3,980.7 MW, representing 12.3% of Thailand's total installed capacity.
Egco shares closed yesterday on the SET at 75.25 baht, up 25 satang,in trade worth 14.5 million baht.
Thailand's first private power producer posted a consolidated net profit of 2 billion baht, unchanged from a year earlier. Nine-month consolidated net profit was 6.65 billion (12.64 baht a share), up from 6.26 billion baht (11.91 baht a share).
This year, the company gained more income from new capacity at its Kaeng Khoi 2 Unit 2 plant, which started operations in February.
However, performance was affected by lower electricity sales of subsidiaries Rayong Electricity Generating Co (Regco) and Khanom Electricity Generating Co (Kegco), caused by a reduction in the base availability credit; and lower service income from Egco Engineering & Service Co Ltd.
Since late last year, Egco has focused on expanding in Asean countries to maintain profit and revenue at a time of lower demand in Thailand. It also is looking to acquire new fuel-related and renewable energy businesses locally.
Egco Group has 13 plants with 3,980.7 MW, representing 12.3% of Thailand's total installed capacity.
Egco shares closed yesterday on the SET at 75.25 baht, up 25 satang,in trade worth 14.5 million baht.
Banpu profit rises 22%
The coal miner Banpu Plc reported thirdquarter profits of 3.8 billion baht, an increase of 22% from the same period last year.
Consolidated nine-month net profit jumped 68% from the same period last year to 12.58 billion baht.
In a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the company said its thirdquarter revenues fell 3% year-on-year to 13.9 billion baht, due primarily to lower coal prices. Coal sales totalled 12.8 billion baht, down 4% year-on-year and representing 92% of total revenue.
Coal sales volume in the quarter was 5.31 million tonnes, up 15% year-onyear and up 18% from the previous quarter thanks to increased production at its Indonesian mines. Average selling prices for the quarter were $69.49 per tonne, a decline of 17% year-on-year and 6%quarter-on-quarter due to lower market prices and quality of coal.
Quarterly profits included a gain of 1.03 billion baht from financial derivatives on coal swaps and 109 million from oil hedging and interest-rate swaps.
Total reserves at the end of September were 581.37 million tonnes, compared with 588.1 million at the end of June.
Shares of Banpu closed yesterday on the SET at 448 baht, down two baht.
Consolidated nine-month net profit jumped 68% from the same period last year to 12.58 billion baht.
In a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the company said its thirdquarter revenues fell 3% year-on-year to 13.9 billion baht, due primarily to lower coal prices. Coal sales totalled 12.8 billion baht, down 4% year-on-year and representing 92% of total revenue.
Coal sales volume in the quarter was 5.31 million tonnes, up 15% year-onyear and up 18% from the previous quarter thanks to increased production at its Indonesian mines. Average selling prices for the quarter were $69.49 per tonne, a decline of 17% year-on-year and 6%quarter-on-quarter due to lower market prices and quality of coal.
Quarterly profits included a gain of 1.03 billion baht from financial derivatives on coal swaps and 109 million from oil hedging and interest-rate swaps.
Total reserves at the end of September were 581.37 million tonnes, compared with 588.1 million at the end of June.
Shares of Banpu closed yesterday on the SET at 448 baht, down two baht.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
SAMSUNG HAS BT4-BN PLAN TO UP MARKET SHARE
Thai Samsung Electronics will invest around Bt4 billion to increase proฌduction capacity and research and development next year to boost its share in the segments in which the brand is not a market leader.
Deputy managing director Arnut Changtrakul yesterday said the Board of Investment (BoI) had proฌmoted Thai Samsung's investment.
The investment of Bt4 billion will cover R&D, new machines and new mole to develop new innovative products and increase production capacity for four products - refrigerators, frontloaded washing machines, airconditioners and TV monitors at the existing plants at Sriracha, Chonburi province.
The investment could help create 500 to 1,000 jobs next year. Currently it employs 5,000 people.
Samsung's Sriracha plant is a major production base for Samsung electronics products such as LED TV, LCD TV, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and microwave ovens.
Of the total production at the Sriracha plant, about 30 per cent goes to the domestic market and the rest are exported to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The segments in which Thai Samsung is not the market leader are refrigerators, frontloaded washฌing machines, airconditioners, notebooks, digital cameras and mobile phones. However, Samsung expects to emerge as market leader in the mobilephone market by the yearend.
Samsung will be the first interฌnational brand to do TV mobile phones, starting next year.
Samsung ranks third and fourth in refrigerator, front loaded washing machines, air conditioner, notebook and digital camera.
Arnut said the company's goal next year is to boost shares in those segments or at least go up by one rank. aMoreover, Samsung has to secure the position in the top tier in all segments.
Samsung is currently the market leader in LED TV, LCD TV, PDP TV, Slim TV, sidebyside refrigerator and LCD monitor.
He said Samsung next year will focus more on the segment that the brand does not market leaders.
"We have five keys to success: new technology, value for money, potenฌtial distribution, brand creation and aftersales services," he said.
He said the focus on products in which Samsung is not the market leader will also boost domestic revenue next year. Thai Samsung is targeting domestic sales worth $1.5 bilฌlion (Bt50.1 billion) compared to expected sales of $1 billion this year.
"We expect our sales to increase next year because of the positive signs of the global economic recovฌery. Moreover, Thai consumer conฌfidence index in the fourth quarter this year is likely to be positive at 1.5 per cent from negative earlier this year.
Thai Samsung expects the consumer confidence index to continue improving to 34 per cent in the first quarter next year," said Arnut.
The US gross domestic product is expected to grow by 3.5 per cent next year. This is a positive sign for the export market as well, Arnut said.
The company is targeting exports of $1.6 billion next year from the expected $1.3 billion this year.
Deputy managing director Arnut Changtrakul yesterday said the Board of Investment (BoI) had proฌmoted Thai Samsung's investment.
The investment of Bt4 billion will cover R&D, new machines and new mole to develop new innovative products and increase production capacity for four products - refrigerators, frontloaded washing machines, airconditioners and TV monitors at the existing plants at Sriracha, Chonburi province.
The investment could help create 500 to 1,000 jobs next year. Currently it employs 5,000 people.
Samsung's Sriracha plant is a major production base for Samsung electronics products such as LED TV, LCD TV, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and microwave ovens.
Of the total production at the Sriracha plant, about 30 per cent goes to the domestic market and the rest are exported to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The segments in which Thai Samsung is not the market leader are refrigerators, frontloaded washฌing machines, airconditioners, notebooks, digital cameras and mobile phones. However, Samsung expects to emerge as market leader in the mobilephone market by the yearend.
Samsung will be the first interฌnational brand to do TV mobile phones, starting next year.
Samsung ranks third and fourth in refrigerator, front loaded washing machines, air conditioner, notebook and digital camera.
Arnut said the company's goal next year is to boost shares in those segments or at least go up by one rank. aMoreover, Samsung has to secure the position in the top tier in all segments.
Samsung is currently the market leader in LED TV, LCD TV, PDP TV, Slim TV, sidebyside refrigerator and LCD monitor.
He said Samsung next year will focus more on the segment that the brand does not market leaders.
"We have five keys to success: new technology, value for money, potenฌtial distribution, brand creation and aftersales services," he said.
He said the focus on products in which Samsung is not the market leader will also boost domestic revenue next year. Thai Samsung is targeting domestic sales worth $1.5 bilฌlion (Bt50.1 billion) compared to expected sales of $1 billion this year.
"We expect our sales to increase next year because of the positive signs of the global economic recovฌery. Moreover, Thai consumer conฌfidence index in the fourth quarter this year is likely to be positive at 1.5 per cent from negative earlier this year.
Thai Samsung expects the consumer confidence index to continue improving to 34 per cent in the first quarter next year," said Arnut.
The US gross domestic product is expected to grow by 3.5 per cent next year. This is a positive sign for the export market as well, Arnut said.
The company is targeting exports of $1.6 billion next year from the expected $1.3 billion this year.
Community forests capture hearts, minds
Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc joins forces with Thailand's Royal Forest Department to develop a new generation of woodland guardians
Story and photos by PURICH TRIVITAYAKHUN CHIANG MAI
During a brief discussion before he rejoined his group, Kiettisak Jaiban, 13, said that he had never been more enthused to protect and preserve his "community forest". He and his campmates were preparing to present their findings after hours of trekking in a forest in Chiang Mai province.
Kiettisak was one of the many students at the camp who came from communities located near a forest. Such communities have been benefiting from their forests generation after generation. When the camp came to an end, all of the other attendants probably felt the same way as Kiettisak did - that the preservation of community forests is one of their vital tasks as good citizens. Camp foliage
Kiettisak made his comments at an event that took place last month. The Royal Forest Department, in collaboration with Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc ("Ratch"), had arranged for 80 high school students from Ratchaburi province and three other northern provinces - Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Lamphun - to participate in the "Kla Yim Youth Camp".(Kla yim usually means dare to smile, but this phrase can also be a play on words to mean "smiling sprouts", as in encouraging youths to smile.)
The camp, one of the activities carried out in the "Love the Forest and the Community" campaign, was initiated by the two entities. The Young People Development Centre was involved as co-organiser of the camp, which was held in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, a reservation adjacent to Chiang Mai city.
"This is the second time that we are holding this kind of camp," said Prayut Thongsuwan, Ratch's executive vicepresident of corporate administration.This year, most of the campers had been selected from communities that use community forests, whereas last year most of the campers were students from Bangkok.
"We wish to foster a sense of environmental awareness among youngsters so that they will love and protect local natural resources. The most important objective of this camp is to attain a new generation that will continue the work of the current generation in taking care of community forests. We believe that in this way, we can effectively and efficiently ensure the long-term existence of community forests," Mr Prayut explains. For posterity
Currently, Thailand has approximately 90 million rai (14.4 million hectares)covered by forests. Of this area, around 2.7 million rai (432,000 hectares) are designated as community forests, which fall under the responsibility of 7,700 communities scattered all over the country.Nearly half of the community forest land,or approximately 1.3 million rai (208,000 hectares), is in the northern region of Thailand.
The crux of the community forest concept, according to Pralong Dumrongthai, director of the Community Forest Management Bureau in the Royal Forest Department, is to foster the well-being of the people who live in the communities adjoining or surrounding such forests.
Human activities inside forest reserves,such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, are strictly controlled by the government. In contrast, a community forest is that part of a national reserve where the community of people living nearby is permitted by the government to benefit from the forest's resources.
However, activities that are actually carried out inside the community forest have to be approved and supervised by the Royal Forest Department and a community committee responsible for the community forest.
"We want to reduce the household expenses of the local residents and increase their income," said Mr Pralong."That does not mean, however, that the focus is on encouraging the communities to only sell products obtained from their forests. On the contrary, we have a programme of activities that stresses the need for them to maintain and protect these natural treasures as they are the ones benefiting from them, and we hope that they will respond positively," he added.
At the camp, Mr Pralong gave a presentation on the overall objectives of establishing community forests. Green food bank
Personal experience is worth more than a thousand words. One of the ranges of activities at the camp was the visit by campers to the Ban Talad Khilek community forest in Doi Saket district, to the northeast of Chiang Mai city.
Even though many campers have been living around forests all their life, this was a good opportunity for them to gain hands-on experience about the functions of forests and how experts manage them.
There, the campers trekked a twokilometre trail through a forest in bloom at the end of the rainy season. They spotted wild flowers, orchids, mushrooms and herbs like Do Mai Ru Rom , the prickly-leaved elephant's foot plant;Sab Sua , or bitter bush;Makham Pom , the Malacca tree; and many other types of vegetation.
Along the walk, committee members of the Ban Talad Khilek community forest were present at several stations to dispense information to the youngsters upon their arrival there. The information provided at the stations covered topics like the functions of check dams and the management of herbs and bamboo.
"The villagers now earn higher incomes than they did before," said Somboon Thaiyanto, head of the Ban Talad Khilek community forest committee and the chief guide who led the students through the forest.
Various products from the forest, such as herbs and mushrooms, are collected and sold among the villagers themselves."We don't want them to sell these items to outsiders because the forest will cease to be sustainable if the products are commercialised," said Mr Somboon.
"A long time ago, outside investors carried out logging in the area. Nowadays,the villagers help preserve the forest.We have to do this for our children," he added.
Mr Somboon said that what he hoped the campers gained from their visit was not only knowledge about the forest,but also an appreciation of the importance of the ideas for managing a community forest, so that the youngsters would carry on the concepts learned at Ban Talad Khilek and apply them to local community forests.
After returning from the community forest, the next day the young campers had the chance to trek through the forest in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park to observe the differences between the two forests. Besides trekking and learning more about different kinds of forests,the campers engaged in several other activities that raised their awareness of environmental conservation. Friends of the forests
"The healing powers of local herbs are the same as those of expensive foreign medicines!" Ngamsiri Kladnuam said excitedly upon learning about the properties of several herbs found in the Ban Talad Khilek community forest.
