electrifying the future remarks from single buyer

16
REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE Welcome to the 17 th edition of WattsUp. I hope all our readers are in good health and spirit. As we continue to embrace our duty and responsibilities from home, the year 2021 has already passed its midway mark. With the steep resurgence in the number of COVID-19 cases, the government has ramped up the vaccination programme. SB is in full support of the programme to ensure our country achieves herd immunity as soon as possible so that more focus can be put to set the country on a path to recovery. The pandemic has further affected the power industry, with the continuous cycle of on-and-offclosure and re-openings, cessation of construction activities and travel restriction, which not only slashed the electricity demand but also resulted in several projects missing their scheduled commencement dates. In the interest of the industry, SB is doing the best to support and facilitate all projects towards achieving their commercial operations. I am optimistic that things will get better as vaccine rollout ramps up and more people are protected from the virus. Let us all do our part in fighting this pandemic and show solidarity by offering help where it is needed to get us through this crisis together. On a final note, I would like to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha to all our Muslim readers. May the celebration bring much blessings and happiness to everyone. Charanjit Singh Gill Chief Executive Officer Single Buyer SINGLE BUYER Issue 17, July 2021 WATTS INSIDE: NEDA — System Marginal Price NEDA — Engagement Activities Industry Regulatory Framework Electricity Markets: Types of Electricity Markets Solar Thermal Energy (STE) Watts Happening Market Research Study Generators Update LSS@MEnTARI Paris Climate Agreement SB Staff Announcement Meet the People Behind SB — Azlan SB Corner & Market Watch Race to Net Zero

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Page 1: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

REMARKS FROM

SINGLE BUYER

ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE

Welcome to the 17th edition of WattsUp. I hope all our readers are in good health and spirit.

As we continue to embrace our duty and responsibilities from home, the year 2021 has already passed its

midway mark. With the steep resurgence in the number of COVID-19 cases, the government has ramped

up the vaccination programme. SB is in full support of the programme to ensure our country achieves herd

immunity as soon as possible so that more focus can be put to set the country on a path to recovery.

The pandemic has further affected the power industry, with the continuous cycle of “on-and-off” closure

and re-openings, cessation of construction activities and travel restriction, which not only slashed the

electricity demand but also resulted in several projects missing their scheduled commencement dates. In

the interest of the industry, SB is doing the best to support and facilitate all projects towards achieving their

commercial operations.

I am optimistic that things will get better as vaccine rollout ramps up and more people are protected from

the virus. Let us all do our part in fighting this pandemic and show solidarity by offering help where it is

needed to get us through this crisis together.

On a final note, I would like to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha to all our Muslim readers. May the

celebration bring much blessings and happiness to everyone.

Charanjit Singh Gill Chief Executive Officer

Single Buyer

SINGLE BUYER

Issue 17, July 2021

WATT’S INSIDE: NEDA — System Marginal Price

NEDA — Engagement Activities

Industry Regulatory Framework

Electricity Markets: Types of Electricity Markets

Solar Thermal Energy (STE)

Watt’s Happening

Market Research Study

Generators Update LSS@MEnTARI

Paris Climate Agreement

SB Staff Announcement

Meet the People Behind SB — Azlan

SB Corner & Market Watch

Race to Net Zero

Page 2: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

In this edition, we will take a look at one of the

most important elements in NEDA, the SMP, which

is the price used for settlement of NEDA

participants. There will be a 2-part deep dive on

this subject, and we will be covering the second

part in the next edition.

WHAT IS SYSTEM MARGINAL PRICE?

System Marginal Price (SMP) is the energy price of the most expensive

thermal generator dispatched to meet demand for every half-hour

period.

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT COULD INFLUENCE SMP?

SMP could be influenced by a combination of factors such as:

• fuel price

• system demand

• generator availability

HOW MANY SMP VALUES ARE THERE IN A DAY?

There are 48 SMP values in a day.

WHICH PARTICIPANTS ARE PAID AT SMP?

Expired PPA/SLA, Large Merchant generators and Price Takers.

HOW IS SMP USED FOR SETTLEMENT OF NEDA PARTICIPANTS?

Energy Payment for every half-hour period = Metered Output × SMP

WHERE CAN USERS OBTAIN SMP?

• SMP is publicly available and can be obtained at Single Buyer’s

website.

• Users can download the current and historical SMP at this link:

https://www.singlebuyer.com.my/resources-marginal.php

Page 3: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

Industry players have continued to show interests

in NEDA despite all the challenges that have arisen

due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SB held a number of

virtual engagement meetings with the industry

players in the second quarter of 2021 and they

were particularly focused on the solar technology.

1 April 2021 | An online meeting was held with

several representatives from Optic Reach Venture, a

local solar company. They are interested to pursue

NEDA under the Price Taker category.

01 OPTIC REACH VENTURE

22 April 2021 | SB had a virtual meeting with the

representatives from the companies. They were

keen to know about solar participation under the

NEDA mechanism.

02 WE POWER VENTURE SDN BHD

2 April 2021 | An online meeting was held with

several representatives from We Power Venture

Sdn Bhd, a registered solar PV service provider.

They are keen to build a solar plant under the Large

Merchant category.

26 April 2021 | SB held an online meeting with the

company together with their counterpart in the US.

They were interested to know more about solar

participation under the Price Taker and Large

Merchant categories.

06 ECOPLEXUS SOLAR SOLUTION

7 May 2021 | An online meeting was held with

representatives from Cenergi Sea Sdn Bhd and their

counterpart, Engie Services. They were interested to

know more about solar participation under NEDA.

07 TOTAL IFM SDN BHD

4 May 2021 | An online meeting was held with a

representative from Total IFM Sdn. Bhd. The

company plans to participate in NEDA under the

Price Taker category by installing rooftop solar at

their warehouse.

11 May 2021| SB had an online meeting with MBPP,

chaired