"I've seen many herbs that I cannot find in my community. For example,the fruit of the Malacca tree can alleviate thirst and sore throats, and Sab Sua can stop bleeding," said Ngamsiri, revealing her newfound knowledge enthusiastically."Check dams can prevent floods,act as water reservoirs, and maintain the moisture in forests. On special occasions, community members gather to help each other build a check dam.This fosters local harmony, too."
Unlike Kiettisak, who lives in Chiang Mai, this 14-year-old girl from Ratchaburi does not live near any forest and had never attended a forest camp before.Her participation in last month's camp has made her permanently aware of what it means to go "green". She said that when she returned home, she would take steps to promote in her school the creation of more green areas in her neighbourhood, as well as tell her schoolmates about the many benefits of forests.
As for Kiettisak, he said that when he returned to his home in Mae Rim district,he would inform as many of his fellow community members as possible of how everyone could effectively manage a satisfactory level of income from selling herbs, vegetables and mushrooms plucked from their community forest."Right now, we mostly consume all of the products that we collect and sell only a small portion [to outsiders]," said the child who has grown up alongside a forest."At the camp, I learned the names of many more plants and herbs, what their properties are, and how to grow and use them."
Kiettisak agreed that the camp added to his knowledge."I will return home and try my best to disseminate what I have learned from this camp to my friends - such as, information on rare and new kinds of herbs, and how to grow, use and preserve them," Kiettisak promised,adding that he would spread the news in his school first and later try to find ways to expand the coverage to include his entire community. Future devotees
Ratch has stated that the company is willing to support the youngsters if they want to initiate future projects or actions to preserve their community forests after they return to their communities.
In the end, these little hands will one day become a major force in ensuring the continued existence of community forests, thereby enabling humans and nature to successfully exist together in harmony.
"People and forests have to depend on one another. If we don't have forests,it will be very difficult for us to survive or earn a living. If the forests don't have people who love and understand them,they will be unprotected from the risks of abuse and destruction," said Kiettisak.
Story and photos by PURICH TRIVITAYAKHUN CHIANG MAI
During a brief discussion before he rejoined his group, Kiettisak Jaiban, 13, said that he had never been more enthused to protect and preserve his "community forest". He and his campmates were preparing to present their findings after hours of trekking in a forest in Chiang Mai province.
Kiettisak was one of the many students at the camp who came from communities located near a forest. Such communities have been benefiting from their forests generation after generation. When the camp came to an end, all of the other attendants probably felt the same way as Kiettisak did - that the preservation of community forests is one of their vital tasks as good citizens. Camp foliage
Kiettisak made his comments at an event that took place last month. The Royal Forest Department, in collaboration with Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc ("Ratch"), had arranged for 80 high school students from Ratchaburi province and three other northern provinces - Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Lamphun - to participate in the "Kla Yim Youth Camp".(Kla yim usually means dare to smile, but this phrase can also be a play on words to mean "smiling sprouts", as in encouraging youths to smile.)
The camp, one of the activities carried out in the "Love the Forest and the Community" campaign, was initiated by the two entities. The Young People Development Centre was involved as co-organiser of the camp, which was held in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, a reservation adjacent to Chiang Mai city.
"This is the second time that we are holding this kind of camp," said Prayut Thongsuwan, Ratch's executive vicepresident of corporate administration.This year, most of the campers had been selected from communities that use community forests, whereas last year most of the campers were students from Bangkok.
"We wish to foster a sense of environmental awareness among youngsters so that they will love and protect local natural resources. The most important objective of this camp is to attain a new generation that will continue the work of the current generation in taking care of community forests. We believe that in this way, we can effectively and efficiently ensure the long-term existence of community forests," Mr Prayut explains. For posterity
Currently, Thailand has approximately 90 million rai (14.4 million hectares)covered by forests. Of this area, around 2.7 million rai (432,000 hectares) are designated as community forests, which fall under the responsibility of 7,700 communities scattered all over the country.Nearly half of the community forest land,or approximately 1.3 million rai (208,000 hectares), is in the northern region of Thailand.
The crux of the community forest concept, according to Pralong Dumrongthai, director of the Community Forest Management Bureau in the Royal Forest Department, is to foster the well-being of the people who live in the communities adjoining or surrounding such forests.
Human activities inside forest reserves,such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, are strictly controlled by the government. In contrast, a community forest is that part of a national reserve where the community of people living nearby is permitted by the government to benefit from the forest's resources.
However, activities that are actually carried out inside the community forest have to be approved and supervised by the Royal Forest Department and a community committee responsible for the community forest.
"We want to reduce the household expenses of the local residents and increase their income," said Mr Pralong."That does not mean, however, that the focus is on encouraging the communities to only sell products obtained from their forests. On the contrary, we have a programme of activities that stresses the need for them to maintain and protect these natural treasures as they are the ones benefiting from them, and we hope that they will respond positively," he added.
At the camp, Mr Pralong gave a presentation on the overall objectives of establishing community forests. Green food bank
Personal experience is worth more than a thousand words. One of the ranges of activities at the camp was the visit by campers to the Ban Talad Khilek community forest in Doi Saket district, to the northeast of Chiang Mai city.
Even though many campers have been living around forests all their life, this was a good opportunity for them to gain hands-on experience about the functions of forests and how experts manage them.
There, the campers trekked a twokilometre trail through a forest in bloom at the end of the rainy season. They spotted wild flowers, orchids, mushrooms and herbs like Do Mai Ru Rom , the prickly-leaved elephant's foot plant;Sab Sua , or bitter bush;Makham Pom , the Malacca tree; and many other types of vegetation.
Along the walk, committee members of the Ban Talad Khilek community forest were present at several stations to dispense information to the youngsters upon their arrival there. The information provided at the stations covered topics like the functions of check dams and the management of herbs and bamboo.
"The villagers now earn higher incomes than they did before," said Somboon Thaiyanto, head of the Ban Talad Khilek community forest committee and the chief guide who led the students through the forest.
Various products from the forest, such as herbs and mushrooms, are collected and sold among the villagers themselves."We don't want them to sell these items to outsiders because the forest will cease to be sustainable if the products are commercialised," said Mr Somboon.
"A long time ago, outside investors carried out logging in the area. Nowadays,the villagers help preserve the forest.We have to do this for our children," he added.
Mr Somboon said that what he hoped the campers gained from their visit was not only knowledge about the forest,but also an appreciation of the importance of the ideas for managing a community forest, so that the youngsters would carry on the concepts learned at Ban Talad Khilek and apply them to local community forests.
After returning from the community forest, the next day the young campers had the chance to trek through the forest in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park to observe the differences between the two forests. Besides trekking and learning more about different kinds of forests,the campers engaged in several other activities that raised their awareness of environmental conservation. Friends of the forests
"The healing powers of local herbs are the same as those of expensive foreign medicines!" Ngamsiri Kladnuam said excitedly upon learning about the properties of several herbs found in the Ban Talad Khilek community forest.
"I've seen many herbs that I cannot find in my community. For example,the fruit of the Malacca tree can alleviate thirst and sore throats, and Sab Sua can stop bleeding," said Ngamsiri, revealing her newfound knowledge enthusiastically."Check dams can prevent floods,act as water reservoirs, and maintain the moisture in forests. On special occasions, community members gather to help each other build a check dam.This fosters local harmony, too."
Unlike Kiettisak, who lives in Chiang Mai, this 14-year-old girl from Ratchaburi does not live near any forest and had never attended a forest camp before.Her participation in last month's camp has made her permanently aware of what it means to go "green". She said that when she returned home, she would take steps to promote in her school the creation of more green areas in her neighbourhood, as well as tell her schoolmates about the many benefits of forests.
As for Kiettisak, he said that when he returned to his home in Mae Rim district,he would inform as many of his fellow community members as possible of how everyone could effectively manage a satisfactory level of income from selling herbs, vegetables and mushrooms plucked from their community forest."Right now, we mostly consume all of the products that we collect and sell only a small portion [to outsiders]," said the child who has grown up alongside a forest."At the camp, I learned the names of many more plants and herbs, what their properties are, and how to grow and use them."
Kiettisak agreed that the camp added to his knowledge."I will return home and try my best to disseminate what I have learned from this camp to my friends - such as, information on rare and new kinds of herbs, and how to grow, use and preserve them," Kiettisak promised,adding that he would spread the news in his school first and later try to find ways to expand the coverage to include his entire community. Future devotees
Ratch has stated that the company is willing to support the youngsters if they want to initiate future projects or actions to preserve their community forests after they return to their communities.
In the end, these little hands will one day become a major force in ensuring the continued existence of community forests, thereby enabling humans and nature to successfully exist together in harmony.
"People and forests have to depend on one another. If we don't have forests,it will be very difficult for us to survive or earn a living. If the forests don't have people who love and understand them,they will be unprotected from the risks of abuse and destruction," said Kiettisak.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Way out of line
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced that he expects third generation phone service before New Year's Eve; he then announced why there probably won't be any; in a speech to mark the fifth anniversary of the Magnificent Seven National Telecommunications Commission, Mr Abhisit set out the conflicting criteria he expects to see in Asia's last, most dysfunctional 3G campaign: service before the end of the year after fair bandwidth auctions that favour small Thai telecom operators;on one hand,"3G services can no longer be postponed," he insisted, but on the other, the NTC must bias bidding to favour a more competitive structure;the English translation of this speech:DTAC of Norway and AIS of Shingapore have way too much market power now and 3G contracts must show that.
Information and Communications Technology Minister explained that Mr Abhisit was way out of line in calling for 3G phone service in Thailand by the end of the year; the highly dynamic Ranongruk Suwunchwee said that the auction for 3G service should be postponed indefinitely, but certainly until at least 2010; the minister patiently diagrammed the truth for Mr Abhisit,showing that any auction before next year would favour "foreign players"(translation:DTAC of Norway and AIS of Shingapore) while dealing setbacks to the telecoms duopoly of your TOT and your CAT Telecom ; after hearing the minister's clear (as always) and expert (as always) statement, Mr Abhisit said,"I have sympathy for the NTC in carrying out this complicated work,"and went back to his office.
Speaking of foreign companies, the Japanese Internet firm Rakuten bought a controlling 67 percent of Thailand's largest e-commerce portal; the online shopping service TARAD.Com , which claims to have 2 million users buying 1.4 million items from 160,000 merchants, will be directly controlled by three senior Rakuten executives to be flown in for the jobs; it's all about the scale - Rakuten.co.jp has 60 million users able to buy 40 million products from 30,000 merchants; executives of Tarad.com and Rakuten were so excited they forgot to mention the sale price.
The cabinet took a quick look, guffawed and quickly waved away a dis-tasteful proposal by the Commerce Minister to fine and arrest people who buy pirated songs, movies, software, etc;Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva spoke up and said it was a dreadful idea, probably illegal and fraught with the danger that most arrested people would simply sue the police back; Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai and deputy Alongkorn Ponlaboot apparently got caught up in the spirit of taking draconian action to stamp out piracy; but the bill will probably come back to cabinet with one key point still in it: punishment for store or mall owners who allow their premises to be used to sell pirated or counterfeit goods, which seems an equally iffy accusation.
Finally, you can buy a Kindle e-book reader for a mere $279 that will download all the k3w1 books and newspapers (and charge your credit card) from Amazon.com that works (or soon will,says Amazon) on the Edge/GPRS networks in Thailand -9,600 baht in real money.
Sixty four percent of Thais favour nuclear energy but 66 percent insist they be in other Thais' provinces; that was the result of a poll on nuclear energy conducted on behalf of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand ; Egat has hired a consulting firm to conduct studies on plants currently planned to be opened starting in 2020; deputy governor Somboon Arayasakul lauded alternative energy projects throughout the country but said there was no way they would supply enough electricity;Egat has carefully refrained from specifying any province or site as its preferred spot for the first plant.
Marine scientist Suchana Chavanich left on a four-month trip to study the impact of climate change in Antarctica;the 37-year-old Chulalongkorn University lecturer was chosen as part of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition.
Information and Communications Technology Minister explained that Mr Abhisit was way out of line in calling for 3G phone service in Thailand by the end of the year; the highly dynamic Ranongruk Suwunchwee said that the auction for 3G service should be postponed indefinitely, but certainly until at least 2010; the minister patiently diagrammed the truth for Mr Abhisit,showing that any auction before next year would favour "foreign players"(translation:DTAC of Norway and AIS of Shingapore) while dealing setbacks to the telecoms duopoly of your TOT and your CAT Telecom ; after hearing the minister's clear (as always) and expert (as always) statement, Mr Abhisit said,"I have sympathy for the NTC in carrying out this complicated work,"and went back to his office.
Speaking of foreign companies, the Japanese Internet firm Rakuten bought a controlling 67 percent of Thailand's largest e-commerce portal; the online shopping service TARAD.Com , which claims to have 2 million users buying 1.4 million items from 160,000 merchants, will be directly controlled by three senior Rakuten executives to be flown in for the jobs; it's all about the scale - Rakuten.co.jp has 60 million users able to buy 40 million products from 30,000 merchants; executives of Tarad.com and Rakuten were so excited they forgot to mention the sale price.
The cabinet took a quick look, guffawed and quickly waved away a dis-tasteful proposal by the Commerce Minister to fine and arrest people who buy pirated songs, movies, software, etc;Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva spoke up and said it was a dreadful idea, probably illegal and fraught with the danger that most arrested people would simply sue the police back; Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai and deputy Alongkorn Ponlaboot apparently got caught up in the spirit of taking draconian action to stamp out piracy; but the bill will probably come back to cabinet with one key point still in it: punishment for store or mall owners who allow their premises to be used to sell pirated or counterfeit goods, which seems an equally iffy accusation.
Finally, you can buy a Kindle e-book reader for a mere $279 that will download all the k3w1 books and newspapers (and charge your credit card) from Amazon.com that works (or soon will,says Amazon) on the Edge/GPRS networks in Thailand -9,600 baht in real money.
Sixty four percent of Thais favour nuclear energy but 66 percent insist they be in other Thais' provinces; that was the result of a poll on nuclear energy conducted on behalf of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand ; Egat has hired a consulting firm to conduct studies on plants currently planned to be opened starting in 2020; deputy governor Somboon Arayasakul lauded alternative energy projects throughout the country but said there was no way they would supply enough electricity;Egat has carefully refrained from specifying any province or site as its preferred spot for the first plant.
Marine scientist Suchana Chavanich left on a four-month trip to study the impact of climate change in Antarctica;the 37-year-old Chulalongkorn University lecturer was chosen as part of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition.
IS THAILAND HEADING FOR A NUCLEAR FUTURE?
The demand for electricity keeps rising,but consumer savings and domestic solar power generation may help considerably By Nina Suebsukcharoen
While Thailand is pushing ahead with plans to build two nuclear power plants, energy policymakers are not overlooking other choices,including solar power, and are encouraging consumers to embrace conservation, says Direk Lavansiri, chairman of the Energy Regulatory Commission.
It could take up to 10 years before work starts on the nuclear plants, assuming they win government approval and are accepted by a sceptical public.
A government organisation has already been set up to study the safety issues and acceptance of this form of energy generation,as well as where the two nuclear plants should be located.
"In a year's time they will decide whether to build them or not, but according to the plan, two will be built with 1,000 megawatts each. In 10 years we will build them," said Mr Direk.
Many parts of the country have been considered as suitable sites for the nuclear plants,but he stressed the government had to focus on safety issues.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) would be in charge of producing nuclear energy for this country because it has the skills to do so.
Now Thailand's power generating capacity is 30,000 megawatts, but according to the long-term power development plan (PDP),this will increased to between 50,000 and 54,000 megawatt in 15 years' time.
A breakdown of power generation shows that 70% is obtained from natural gas, about 15% from lignite, while hydropower amounts to 7-8%. The country buys 10% of its energy requirements from Laos which has suitable geographical conditions to generate hydroelectric power, and a small amount from Malaysia.
"In 15 years' time the natural gas portion will decrease and there may be some nuclear power - this is according to the plan - and lignite will increase," said Mr Direk.
Several countries already meet 20-30% of their energy needs through nuclear power,notably Japan. South Korea too is generating a large amount of nuclear energy, as is China.
France generates the most nuclear energy,with as much as 70% of its needs being met through nuclear plants. The UK generates about 10-20% of its power from nuclear plants because it is able to buy a substantial amount from France.
"The US too is partly nuclear but a lot of it is through lignite - much more energy is generated through lignite but it does have some nuclear," he said.
"At one time people were afraid - for example they were going to build a nuclear plant on the US west coast but it had to be scrapped [due to public pressure]. Today the US east coast has a lot of projects around seven or eight."
Mr Direk explained that nuclear energy is now seen to be far cleaner because it does not cause greenhouse gas as fossil fuels do.The fear is over the disposal of nuclear waste,but this too has now advanced, and today it is possible to reprocess spent nuclear fuel in a way that allows plutonium to be reused for nuclear fuel but not for nuclear weapons.
However, in the end radioactive waste has to be disposed off, and the way it is being done in other countries is to carefully bury it deep in the ground.
"Previously, activists didn't agree with it [nuclear power] but now they do because it doesn't cause greenhouse effect. Many groups agree with it because it's cleaner and doesn't release carbon dioxide."
In fact, environmentalists are more concerned about the use of lignite to generate power than nuclear. Their concern about lignite even outweighs the heavy use of petroleum today, he added.
Thailand is not only focusing on nuclear energy for its future needs but also other renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind. Where wind power is concerned Mr Direk mentioned that Denmark is a shining example because it generates so much energy this way that it is able to export some to neighbouring countries.
It would be possible for Thailand to generate some wind power in future because some parts of the country are extremely windy,including Lop Buri and some areas in the South.
While the bigger issues of power generation are very important, Mr Direk revealed that the authorities have not forgotten how much energy could be saved at the individual level.With this in mind both the metropolitan and provincial electricity authorities are now willing to buy solar energy from houses that generate it through the installation of solar panels on the roof.
Householders can now contact both metropolitan and provincial electricity authorities to install a separate meter to sell the solar energy they generate at eight baht a unit,while buying power at a little more than three baht a unit, thus making a profit of five baht a unit.
"You have to consider whether this is worthwhile, you have to consider whether getting eight baht [a unit] will cover the cost of the solar cells, which will be recovered in seven years. After that, from the eighth or ninth year on, they won't cost you anything so you could then use solar energy at home and not pay three baht a unit - it's free."
Mr Direk added that the lifespan of solar cells is about 10-20 years and some countries,with Germany at the forefront, are heavily encouraging their use.
"It started in Thailand a long time ago,but the regulations have just been changed to allow people to sell directly. So sell at eight baht and buy at three baht - that's a profit of five baht."
Mr Direk added that in these difficult times people could cut their electricity bills if they used less electricity during the peak period from 9am to 10pm. One way would be to run washing machines after 10pm or at weekends.
"Saving energy is government policy, and it would help decrease the amount of investment the government would have to make.It has to invest, but power consumption only climbs during the peak period when demand is high. Other times they can't sell anything - investing a lot to sell a little is not worthwhile."
While it is now well known that energysaving bulbs do cut costs, what the majority do not know is that fluorescent tubes can do so too if fitted with electronic ballast. This is able to cut fluorescent power consumption by half - the big fluorescent tubes consume 40 watts, while smaller ones consume 36 watts, and this could come down to 18 watts.
Mr Direk advised people to check this point when buying fluorescent tubes and although those fitted with electronic ballast are expensive, their cost-saving feature does pay for itself within a year.
While Thailand is pushing ahead with plans to build two nuclear power plants, energy policymakers are not overlooking other choices,including solar power, and are encouraging consumers to embrace conservation, says Direk Lavansiri, chairman of the Energy Regulatory Commission.
It could take up to 10 years before work starts on the nuclear plants, assuming they win government approval and are accepted by a sceptical public.
A government organisation has already been set up to study the safety issues and acceptance of this form of energy generation,as well as where the two nuclear plants should be located.
"In a year's time they will decide whether to build them or not, but according to the plan, two will be built with 1,000 megawatts each. In 10 years we will build them," said Mr Direk.
Many parts of the country have been considered as suitable sites for the nuclear plants,but he stressed the government had to focus on safety issues.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) would be in charge of producing nuclear energy for this country because it has the skills to do so.
Now Thailand's power generating capacity is 30,000 megawatts, but according to the long-term power development plan (PDP),this will increased to between 50,000 and 54,000 megawatt in 15 years' time.
A breakdown of power generation shows that 70% is obtained from natural gas, about 15% from lignite, while hydropower amounts to 7-8%. The country buys 10% of its energy requirements from Laos which has suitable geographical conditions to generate hydroelectric power, and a small amount from Malaysia.
"In 15 years' time the natural gas portion will decrease and there may be some nuclear power - this is according to the plan - and lignite will increase," said Mr Direk.
Several countries already meet 20-30% of their energy needs through nuclear power,notably Japan. South Korea too is generating a large amount of nuclear energy, as is China.
France generates the most nuclear energy,with as much as 70% of its needs being met through nuclear plants. The UK generates about 10-20% of its power from nuclear plants because it is able to buy a substantial amount from France.
"The US too is partly nuclear but a lot of it is through lignite - much more energy is generated through lignite but it does have some nuclear," he said.
"At one time people were afraid - for example they were going to build a nuclear plant on the US west coast but it had to be scrapped [due to public pressure]. Today the US east coast has a lot of projects around seven or eight."
Mr Direk explained that nuclear energy is now seen to be far cleaner because it does not cause greenhouse gas as fossil fuels do.The fear is over the disposal of nuclear waste,but this too has now advanced, and today it is possible to reprocess spent nuclear fuel in a way that allows plutonium to be reused for nuclear fuel but not for nuclear weapons.
However, in the end radioactive waste has to be disposed off, and the way it is being done in other countries is to carefully bury it deep in the ground.
"Previously, activists didn't agree with it [nuclear power] but now they do because it doesn't cause greenhouse effect. Many groups agree with it because it's cleaner and doesn't release carbon dioxide."
In fact, environmentalists are more concerned about the use of lignite to generate power than nuclear. Their concern about lignite even outweighs the heavy use of petroleum today, he added.
Thailand is not only focusing on nuclear energy for its future needs but also other renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind. Where wind power is concerned Mr Direk mentioned that Denmark is a shining example because it generates so much energy this way that it is able to export some to neighbouring countries.
It would be possible for Thailand to generate some wind power in future because some parts of the country are extremely windy,including Lop Buri and some areas in the South.
While the bigger issues of power generation are very important, Mr Direk revealed that the authorities have not forgotten how much energy could be saved at the individual level.With this in mind both the metropolitan and provincial electricity authorities are now willing to buy solar energy from houses that generate it through the installation of solar panels on the roof.
Householders can now contact both metropolitan and provincial electricity authorities to install a separate meter to sell the solar energy they generate at eight baht a unit,while buying power at a little more than three baht a unit, thus making a profit of five baht a unit.
"You have to consider whether this is worthwhile, you have to consider whether getting eight baht [a unit] will cover the cost of the solar cells, which will be recovered in seven years. After that, from the eighth or ninth year on, they won't cost you anything so you could then use solar energy at home and not pay three baht a unit - it's free."
Mr Direk added that the lifespan of solar cells is about 10-20 years and some countries,with Germany at the forefront, are heavily encouraging their use.
"It started in Thailand a long time ago,but the regulations have just been changed to allow people to sell directly. So sell at eight baht and buy at three baht - that's a profit of five baht."
Mr Direk added that in these difficult times people could cut their electricity bills if they used less electricity during the peak period from 9am to 10pm. One way would be to run washing machines after 10pm or at weekends.
"Saving energy is government policy, and it would help decrease the amount of investment the government would have to make.It has to invest, but power consumption only climbs during the peak period when demand is high. Other times they can't sell anything - investing a lot to sell a little is not worthwhile."
While it is now well known that energysaving bulbs do cut costs, what the majority do not know is that fluorescent tubes can do so too if fitted with electronic ballast. This is able to cut fluorescent power consumption by half - the big fluorescent tubes consume 40 watts, while smaller ones consume 36 watts, and this could come down to 18 watts.
Mr Direk advised people to check this point when buying fluorescent tubes and although those fitted with electronic ballast are expensive, their cost-saving feature does pay for itself within a year.
PTT, EGAT PLAN TO INVEST BT1.8 TRILLION
PTT Group and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), both major national energy units, yesterday affirmed plans for Bt1.8 trillion of investment from 2010-2014 in order to ensure energy security.
However, they urged the government to better communicate with local communities if it wanted to see the investments proceed smoothly.
At the "Energy Solves Thailand's Crisis" seminar hosted by the Energy Ministry, PTT president and CEO Prasert Bunsumpun said his company's investment would further strengthen the country's energy security.
For absolute security, he said, PTT needed to be a world-class player with a large business size, integrated value chain, strong competitiveness and strength in good governance.
He added that since its privatisation in 2001, PTT had raced ahead in terms of its development.
"Yet, as a national energy company, PTT still needs support from the government and the general public. Otherwise, PTT would have difficulties in competing against others. Based on the earnings ratio on sale or assets, PTT is relatively small compared to competitors like ExxonMobil or Malaysia's Petronas," he said.
While PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) will invest Bt480 billion in the period, PTT and other subsidiaries will invest a combined Bt1 trillion - and Egat another Bt300 billion.
Prasert lamented the government's policy that required PTT to shoulder oil price subsidies worth about Bt40 billion last year. Meanwhile, PTT had to subsidise the price of liquefied petroleum gas to the tune of about Bt5 billion, which only weakened the company.
"In 2008, PTT's net profit totalled US$1.6 billion [Bt53.7 billion] and some social groups said this was too high. Yet, compared to $15 billion at Petronas or $45 billion at ExxonMobil, the profit is small. Meanwhile, PTT is responsible for seeking new energy supplies. Without profits, good governance and government support, how can PTT mobilise funds to finance the expansion?" he said.
PTTEP chief executive officer Anon Sirisaengtaksin echoed Prasert's point, saying that government support was necessary or projects could be disrupted due to high risks.
PTTEP's investment plan is aimed at ensuring sufficient supply, as Thailand's oil consumption will rise from 1.7 million barrels per day to 2.7 million in the next 10 years.
The company now supplies 260,000 barrels a day and is in the process of raising this to 400,000. It is involved in 40 exploration and production projects in 13 countries, with 20 of them under exploration.
Egat governor Sombat Sarntijaree said his agency's investment would depend on the national power development plan, which is being revised.
He said it was necessary for Thailand to diversify fuels for power generation and for the government to further educate the public on nuclear power.
Jiraphol Jirapraditkul, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office, said that at present, local communities and non-government agencies were opposed to fuels like biomass, coal and nuclear.
He said the situation would pose threats to national energy security, and the government would therefore do its best to communicate with the public - or no investors would dare to commit to energy projects.
However, they urged the government to better communicate with local communities if it wanted to see the investments proceed smoothly.
At the "Energy Solves Thailand's Crisis" seminar hosted by the Energy Ministry, PTT president and CEO Prasert Bunsumpun said his company's investment would further strengthen the country's energy security.
For absolute security, he said, PTT needed to be a world-class player with a large business size, integrated value chain, strong competitiveness and strength in good governance.
He added that since its privatisation in 2001, PTT had raced ahead in terms of its development.
"Yet, as a national energy company, PTT still needs support from the government and the general public. Otherwise, PTT would have difficulties in competing against others. Based on the earnings ratio on sale or assets, PTT is relatively small compared to competitors like ExxonMobil or Malaysia's Petronas," he said.
While PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) will invest Bt480 billion in the period, PTT and other subsidiaries will invest a combined Bt1 trillion - and Egat another Bt300 billion.
Prasert lamented the government's policy that required PTT to shoulder oil price subsidies worth about Bt40 billion last year. Meanwhile, PTT had to subsidise the price of liquefied petroleum gas to the tune of about Bt5 billion, which only weakened the company.
"In 2008, PTT's net profit totalled US$1.6 billion [Bt53.7 billion] and some social groups said this was too high. Yet, compared to $15 billion at Petronas or $45 billion at ExxonMobil, the profit is small. Meanwhile, PTT is responsible for seeking new energy supplies. Without profits, good governance and government support, how can PTT mobilise funds to finance the expansion?" he said.
PTTEP chief executive officer Anon Sirisaengtaksin echoed Prasert's point, saying that government support was necessary or projects could be disrupted due to high risks.
PTTEP's investment plan is aimed at ensuring sufficient supply, as Thailand's oil consumption will rise from 1.7 million barrels per day to 2.7 million in the next 10 years.
The company now supplies 260,000 barrels a day and is in the process of raising this to 400,000. It is involved in 40 exploration and production projects in 13 countries, with 20 of them under exploration.
Egat governor Sombat Sarntijaree said his agency's investment would depend on the national power development plan, which is being revised.
He said it was necessary for Thailand to diversify fuels for power generation and for the government to further educate the public on nuclear power.
Jiraphol Jirapraditkul, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office, said that at present, local communities and non-government agencies were opposed to fuels like biomass, coal and nuclear.
He said the situation would pose threats to national energy security, and the government would therefore do its best to communicate with the public - or no investors would dare to commit to energy projects.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
EGAT, FIRMS INVITED TO MUMBAI
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) and local energy companies have been asked to join an exhibition in Mumbai, were they can also explore investment opportunities in India.
Raj Eswaran, organising chairman of Elecrama 2010, said all of the exhibitors already signed on were ready of joint ventures and product transactions. The Thai organisations have shown their strength in power transmission and distribution through expansion into neighbouring countries.
"We're also looking for opportunities to hold an exhibition here, to respond to Asean's power-transmission and-distribution needs," he told a press conference in Bangkok yesterday.
The invitation follows the potential expansion of investment and trade between Thailand and India in the wake of free-trade pacts between the countries and between the subcontinent and Asean, Eswaran said.
This would boost bilateral trade from US$6 billion (Bt200 billion) now to $10 billion next year, while Indian-Asean trade woul dincreasde from $48 billion to $60 billion.
He said the event would allow Thai operators to find opportunities for power investment in India.
The Indian economy is expected to grow 8 per cent this year in the face of the global slowdown. Trade and investment in India are expected to triple from $200 billion, and power demand will increase accordingly, offering a huge investment potential for interntional investors, he added.
Organised by the Indian Electricial and Electronics Manufacturers Association, the world-class Elecrama is held every two year. Prior to the ninth event, set for next January 20-24, the exhibition has generated more than $900 million worth of joint ventures, orders, strategic investment, supply contracts, brand sales and other trade opportunities.
Next year's event will feature 1,000 exhibitors from 20 countries, including Germany, Spain, China and South Korea. More than 50,000 visitors from 40 countries, including Thailand, are expected.
The invitation follows the potential expansion of investment and trade in thei wake of FTAs between the two nations.
Raj Eswaran, organising chairman of Elecrama 2010, said all of the exhibitors already signed on were ready of joint ventures and product transactions. The Thai organisations have shown their strength in power transmission and distribution through expansion into neighbouring countries.
"We're also looking for opportunities to hold an exhibition here, to respond to Asean's power-transmission and-distribution needs," he told a press conference in Bangkok yesterday.
The invitation follows the potential expansion of investment and trade between Thailand and India in the wake of free-trade pacts between the countries and between the subcontinent and Asean, Eswaran said.
This would boost bilateral trade from US$6 billion (Bt200 billion) now to $10 billion next year, while Indian-Asean trade woul dincreasde from $48 billion to $60 billion.
He said the event would allow Thai operators to find opportunities for power investment in India.
The Indian economy is expected to grow 8 per cent this year in the face of the global slowdown. Trade and investment in India are expected to triple from $200 billion, and power demand will increase accordingly, offering a huge investment potential for interntional investors, he added.
Organised by the Indian Electricial and Electronics Manufacturers Association, the world-class Elecrama is held every two year. Prior to the ninth event, set for next January 20-24, the exhibition has generated more than $900 million worth of joint ventures, orders, strategic investment, supply contracts, brand sales and other trade opportunities.
Next year's event will feature 1,000 exhibitors from 20 countries, including Germany, Spain, China and South Korea. More than 50,000 visitors from 40 countries, including Thailand, are expected.
The invitation follows the potential expansion of investment and trade in thei wake of FTAs between the two nations.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Ministry takes a close look at wind power
The feasibility of wind power will be studied by an Energy Ministry department as part of plans to reduce Thailand's dependence on imported energy, a senior officials says.
The Thai Meteorological Department conducted the last study on wind power a decade ago and found that only limited areas in Thailand could make use of wind power to generate electricity due to the technology's low level of development at the time, said Krairit Nilkuha,director-general of the Energy Ministry's Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE).
The state agency now needs a new study to help encourage private investment in wind-power as the DEDE plans to auction concessions, under an independent power producer model, for the technology.
"Most of Thailand's highland areas are the property of state agencies," he said."So, any projects developed on such land will have to be operated as concessions."
Silpakorn University has been assigned to conduct the feasibility study which is scheduled to be completed within the first quarter of next year.
"The old data only found potential sites [for wind power turbines] in the lowlands and near to the coast," he said."However, with new technology, even highland areas that are 800 to 900 metres above sea level, such as mountains and cliffs, can be used to develop projects.We need a new study to confirm the possibility."
Many of the old wind-power projects failed commercially. Some were only able to operate for a few days every month due to low wind speeds, Mr Krairit said.
Under Thailand's renewable power development plan for 2007 to 2022, windpower would be developed to produce 115 megawatts of electricity per year within 2011, rising to 375 MW in 2016 and 800 MW in 2022.
The DEDE will also conduct a feasibility study on solar power in Thailand to reflect recent developments in solar cell technology.
"Both solar and wind-power should be promoted and developed, either the public or private sector should be gathered to help speed up our progress on renewable energy," he said."We depend too much on imported energy."
Thailand's current wind-power capacity is just one megawatt per year,according to DEDE, but this is expected to increase to more than 10 MW within 2011 with Ratchaburi Generating Holding Plc's development of new projects in Nakhon Ratchasima and Phetchabun.
The Thai Meteorological Department conducted the last study on wind power a decade ago and found that only limited areas in Thailand could make use of wind power to generate electricity due to the technology's low level of development at the time, said Krairit Nilkuha,director-general of the Energy Ministry's Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE).
The state agency now needs a new study to help encourage private investment in wind-power as the DEDE plans to auction concessions, under an independent power producer model, for the technology.
"Most of Thailand's highland areas are the property of state agencies," he said."So, any projects developed on such land will have to be operated as concessions."
Silpakorn University has been assigned to conduct the feasibility study which is scheduled to be completed within the first quarter of next year.
"The old data only found potential sites [for wind power turbines] in the lowlands and near to the coast," he said."However, with new technology, even highland areas that are 800 to 900 metres above sea level, such as mountains and cliffs, can be used to develop projects.We need a new study to confirm the possibility."
Many of the old wind-power projects failed commercially. Some were only able to operate for a few days every month due to low wind speeds, Mr Krairit said.
Under Thailand's renewable power development plan for 2007 to 2022, windpower would be developed to produce 115 megawatts of electricity per year within 2011, rising to 375 MW in 2016 and 800 MW in 2022.
The DEDE will also conduct a feasibility study on solar power in Thailand to reflect recent developments in solar cell technology.
"Both solar and wind-power should be promoted and developed, either the public or private sector should be gathered to help speed up our progress on renewable energy," he said."We depend too much on imported energy."
Thailand's current wind-power capacity is just one megawatt per year,according to DEDE, but this is expected to increase to more than 10 MW within 2011 with Ratchaburi Generating Holding Plc's development of new projects in Nakhon Ratchasima and Phetchabun.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Glow upbeat on Map Ta Phut despite court ruling
Glow Energy Plc's three ongoing power plant projects worth 60 billion baht in Map Ta Phut remain on track despite concerns that a court ruling may force their clients to suspend operations.
The SET-listed power producer, however, said its local and foreign creditors have started asking how its projects'future prospects could be dampened by stricter environmental regulations.
Glow, which is majority-owned by France-based GDF Suez Energy International, targets to secure as many bank loans as possible to finance the 60-billionbaht expenditure required for its three power projects,including a115-megawatt coal-fired power plant set to be operational in December this year.
"Investors and creditors are concerned about the uncertainties over the Thai regulations that additional requirements might be introduced in the near future,"Suthivong Kongsiri, executive vicepresident and chief financial officer of Glow told the Bangkok Post ."Those criteria might put our (power)business in a tougher situation than before."
Major clients of Glow are subsidiaries of Siam Cement Group (SCG), US-based Dow Chemical, and Vinythai Plc. SCG's 20 ongoing projects worth 106 billion baht are among 76 projects totalling 400 billion baht that were forced to suspend construction by a Sept 29 Administrative Court ruling.
"We updated with customers last week and found that nothing has changed.Construction of those projects have continued," Mr Suthivong said, noting that the 115-megawatt (MW) power plant is projected to lift Glow's net profit by 500 million baht in 2010 from this year's target of 4 billion.
"If their projects cannot proceed, we might have to look into the viability of our coming projects," he said.
Glow's 382-MW gas-turbine power plant, which is scheduled to be come online in Sept 2011, is another project that could be affected by the Map Ta Phut ruling. The company is also developing a 660-MW coal-fired power plant with operations due to start in Dec 2011 under an independent power producer license with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.
Finansia Syrus Securities said in the worst-case scenario Glow may have to delay its 115-MW project for a year which could lower the power producer's earnings next year by 17% from an estimated 5.1 billion baht.
The brokerage forecasts Glow to post a net profit of 3.59 billion baht this year on revenue of 32.4 billion. Next year's turnover is projected at about 40.2 billion baht.
"But that scenario has minimal chance to happen, therefore, we have maintained our annual earning growth for Glow at 31% on average during 2010 to 2012,"FSS said in a recent report.
Shares of Glow closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 33.25 baht, down 50 satang, in trade worth 25.79 million baht.
The SET-listed power producer, however, said its local and foreign creditors have started asking how its projects'future prospects could be dampened by stricter environmental regulations.
Glow, which is majority-owned by France-based GDF Suez Energy International, targets to secure as many bank loans as possible to finance the 60-billionbaht expenditure required for its three power projects,including a115-megawatt coal-fired power plant set to be operational in December this year.
"Investors and creditors are concerned about the uncertainties over the Thai regulations that additional requirements might be introduced in the near future,"Suthivong Kongsiri, executive vicepresident and chief financial officer of Glow told the Bangkok Post ."Those criteria might put our (power)business in a tougher situation than before."
Major clients of Glow are subsidiaries of Siam Cement Group (SCG), US-based Dow Chemical, and Vinythai Plc. SCG's 20 ongoing projects worth 106 billion baht are among 76 projects totalling 400 billion baht that were forced to suspend construction by a Sept 29 Administrative Court ruling.
"We updated with customers last week and found that nothing has changed.Construction of those projects have continued," Mr Suthivong said, noting that the 115-megawatt (MW) power plant is projected to lift Glow's net profit by 500 million baht in 2010 from this year's target of 4 billion.
"If their projects cannot proceed, we might have to look into the viability of our coming projects," he said.
Glow's 382-MW gas-turbine power plant, which is scheduled to be come online in Sept 2011, is another project that could be affected by the Map Ta Phut ruling. The company is also developing a 660-MW coal-fired power plant with operations due to start in Dec 2011 under an independent power producer license with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.
Finansia Syrus Securities said in the worst-case scenario Glow may have to delay its 115-MW project for a year which could lower the power producer's earnings next year by 17% from an estimated 5.1 billion baht.
The brokerage forecasts Glow to post a net profit of 3.59 billion baht this year on revenue of 32.4 billion. Next year's turnover is projected at about 40.2 billion baht.
"But that scenario has minimal chance to happen, therefore, we have maintained our annual earning growth for Glow at 31% on average during 2010 to 2012,"FSS said in a recent report.
Shares of Glow closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 33.25 baht, down 50 satang, in trade worth 25.79 million baht.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Egat unit shifts to services
With power demand falling, Egat International Co, an overseas investment arm of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, is shifting its focus to operating and maintenance services for power plant operators.
The international business subsidiary,established in 2007, oversees all of Egat's investments outside Thailand, said Sutat Patmasiriwat, a deputy governor of the state power utility.
But plummeting power demand has made Egat International postpone two overseas projects - the 440-megawatt Nam Ngiep hydropower plant in Laos and the Hutgyi hydropower plant in Burma - neither of which have started construction.
Egat holds both plants' operating licences from their governments.
To develop its new business focus,Egat International is in talks with the US-based GE Group on conducting a feasibility study into providing operating and maintenance services to privately run power plants.
Egat is not only looking at the domestic market but has hopes of opportunities across Indochina. The company may also hold discussions with Siemens AG on doing business together. It is also planning to diversify into coal mines,but Mr Sutat declined to give details.
In June, Egat invested in Egat Diamond Service, a new joint venture in which Egat and the Mitsubishi Group each hold 45% and Ratchaburi Power Generating Holding Plc 10% of the registered capital of 623 million baht.
It aims to provide gas-turbine generator part repairs, targeting overseas gasfired power plants, starting from 2011.
The international business subsidiary,established in 2007, oversees all of Egat's investments outside Thailand, said Sutat Patmasiriwat, a deputy governor of the state power utility.
But plummeting power demand has made Egat International postpone two overseas projects - the 440-megawatt Nam Ngiep hydropower plant in Laos and the Hutgyi hydropower plant in Burma - neither of which have started construction.
Egat holds both plants' operating licences from their governments.
To develop its new business focus,Egat International is in talks with the US-based GE Group on conducting a feasibility study into providing operating and maintenance services to privately run power plants.
Egat is not only looking at the domestic market but has hopes of opportunities across Indochina. The company may also hold discussions with Siemens AG on doing business together. It is also planning to diversify into coal mines,but Mr Sutat declined to give details.
In June, Egat invested in Egat Diamond Service, a new joint venture in which Egat and the Mitsubishi Group each hold 45% and Ratchaburi Power Generating Holding Plc 10% of the registered capital of 623 million baht.
It aims to provide gas-turbine generator part repairs, targeting overseas gasfired power plants, starting from 2011.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Wind farms may pay off
Investment in wind power generation could pay off for Thais, says the Senate's committee on energy.
Senator Lertrat Ratanawanich,who chairs the committee, said many investors had shown an interest in developing this alternative form of energy.
The government could help with research and development of technologies to make the most of wind power, he said.
However, legal barriers facing plans to build wind farms in forest areas were holding back development of the sector.
Proposals to develop wind energy generation by the government and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand have been submitted for approval.
The wind farms, if built here,could produce 1,000 megawatts of energy.
Once wind energy generation facilities are fully developed, the total output could reach that of a typical nuclear power plant, or 2,000 to 3,000 megawatts of electricity.
Senator Lertrat Ratanawanich,who chairs the committee, said many investors had shown an interest in developing this alternative form of energy.
The government could help with research and development of technologies to make the most of wind power, he said.
However, legal barriers facing plans to build wind farms in forest areas were holding back development of the sector.
Proposals to develop wind energy generation by the government and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand have been submitted for approval.
The wind farms, if built here,could produce 1,000 megawatts of energy.
Once wind energy generation facilities are fully developed, the total output could reach that of a typical nuclear power plant, or 2,000 to 3,000 megawatts of electricity.
PTT, EGAT PLAN TO INVEST BT1.8 TRILLION
PTT Group and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), both major national energy units, yesterday affirmed plans for Bt1.8 trillion of investment from 2010-2014 in order to ensure energy security.
However, they urged the government to better communicate with local communities if it wanted to see the investments proceed smoothly.
At the "Energy Solves Thailand's Crisis" seminar hosted by the Energy Ministry, PTT president and CEO Prasert Bunsumpun said his company's investment would further strengthen the country's energy security.
For absolute security, he said, PTT needed to be a world-class player with a large business size, integrated value chain, strong competitiveness and strength in good governance.
He added that since its privatisation in 2001, PTT had raced ahead in terms of its development.
"Yet, as a national energy company, PTT still needs support from the government and the general public. Otherwise, PTT would have difficulties in competing against others. Based on the earnings ratio on sale or assets, PTT is relatively small compared to competitors like ExxonMobil or Malaysia's Petronas," he said.
While PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) will invest Bt480 billion in the period, PTT and other subsidiaries will invest a combined Bt1 trillion - and Egat another Bt300 billion.
Prasert lamented the government's policy that required PTT to shoulder oil price subsidies worth about Bt40 billion last year. Meanwhile, PTT had to subsidise the price of liquefied petroleum gas to the tune of about Bt5 billion, which only weakened the company.
"In 2008, PTT's net profit totalled US$1.6 billion [Bt53.7 billion] and some social groups said this was too high. Yet, compared to $15 billion at Petronas or $45 billion at ExxonMobil, the profit is small. Meanwhile, PTT is responsible for seeking new energy supplies. Without profits, good governance and government support, how can PTT mobilise funds to finance the expansion?" he said.
PTTEP chief executive officer Anon Sirisaengtaksin echoed Prasert's point, saying that government support was necessary or projects could be disrupted due to high risks.
PTTEP's investment plan is aimed at ensuring sufficient supply, as Thailand's oil consumption will rise from 1.7 million barrels per day to 2.7 million in the next 10 years.
The company now supplies 260,000 barrels a day and is in the process of raising this to 400,000. It is involved in 40 exploration and production projects in 13 countries, with 20 of them under exploration.
Egat governor Sombat Sarntijaree said his agency's investment would depend on the national power development plan, which is being revised.
He said it was necessary for Thailand to diversify fuels for power generation and for the government to further educate the public on nuclear power.
Jiraphol Jirapraditkul, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office, said that at present, local communities and non-government agencies were opposed to fuels like biomass, coal and nuclear.
He said the situation would pose threats to national energy security, and the government would therefore do its best to communicate with the public - or no investors would dare to commit to energy projects.
However, they urged the government to better communicate with local communities if it wanted to see the investments proceed smoothly.
At the "Energy Solves Thailand's Crisis" seminar hosted by the Energy Ministry, PTT president and CEO Prasert Bunsumpun said his company's investment would further strengthen the country's energy security.
For absolute security, he said, PTT needed to be a world-class player with a large business size, integrated value chain, strong competitiveness and strength in good governance.
He added that since its privatisation in 2001, PTT had raced ahead in terms of its development.
"Yet, as a national energy company, PTT still needs support from the government and the general public. Otherwise, PTT would have difficulties in competing against others. Based on the earnings ratio on sale or assets, PTT is relatively small compared to competitors like ExxonMobil or Malaysia's Petronas," he said.
While PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) will invest Bt480 billion in the period, PTT and other subsidiaries will invest a combined Bt1 trillion - and Egat another Bt300 billion.
Prasert lamented the government's policy that required PTT to shoulder oil price subsidies worth about Bt40 billion last year. Meanwhile, PTT had to subsidise the price of liquefied petroleum gas to the tune of about Bt5 billion, which only weakened the company.
"In 2008, PTT's net profit totalled US$1.6 billion [Bt53.7 billion] and some social groups said this was too high. Yet, compared to $15 billion at Petronas or $45 billion at ExxonMobil, the profit is small. Meanwhile, PTT is responsible for seeking new energy supplies. Without profits, good governance and government support, how can PTT mobilise funds to finance the expansion?" he said.
PTTEP chief executive officer Anon Sirisaengtaksin echoed Prasert's point, saying that government support was necessary or projects could be disrupted due to high risks.
PTTEP's investment plan is aimed at ensuring sufficient supply, as Thailand's oil consumption will rise from 1.7 million barrels per day to 2.7 million in the next 10 years.
The company now supplies 260,000 barrels a day and is in the process of raising this to 400,000. It is involved in 40 exploration and production projects in 13 countries, with 20 of them under exploration.
Egat governor Sombat Sarntijaree said his agency's investment would depend on the national power development plan, which is being revised.
He said it was necessary for Thailand to diversify fuels for power generation and for the government to further educate the public on nuclear power.
Jiraphol Jirapraditkul, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office, said that at present, local communities and non-government agencies were opposed to fuels like biomass, coal and nuclear.
He said the situation would pose threats to national energy security, and the government would therefore do its best to communicate with the public - or no investors would dare to commit to energy projects.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
CPN FUND SETS PRICES OF UNIT TRUSTS AT BT8.90 FOR CENTRAL PINKLAO INVESTMENT
CPN Retail Growth Leasehold Rpoperty Fund (CPNRF) has priced 544.83 million new unit trusts at Bt8.90 per unit as part of its plan to invest Bt5.68 billion of fresh funds in Central Plaza Pinklao.
"The offering price was based on the book-building process hile the investment in Central Plaza Pinklao seems to be appropriate with the asset quality," Jotika Savananada, president of SCB Asset Management, said yesterday.
The offering price is below the peoperty fund's market price of Bt9.15.
To raise Bt4.85 billion, at least a half of the new units will be sold to existing holders at the ratio of 0.2505 of a new unit to each existing unit, while the rest will be sold throuht private placement and public offering.
Subscriptions, starting at 5,000 uints, will be acceptedfrom
"The offering price was based on the book-building process while the investment in Central Plaza Pinklao seems to be apporopriate with the aset quality." October 16-27 at Siam Commercial Bank branches nationwide.
SCB last week extended a Bt1 billion credit facility to the property fund to finance the investment in Central Plaza Pinklao by partially letting the shopping plaza, two office buildings, and in-building parking spaces totalling 58,303 square metres, for a term of 15 years.
Following the fund-raising, CPNRF's assets will increase to as much as Bt17 billin from Bt10.92 billion, making it the largest property fund in the country.
The investment in Central Pinklao allows CPNRF, which currently is invested in Central Plaza Rama II and Central Plaza Rama III, to diversify its income risk, she said.
The property fund is expected to produce a return of 10.7-11.1 per cent next year.
"The offering price was based on the book-building process hile the investment in Central Plaza Pinklao seems to be appropriate with the asset quality," Jotika Savananada, president of SCB Asset Management, said yesterday.
The offering price is below the peoperty fund's market price of Bt9.15.
To raise Bt4.85 billion, at least a half of the new units will be sold to existing holders at the ratio of 0.2505 of a new unit to each existing unit, while the rest will be sold throuht private placement and public offering.
Subscriptions, starting at 5,000 uints, will be acceptedfrom
"The offering price was based on the book-building process while the investment in Central Plaza Pinklao seems to be apporopriate with the aset quality." October 16-27 at Siam Commercial Bank branches nationwide.
SCB last week extended a Bt1 billion credit facility to the property fund to finance the investment in Central Plaza Pinklao by partially letting the shopping plaza, two office buildings, and in-building parking spaces totalling 58,303 square metres, for a term of 15 years.
Following the fund-raising, CPNRF's assets will increase to as much as Bt17 billin from Bt10.92 billion, making it the largest property fund in the country.
The investment in Central Pinklao allows CPNRF, which currently is invested in Central Plaza Rama II and Central Plaza Rama III, to diversify its income risk, she said.
The property fund is expected to produce a return of 10.7-11.1 per cent next year.
Map Ta Phut ruling hits SET
Share prices of companies in the networks of PTT Plc and Siam Cement Group fell in a range of 1% to 7% during trading yesterday as the country's leading industrial conglomerates faced a new blow over unsettled pollution problems at Map Ta Phut.
Among the 76 projects worth 400 billion baht ordered to halt construction by the Administrative Court on Tuesday,25 are being developed by subsidiaries and affiliates of PTT, said PTT chief financial officer Tevin Vongvanich.
These ongoing projects include a sixth gas separation plant, due to be operational by the end of this year,petrochemical plants, and an upgraded refinery to meet Euro 4 emission standards.
The court ordered the suspension of operating permits for new investments in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong, following an outcry from environmental activists and residents who claim the permits violated Section 67 of the 2007 Constitution.
"The (temporary) suspension of these projects will affect our trading and contract partners, financial institutions, and related industries across the supply chain. Moreover, it will put at risk over 100,000 jobs, including hiring in [Map Ta Phut]," Mr Tevin said.
"We are planning to hold talks with concerned government agencies to seek ways to soften the impact from the court's ruling, or we may lodge an appeal."
Siam Cement said the court order would force its wholly owned subsidiary,SCG Chemicals, to halt nearly completed construction of its upstream naphtha cracker, as well as projects of its downstream subsidiaries and joint-venture units, expected to be completed between late 2009 to mid-2011.
"In this regard, SCC will be working closely with all relevant government authorities to jointly conclude a solution for all concerned parties, while minimising any effect on SCG Chemicals'investment projects," president and chief executive Kan Trakulhoon said in a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday.
Also affected is SET-listed Glow Energy, whose 660-megawatt power plant is likely to be postponed.
Kim Eng Securities said the court was expected to review the case immediately when an appeal is lodged.
"This issue cannot drag on for long because it will affect the sentiment of the stock market in general," said a Kim Eng spokesman.
However, Bualuang Securities said the court ruling was unlikely to push the overall index down even though it caused a sudden shock.
"This news represents a negative
surprise and is certainly a near-term headwind against the stock of any company with facilities in or near Map Ta Phut," Bualuang said.
Surong Bualakula, senior executive vice-president for the international business unit of PTT, said Thailand's competitiveness had been crimped by the Map Ta Phut case.
The development could prompt PTT to look at neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, which has larger natural gas and oil reserves, as well as a pipeline network. The Cambodian government is considering a plan to build an energy complex in Sihanoukville, he said.
"Map Ta Phut is the centre of Thailand's industrial development region with a competitive advantage in the gas-based petrochemical industry," Mr Surong said."What downstream manufacturers or automakers will invest in Thailand now because they cannot be sure if they will have enough raw materials in the future?"
Shares of Siam Cement (SCC) closed yesterday at 222 baht, down 5 baht, in trade worth 1.11 billion. PTT shares rose 3 baht, but PTTAR fell 1.10 baht to 24.40 in trade worth 1.7 billion while PTTCH fell 4 baht to 73.25 in trade worth 844 million. GLOW fell 1.75 baht to 32.75 in trade worth 135 million.
Among the 76 projects worth 400 billion baht ordered to halt construction by the Administrative Court on Tuesday,25 are being developed by subsidiaries and affiliates of PTT, said PTT chief financial officer Tevin Vongvanich.
These ongoing projects include a sixth gas separation plant, due to be operational by the end of this year,petrochemical plants, and an upgraded refinery to meet Euro 4 emission standards.
The court ordered the suspension of operating permits for new investments in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong, following an outcry from environmental activists and residents who claim the permits violated Section 67 of the 2007 Constitution.
"The (temporary) suspension of these projects will affect our trading and contract partners, financial institutions, and related industries across the supply chain. Moreover, it will put at risk over 100,000 jobs, including hiring in [Map Ta Phut]," Mr Tevin said.
"We are planning to hold talks with concerned government agencies to seek ways to soften the impact from the court's ruling, or we may lodge an appeal."
Siam Cement said the court order would force its wholly owned subsidiary,SCG Chemicals, to halt nearly completed construction of its upstream naphtha cracker, as well as projects of its downstream subsidiaries and joint-venture units, expected to be completed between late 2009 to mid-2011.
"In this regard, SCC will be working closely with all relevant government authorities to jointly conclude a solution for all concerned parties, while minimising any effect on SCG Chemicals'investment projects," president and chief executive Kan Trakulhoon said in a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday.
Also affected is SET-listed Glow Energy, whose 660-megawatt power plant is likely to be postponed.
Kim Eng Securities said the court was expected to review the case immediately when an appeal is lodged.
"This issue cannot drag on for long because it will affect the sentiment of the stock market in general," said a Kim Eng spokesman.
However, Bualuang Securities said the court ruling was unlikely to push the overall index down even though it caused a sudden shock.
"This news represents a negative
surprise and is certainly a near-term headwind against the stock of any company with facilities in or near Map Ta Phut," Bualuang said.
Surong Bualakula, senior executive vice-president for the international business unit of PTT, said Thailand's competitiveness had been crimped by the Map Ta Phut case.
The development could prompt PTT to look at neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, which has larger natural gas and oil reserves, as well as a pipeline network. The Cambodian government is considering a plan to build an energy complex in Sihanoukville, he said.
"Map Ta Phut is the centre of Thailand's industrial development region with a competitive advantage in the gas-based petrochemical industry," Mr Surong said."What downstream manufacturers or automakers will invest in Thailand now because they cannot be sure if they will have enough raw materials in the future?"
Shares of Siam Cement (SCC) closed yesterday at 222 baht, down 5 baht, in trade worth 1.11 billion. PTT shares rose 3 baht, but PTTAR fell 1.10 baht to 24.40 in trade worth 1.7 billion while PTTCH fell 4 baht to 73.25 in trade worth 844 million. GLOW fell 1.75 baht to 32.75 in trade worth 135 million.
Throw the book at them
Today is the day that the US Commerce Department's contract with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) expires; therefore, it is also the day that much of the world, primarily the European Union, demands that President Barack Obama be replaced by a diverse world committee to oversee the Internet; the issue is likely to become a major sticking point between America and Europe, but most Internet users will be blissfully unaware that anything needs to be fixed in the first place; the Europeans' plan for a "G12 for Internet governance" would not seem to affect content at first, because the US only oversees the technical machines that keep the Internet going, without any attention to content; it's unbelievable that a new system bringing in other governments could similarly avoid that temptation.
Several European scientists, who believe that genetic modification should be labelled Frankenfood and that cellphones cause brain damage, said that nanoparticles "might" pose a health danger; Susanne Stark, a chemist employed by the Consumer Information Association, said that clothing which contains little teensy particles should be labelled as potentially dangerous,and so should cosmetics and food products; a doctor who specialises in en-vironmental hygiene, claimed that nanoparticles in food could enter the body through the mouth.
Engineers in Germany, which recently began dismantling many of its nuclear power plants, now are rethinking the safety of planned geothermal replacements; some believe that a geothermal project set off an earthquake, and scientists in the US and Switzerland are equally concerned.
Adobe Systems bought the web analytics and website building firm Omniture for $1.8 billion; the deal was made faster than you can say "Flash website".
China began building its fourth space launch base, the Wenchang Space Satellite Launch Centre on Hainan island;it is a major departure for the Chinese,who until now have kept their space launch sites well hidden even from their own people; the Hainan launch pad will fire the new Long March 5 rocket,due for flight in 2014 and likely to become the country's workhorse rocket for the country's manned space flights.
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy announced the government plans to break up Telstra , the biggest telecoms group in Australia, with strict regulation; partly government owned Telstra has two choices - split its retail and network arms voluntarily or invol-untarily; the company will be barred from acquiring further wireless spectrum until it restructures.
The luggable iron Post Database Quote of the Week Trophy goes to US media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who predicts newspapers will be printed on "flexible devices instead of crushed trees.It won't be soon; it could take 20 years.But there will be no paper, no printing plants, no unions. It will be a great future." Speaking of quotations:"I don't think the world will be a better or safer place without me"; those are the last words of executed prisoner Jeffery Doughtie, as recorded on a web page of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/executedoffenders.htm.
If you want your book sold and advertised at Amazon.com , you (or your publisher of course) will provide the volume in PDF format, no exceptions;Amazon says it's more eco-friendly, and also just by coincidence it makes it much easier to index every word of your book and let browsers look inside it - even though Amazon has opposed Google 's plan to do the same; as part of its justification for the onerous formatting instructions, Amazon.com notes that books that are searchable for free outsell unsearchable books.
The US Justice Department notified a New York federal judge that it expects to oppose the plan by Google to scan,copy and perhaps get copyright to millions of out of print books; a 28-page decision said the Obama administration had "significant legal concerns with the breadth of a proposed settlement"under which Google would set up a $150 million fund in case of copyright breaches; even the government was bright enough to realise that a properly structured deal "[could] breathe life into millions of works that are now effectively off limits to the public"no matter what Amazon.com says. Google announced it will re-issue 2 million out-of-print books in its library as paperbacks; the firm's Espresso Book Machine can turn out a paperbackbound,300-page book in less than five minutes from scanned PDF copies; it is by far the biggest boost since the Jurassic Age for On Demand Books , makers of the Espresso Machines.
Google released Chrome 3.0, another minor update to their fast but unfeatured browser, with customisable themes but still virtually no add-ons or support for webapps; this raised the question of how Google could possibly justify calling the tweaks a full-version upgrade.
Avaya of America won the auction to buy bankrupt networking vendor Nortel of Canada for $900 million; Avaya promised to fire no more than 25 percent of Nortel workers.
Several European scientists, who believe that genetic modification should be labelled Frankenfood and that cellphones cause brain damage, said that nanoparticles "might" pose a health danger; Susanne Stark, a chemist employed by the Consumer Information Association, said that clothing which contains little teensy particles should be labelled as potentially dangerous,and so should cosmetics and food products; a doctor who specialises in en-vironmental hygiene, claimed that nanoparticles in food could enter the body through the mouth.
Engineers in Germany, which recently began dismantling many of its nuclear power plants, now are rethinking the safety of planned geothermal replacements; some believe that a geothermal project set off an earthquake, and scientists in the US and Switzerland are equally concerned.
Adobe Systems bought the web analytics and website building firm Omniture for $1.8 billion; the deal was made faster than you can say "Flash website".
China began building its fourth space launch base, the Wenchang Space Satellite Launch Centre on Hainan island;it is a major departure for the Chinese,who until now have kept their space launch sites well hidden even from their own people; the Hainan launch pad will fire the new Long March 5 rocket,due for flight in 2014 and likely to become the country's workhorse rocket for the country's manned space flights.
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy announced the government plans to break up Telstra , the biggest telecoms group in Australia, with strict regulation; partly government owned Telstra has two choices - split its retail and network arms voluntarily or invol-untarily; the company will be barred from acquiring further wireless spectrum until it restructures.
The luggable iron Post Database Quote of the Week Trophy goes to US media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who predicts newspapers will be printed on "flexible devices instead of crushed trees.It won't be soon; it could take 20 years.But there will be no paper, no printing plants, no unions. It will be a great future." Speaking of quotations:"I don't think the world will be a better or safer place without me"; those are the last words of executed prisoner Jeffery Doughtie, as recorded on a web page of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/executedoffenders.htm.
If you want your book sold and advertised at Amazon.com , you (or your publisher of course) will provide the volume in PDF format, no exceptions;Amazon says it's more eco-friendly, and also just by coincidence it makes it much easier to index every word of your book and let browsers look inside it - even though Amazon has opposed Google 's plan to do the same; as part of its justification for the onerous formatting instructions, Amazon.com notes that books that are searchable for free outsell unsearchable books.
The US Justice Department notified a New York federal judge that it expects to oppose the plan by Google to scan,copy and perhaps get copyright to millions of out of print books; a 28-page decision said the Obama administration had "significant legal concerns with the breadth of a proposed settlement"under which Google would set up a $150 million fund in case of copyright breaches; even the government was bright enough to realise that a properly structured deal "[could] breathe life into millions of works that are now effectively off limits to the public"no matter what Amazon.com says. Google announced it will re-issue 2 million out-of-print books in its library as paperbacks; the firm's Espresso Book Machine can turn out a paperbackbound,300-page book in less than five minutes from scanned PDF copies; it is by far the biggest boost since the Jurassic Age for On Demand Books , makers of the Espresso Machines.
Google released Chrome 3.0, another minor update to their fast but unfeatured browser, with customisable themes but still virtually no add-ons or support for webapps; this raised the question of how Google could possibly justify calling the tweaks a full-version upgrade.
Avaya of America won the auction to buy bankrupt networking vendor Nortel of Canada for $900 million; Avaya promised to fire no more than 25 percent of Nortel workers.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
EGAT SLAMMED BY LOCALS AT FORUM ON SONGKHLA PLANT
In a public forum organised yesterday, the Electric Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) was heavily criticised by the local public in Songkhla's Chana district over a controversial power plant.
The plant began operating in 2005 and is still in its first phase.
A resident accused Egat of being a "criminal" that had been plundering Thailand and the local public, as fish in several farms in a village had died last year and early this year. "Egat must show to us how to solve this problem and to compensate those affected, or the problems will become unending," said Hame Tohduan.
Another resident, who asked not to be identified, said Egat instigated conflicts among local residents by treating well a group of them who would be of benefit to Egat - giving them grand meals and free hotel rooms - while a group of farmers who had been affected had been ignored and even had their requests to meet local Egat officials turned down repeatedly.
"Egat has chosen to hear opinions from people of its choice and failed to treat wastewater it has discharged in a canal. The water appears clear but becomes toxic to certain fish, making some fish become extinct," he said.
The forum was the second of its kind in the district. Many years ago Egat had a conflict with Songkhla people concerning a pipeline project, which sparked violent confrontations between police and opponents.
Adirek Madman, chief of the Na Tab Tambon Administrative Organisation, said the new conflict over the power plant project stemmed solely from Egat's lack of sincerity by hiding the entire truth about the project from the local public. He called on Egat to promptly educate the people about the good and bad consequences of the plant as a gesture of goodwill.
Pheeradis Hremae showed pictures of shrimp and fish killed by hot water discharged by the plant into canals to counter an Egat claim that it cooled down hot water before discharging it. He said Egat had acquired public approval from people living in the nearby tambons of Khlong Pia and Pa Ching, but did not do so with Na Tab people before building the power plant.
The plant began operating in 2005 and is still in its first phase.
A resident accused Egat of being a "criminal" that had been plundering Thailand and the local public, as fish in several farms in a village had died last year and early this year. "Egat must show to us how to solve this problem and to compensate those affected, or the problems will become unending," said Hame Tohduan.
Another resident, who asked not to be identified, said Egat instigated conflicts among local residents by treating well a group of them who would be of benefit to Egat - giving them grand meals and free hotel rooms - while a group of farmers who had been affected had been ignored and even had their requests to meet local Egat officials turned down repeatedly.
"Egat has chosen to hear opinions from people of its choice and failed to treat wastewater it has discharged in a canal. The water appears clear but becomes toxic to certain fish, making some fish become extinct," he said.
The forum was the second of its kind in the district. Many years ago Egat had a conflict with Songkhla people concerning a pipeline project, which sparked violent confrontations between police and opponents.
Adirek Madman, chief of the Na Tab Tambon Administrative Organisation, said the new conflict over the power plant project stemmed solely from Egat's lack of sincerity by hiding the entire truth about the project from the local public. He called on Egat to promptly educate the people about the good and bad consequences of the plant as a gesture of goodwill.
Pheeradis Hremae showed pictures of shrimp and fish killed by hot water discharged by the plant into canals to counter an Egat claim that it cooled down hot water before discharging it. He said Egat had acquired public approval from people living in the nearby tambons of Khlong Pia and Pa Ching, but did not do so with Na Tab people before building the power plant.
Lamphun community forest wins honours
Baan Ta Pa Pao community forest in Lamphun has won the "Best National Community Forest" award and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn trophy, as part of the "Love the Forest and the Community" programme of the Royal Forest Department and Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding.
With an area of 13,000 rai, the forest has a rich variety of plants, following 10 years of rehabilitation. The forest also contains over 500 types of easy-to-find herbs and serves as a learning centre for children and academics.
The fertile forest provides an abundant supply of water to the community, which is delivered via a supply system than runs through the surrounding mountains.
Baan Ta Pa Pao community forest, which is managed under a three-party collaboration of households, temples and schools, beat other 673 forests listed for the competition.
There were 190 award-winning community forests, including 64 winners for the "Best Provincial Community Forests" and 120 consolation prizes awarded to other projects.
"Our focus is to promote participation in all areas, build networks in all segments and promote comprehensive and sustainable reforestation for economic forests, community forests and innovative forest villages" said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti.
To Noppol Milinthanggoon, president of Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding, the awards are expected to boost the spirits of these communities and encourage them to protect and preserve their natural resources and ensure the fertility and sustainability of their food sources. "As a good corporate citizen, we strive to encourage all communities to protect forest resources in an ongoing manner," he said.
With an area of 13,000 rai, the forest has a rich variety of plants, following 10 years of rehabilitation. The forest also contains over 500 types of easy-to-find herbs and serves as a learning centre for children and academics.
The fertile forest provides an abundant supply of water to the community, which is delivered via a supply system than runs through the surrounding mountains.
Baan Ta Pa Pao community forest, which is managed under a three-party collaboration of households, temples and schools, beat other 673 forests listed for the competition.
There were 190 award-winning community forests, including 64 winners for the "Best Provincial Community Forests" and 120 consolation prizes awarded to other projects.
"Our focus is to promote participation in all areas, build networks in all segments and promote comprehensive and sustainable reforestation for economic forests, community forests and innovative forest villages" said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti.
To Noppol Milinthanggoon, president of Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding, the awards are expected to boost the spirits of these communities and encourage them to protect and preserve their natural resources and ensure the fertility and sustainability of their food sources. "As a good corporate citizen, we strive to encourage all communities to protect forest resources in an ongoing manner," he said.
MEA underground grid begins transmission
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority yesterday started the transmission of 230 kilovolts of electricity via the 7-kilomtre tunnel that runs from Bang Kapi to Chidlom.
MEA governor Pornthape Thunyapomgchai said the underground grid would serve the electricity demand of the business districts of Bangkok, from Silom and Sukhumvit to Phya Thai.
The planned underground relocation of electricity cables, and therefore the removal of poles, in these areas will also mean more pleasant views, he said.
"The timing of the investment in the underground system project was good. If we had invested at this time, it would have cost about Bt10 billion," he added.
The Bt3.9-billion construction of the underground transmission system began in May 2005 and was completed this month.
Bt3 billion of the total was funded by a soft loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, featuring a repayment period of 25 years and carrying an interest rate of between 1 per cent and 2 per cent with a seven-year grace period.
Meanwhile, the state agency saw a 4.2-per-cent year-on-year decline in electricity consumption in the metropolitan area during the first eight months of the year.
While demand in the manufacturing sector dropped, consumption by the household and department-store segments improved.
The state agency expects an improving situation during the remainder of the year and now forecasts a 2-per-cent drop in demand this full year in the metropolitan area.
MEA governor Pornthape Thunyapomgchai said the underground grid would serve the electricity demand of the business districts of Bangkok, from Silom and Sukhumvit to Phya Thai.
The planned underground relocation of electricity cables, and therefore the removal of poles, in these areas will also mean more pleasant views, he said.
"The timing of the investment in the underground system project was good. If we had invested at this time, it would have cost about Bt10 billion," he added.
The Bt3.9-billion construction of the underground transmission system began in May 2005 and was completed this month.
Bt3 billion of the total was funded by a soft loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, featuring a repayment period of 25 years and carrying an interest rate of between 1 per cent and 2 per cent with a seven-year grace period.
Meanwhile, the state agency saw a 4.2-per-cent year-on-year decline in electricity consumption in the metropolitan area during the first eight months of the year.
While demand in the manufacturing sector dropped, consumption by the household and department-store segments improved.
The state agency expects an improving situation during the remainder of the year and now forecasts a 2-per-cent drop in demand this full year in the metropolitan area.
MEA power-line plan hits difficulties
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority plans talks with City Hall, telecom firms and mass-transit operators to speed up the installation of underground power transmission lines in most areas of the capital.
At present, only Silom Road and the area around the Grand Palace have underground power lines, while work is under way in the Phaya Thai, Sukhumvit and Phahon Yothin areas under a 3-billion-baht project, said MEA governor Pornthape Thunyapongchai.
"It's very difficult for us to bury the transmission lines in Bangkok due to our financial burden and a poor city development plan, which was done several decades ago," he said.
Meanwhile, underground installation has stalled in some areas because some telecom operators are not ready to bury telecom wires due to delayed budget allocations for the project, said Mr Pornthape.
"On some routes, there are many underground objects such as the pipelines for natural gas, tap water and waste water that obstruct us in installing our underground project," he said.
"Consequently, we have to discuss this matter with the operators of those systems."
The authority has estimated it will need to spend more than 160 billion baht to bury all power lines covered by the scheme. The project, however, has been delayed.
"In some area such as Chinatown,the local residents do not welcome this project because it has to close traffic for many years, or because of loud noise during the night time, when construction takes place," he said.
The MEA has discussed with mass transit operators ways to prepare for underground installations along train routes to facilitate the project's development.
"Amid the concerns over climate change, rainstorms in the city have become more severe than before and that would affect security of power transmission along the roads," he said."The MEA, however, has been reluctant to cut down trees because we want to keep as many green areas as possible."
The MEA yesterday officially switched on its second 230,000-volt transmission line from its Phloen Chit headquarters to Min Buri. The route of the 3.9-billionbaht project runs for 7 kilometres under the Saen Saep Canal.
Last year, the first high-voltage line,worth 3 billion baht, was set up, linking Lat Phrao to Vibhavadi Rangsit Road with a length of 8 km.
Two high-voltage transmission tunnels feature in the MEA's multi-billionbaht underground development plan to secure power transmission and improve tourism.
At present, only Silom Road and the area around the Grand Palace have underground power lines, while work is under way in the Phaya Thai, Sukhumvit and Phahon Yothin areas under a 3-billion-baht project, said MEA governor Pornthape Thunyapongchai.
"It's very difficult for us to bury the transmission lines in Bangkok due to our financial burden and a poor city development plan, which was done several decades ago," he said.
Meanwhile, underground installation has stalled in some areas because some telecom operators are not ready to bury telecom wires due to delayed budget allocations for the project, said Mr Pornthape.
"On some routes, there are many underground objects such as the pipelines for natural gas, tap water and waste water that obstruct us in installing our underground project," he said.
"Consequently, we have to discuss this matter with the operators of those systems."
The authority has estimated it will need to spend more than 160 billion baht to bury all power lines covered by the scheme. The project, however, has been delayed.
"In some area such as Chinatown,the local residents do not welcome this project because it has to close traffic for many years, or because of loud noise during the night time, when construction takes place," he said.
The MEA has discussed with mass transit operators ways to prepare for underground installations along train routes to facilitate the project's development.
"Amid the concerns over climate change, rainstorms in the city have become more severe than before and that would affect security of power transmission along the roads," he said."The MEA, however, has been reluctant to cut down trees because we want to keep as many green areas as possible."
The MEA yesterday officially switched on its second 230,000-volt transmission line from its Phloen Chit headquarters to Min Buri. The route of the 3.9-billionbaht project runs for 7 kilometres under the Saen Saep Canal.
Last year, the first high-voltage line,worth 3 billion baht, was set up, linking Lat Phrao to Vibhavadi Rangsit Road with a length of 8 km.
Two high-voltage transmission tunnels feature in the MEA's multi-billionbaht underground development plan to secure power transmission and improve tourism.
Ratchaburi targets wind
Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc (RATCH) plans to invest more in wind-power projects, possibly in the North and Northeast, for which it is now conducting a feasibility study.
Thawat Vimolsarawong, senior executive vice-president for business development, said billions of baht in new investment would be spent on additional wind-power project, with further details should be concluded within next year.
"We are currently gathering information on prime locations and discussing possibilities with potential partners. Project capacities would depend on the prevailing wind magnitude in each location," said Mr Thawat.
For each megawatt of wind power,60 million baht in investment is needed.
He said wind power was the most promising renewable power source for Thailand. Other sources do not offer as satisfactory a level of return on investment.
Its 60-megawatt wind farm worth 4.274 billion baht in Khao Kho, Phetchabun, is currently awaiting approval from the Royal Forestry Department to use 1,000 rai of land. Construction is expected to start late this year or early next year as planned.
The project is being developed by Sustainable Energy Corporation (SEC)which is 60% owned by Renewable Energy Co, a local research house for alternative fuel,35% by Ratchaburi and 10% by retail investors.
The Thai power producer also has four ongoing projects in Laos but some are on hold as domestic power demand has been affected by the global slump.
Its Nam Ngum 3 and Xe Pien Xe Nam Noi hydropower projects, which are both undergoing price negotiations with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), could be delayed by one or two years from the original plan to operate by 2013.
The increase in construction costs driven by more expensive crude last year has led the company to propose a new power price to Egat, which is also reassessing domestic demand.
Mr Thawat said the Nam Ngum 2 plant, on which construction is 80%complete, would start producing power next year, while the power sales contract for its lignite-fired Hong Sa plant is awaiting Thai cabinet approval.
"This process should be completed within this year and the construction should commence within two years,with power generation beginning in 2015," Mr Thawat said.
President Noppol Milinthanggoon said Ratchaburi's revenue would decrease slightly in the second half due to a planned shutdown for maintenance.
However, he remains certain of seeing 5% revenue growth this year from 42.21 billion baht recorded last year.
The company recorded a revenue drop of 22.1% in the first half of the year to 16.5 billion baht from 21.29 billion last year. Its net profit over the period increased 31.3% to 3.9 billion from 2.97 billion.
The company is also in talks with financial institutions to lower the interest burden for its Ratchaburi Power.
"Details should be disclosed within this year, but the aim is to reduce our interest burden and the refinancing plan will help maximise shareholders' value,"said Mr Noppol.
RATCH shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 37.75 baht, down 75 satang, in total trade of 27.56 million baht.
Thawat Vimolsarawong, senior executive vice-president for business development, said billions of baht in new investment would be spent on additional wind-power project, with further details should be concluded within next year.
"We are currently gathering information on prime locations and discussing possibilities with potential partners. Project capacities would depend on the prevailing wind magnitude in each location," said Mr Thawat.
For each megawatt of wind power,60 million baht in investment is needed.
He said wind power was the most promising renewable power source for Thailand. Other sources do not offer as satisfactory a level of return on investment.
Its 60-megawatt wind farm worth 4.274 billion baht in Khao Kho, Phetchabun, is currently awaiting approval from the Royal Forestry Department to use 1,000 rai of land. Construction is expected to start late this year or early next year as planned.
The project is being developed by Sustainable Energy Corporation (SEC)which is 60% owned by Renewable Energy Co, a local research house for alternative fuel,35% by Ratchaburi and 10% by retail investors.
The Thai power producer also has four ongoing projects in Laos but some are on hold as domestic power demand has been affected by the global slump.
Its Nam Ngum 3 and Xe Pien Xe Nam Noi hydropower projects, which are both undergoing price negotiations with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), could be delayed by one or two years from the original plan to operate by 2013.
The increase in construction costs driven by more expensive crude last year has led the company to propose a new power price to Egat, which is also reassessing domestic demand.
Mr Thawat said the Nam Ngum 2 plant, on which construction is 80%complete, would start producing power next year, while the power sales contract for its lignite-fired Hong Sa plant is awaiting Thai cabinet approval.
"This process should be completed within this year and the construction should commence within two years,with power generation beginning in 2015," Mr Thawat said.
President Noppol Milinthanggoon said Ratchaburi's revenue would decrease slightly in the second half due to a planned shutdown for maintenance.
However, he remains certain of seeing 5% revenue growth this year from 42.21 billion baht recorded last year.
The company recorded a revenue drop of 22.1% in the first half of the year to 16.5 billion baht from 21.29 billion last year. Its net profit over the period increased 31.3% to 3.9 billion from 2.97 billion.
The company is also in talks with financial institutions to lower the interest burden for its Ratchaburi Power.
"Details should be disclosed within this year, but the aim is to reduce our interest burden and the refinancing plan will help maximise shareholders' value,"said Mr Noppol.
RATCH shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 37.75 baht, down 75 satang, in total trade of 27.56 million baht.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A piece of the action
And the crowd went wild as Steve "President for Life" Jobs of Apple Computer came out on the stage to emcee the now-annual September music sales pitch, with loads of new stuff; in the biggest news, the iPod Nano got a video camera and FM radio, and Steve showed off the new iTunes Ver 9 management software; he also showed off the iPhone OS 3.1, available for download, which actually recommends apps you might like, has better synching for music and video, and lets you save video from email attachments into your playlist, aka Camera Roll.
Apple cut the prices of its old iPod models just hours ahead of announcing new iPod models; the price of the 32-gigabyte iPod Touch was cut $120 to $279, or 9,500 baht in real money; a 120-gig iPod Classic now costs $229, a $20 cut by the generous folks who run Apple. Palm introduced a smaller,cheaper smartphone than the successful Pre; the Pixi, as it's called, is aimed at younger users; it's slimmer, has a smaller screen, but features a Qwerty keyboard,8GB of memory and a two-megapixel camera.
US President Barack Obama, in a controversial school-time speech to most US children, advised them to be careful about what they put on Facebook and other social networks;"Whatever you do, it will be pulled up again later somewhere in your life," he warned.
First Solar of America signed a contract with the Chinese government to build the world's largest solar power plant in Inner Mongolia; assuming it is built, the Ordos City plant will push out 2,000 megawatts of electricity,around four times the size of the projects being built by the US Army in the Mojave Desert and by First Solar in California;the China project isn't near anything much; Ordos City is a coal-producing,eight-year-old, planned low-carbon development with about 1.5 million residents, roughly 800km west of Beijing.
Networking firm Huawei of China,which has suffered a scandal or two in its Thailand work, was stung to the quick by mean stories in the Australian media that it might be tied to the Chinese espionage services; Guo Fulin, managing director of Huawei in Australia, was hurt by the insensitive stories that his company was under investigation by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation; Huawei is a public-owned company, he said, and it is unthinkable that any government agency would be using Huawei to conduct spying.
The government of Cuba took a huge security gamble, and authorised post offices to provide Internet access to the public - just in case the Cuban government ever authorises the public to use the Internet at some point in the future; the only public access currently allowed is to an inside-Cuba intranet for email, provided by post offices at a cost of the equivalent of 55 baht an hour, in a country where the average wage is 680 baht a month.
Japan fired an unmanned cargo craft into orbit; the 16.5-tonne unmanned H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) is on a mission to re-supply the space station;it will stay up there to continue ferrying stuff to the US shuttle fleet next year.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown publicly apologised for the way that people treated World War Two code-breaker and extraordinary computer geek Alan Turing for being gay; Turing was prosecuted for homosexual conduct in 1952,and a mere two years later, he committed suicide;"I am pleased to have the chance how deeply sorry I and we all are," said Mr Brown.
Google , which plans to give away grazillions of books in order to get the (commercial) goods on its customers,offered to let all its opponents have a piece of the action;Amazon.com , which wants to sell grazillions of books to make tonnes of money directly, scoffed.Rupert Murdoch, the American media mogul, began collecting money at the tollgate to his news sites, in an interesting experiment to see if people will actually pay for news on the Net.
IBM, Microsoft, Oracle Corp and Google all responded to a plaintive "Help" from the Newspaper Association of America on how to get money from customers who don't want to pay for news; Randy Bennett, who is the senior president for vice in newspapers, said he's looking over 11 different proposals on how to squeeze money out of you;Google, to no one's surprise, offered to put all newspapers behind one vast,semi-expensive firewall, because that would be so convenient for everyone to just pay one company one time, and then Google would spread the money around; sure, that ought to work.
South African technology firm Unlimited IT dispatched Winston, a pigeon,from its office in Pietermaritzburg, with some data for its main hub in Durban strapped to the bird's leg; it took Winston one hour and eight minutes to fly the data card; meanwhile, Unlimited IT tried to send the same data via the speedchallenged Internet connections provided by leading Internet Telkom , and that download was four percent finished by the time Winston arrived; so it's not only countries that start with "T" that have Internet problems.
T-Mobile of Germany and Orange of France merged their yuppiephone operations in Britain, creating a new $13.5 billion company with 28.4 mobile phone customers; the Deutsche Telekom-France Telecom venture will be the biggest provider in the UK, with a 37 percent market share, larger than O2 of Telefonica.
Apple cut the prices of its old iPod models just hours ahead of announcing new iPod models; the price of the 32-gigabyte iPod Touch was cut $120 to $279, or 9,500 baht in real money; a 120-gig iPod Classic now costs $229, a $20 cut by the generous folks who run Apple. Palm introduced a smaller,cheaper smartphone than the successful Pre; the Pixi, as it's called, is aimed at younger users; it's slimmer, has a smaller screen, but features a Qwerty keyboard,8GB of memory and a two-megapixel camera.
US President Barack Obama, in a controversial school-time speech to most US children, advised them to be careful about what they put on Facebook and other social networks;"Whatever you do, it will be pulled up again later somewhere in your life," he warned.
First Solar of America signed a contract with the Chinese government to build the world's largest solar power plant in Inner Mongolia; assuming it is built, the Ordos City plant will push out 2,000 megawatts of electricity,around four times the size of the projects being built by the US Army in the Mojave Desert and by First Solar in California;the China project isn't near anything much; Ordos City is a coal-producing,eight-year-old, planned low-carbon development with about 1.5 million residents, roughly 800km west of Beijing.
Networking firm Huawei of China,which has suffered a scandal or two in its Thailand work, was stung to the quick by mean stories in the Australian media that it might be tied to the Chinese espionage services; Guo Fulin, managing director of Huawei in Australia, was hurt by the insensitive stories that his company was under investigation by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation; Huawei is a public-owned company, he said, and it is unthinkable that any government agency would be using Huawei to conduct spying.
The government of Cuba took a huge security gamble, and authorised post offices to provide Internet access to the public - just in case the Cuban government ever authorises the public to use the Internet at some point in the future; the only public access currently allowed is to an inside-Cuba intranet for email, provided by post offices at a cost of the equivalent of 55 baht an hour, in a country where the average wage is 680 baht a month.
Japan fired an unmanned cargo craft into orbit; the 16.5-tonne unmanned H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) is on a mission to re-supply the space station;it will stay up there to continue ferrying stuff to the US shuttle fleet next year.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown publicly apologised for the way that people treated World War Two code-breaker and extraordinary computer geek Alan Turing for being gay; Turing was prosecuted for homosexual conduct in 1952,and a mere two years later, he committed suicide;"I am pleased to have the chance how deeply sorry I and we all are," said Mr Brown.
Google , which plans to give away grazillions of books in order to get the (commercial) goods on its customers,offered to let all its opponents have a piece of the action;Amazon.com , which wants to sell grazillions of books to make tonnes of money directly, scoffed.Rupert Murdoch, the American media mogul, began collecting money at the tollgate to his news sites, in an interesting experiment to see if people will actually pay for news on the Net.
IBM, Microsoft, Oracle Corp and Google all responded to a plaintive "Help" from the Newspaper Association of America on how to get money from customers who don't want to pay for news; Randy Bennett, who is the senior president for vice in newspapers, said he's looking over 11 different proposals on how to squeeze money out of you;Google, to no one's surprise, offered to put all newspapers behind one vast,semi-expensive firewall, because that would be so convenient for everyone to just pay one company one time, and then Google would spread the money around; sure, that ought to work.
South African technology firm Unlimited IT dispatched Winston, a pigeon,from its office in Pietermaritzburg, with some data for its main hub in Durban strapped to the bird's leg; it took Winston one hour and eight minutes to fly the data card; meanwhile, Unlimited IT tried to send the same data via the speedchallenged Internet connections provided by leading Internet Telkom , and that download was four percent finished by the time Winston arrived; so it's not only countries that start with "T" that have Internet problems.
T-Mobile of Germany and Orange of France merged their yuppiephone operations in Britain, creating a new $13.5 billion company with 28.4 mobile phone customers; the Deutsche Telekom-France Telecom venture will be the biggest provider in the UK, with a 37 percent market share, larger than O2 of Telefonica.
Egat sells off three decommissioned Mae Moh generators
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has sold three decommissioned generators from its Mae Moh power station for 297 million baht.
Egat sold the 25-year-old generators so it could mine lignite coal located under the units, the assistant director for production at Mae Moh, Polrit Setthakamnerd, said.
The generators were taken out of service between nine and 10 years ago.
Thepprathanporn Construction and Recycle Co of Bangkok bought the three generators for 297 million baht on Sept 9 in an electronic auction. Eight other companies meeting Egat's selection criteria participated in the auction.
Thepprathanporn will remove the plants fromMae Moh compound in 18 months. An Egat source said the com-pany was expected to use the generators at its power plants in Indonesia.
Egat started building the three generators at the Mae Moh lignite mine in 1975. They began generating and distributing electricity in 1978,1979 and 1981, respectively, Mr Polrit said.
The first plant was decommissioned on Oct 1,1999, and the other two followed on March 1,2000.
The three units must be removed by 2011, Mr Polrit said. Mae Moh now has another 10 generating units in operation.
The power station has been at the heart of an environmental controversy for years.
Greenpeace in 2004 said the power station released 1.6 million tonnes of sulphur gas into the air every day, making it the largest source of sulphur dioxide in Thailand.
Egat sold the 25-year-old generators so it could mine lignite coal located under the units, the assistant director for production at Mae Moh, Polrit Setthakamnerd, said.
The generators were taken out of service between nine and 10 years ago.
Thepprathanporn Construction and Recycle Co of Bangkok bought the three generators for 297 million baht on Sept 9 in an electronic auction. Eight other companies meeting Egat's selection criteria participated in the auction.
Thepprathanporn will remove the plants fromMae Moh compound in 18 months. An Egat source said the com-pany was expected to use the generators at its power plants in Indonesia.
Egat started building the three generators at the Mae Moh lignite mine in 1975. They began generating and distributing electricity in 1978,1979 and 1981, respectively, Mr Polrit said.
The first plant was decommissioned on Oct 1,1999, and the other two followed on March 1,2000.
The three units must be removed by 2011, Mr Polrit said. Mae Moh now has another 10 generating units in operation.
The power station has been at the heart of an environmental controversy for years.
Greenpeace in 2004 said the power station released 1.6 million tonnes of sulphur gas into the air every day, making it the largest source of sulphur dioxide in Thailand.
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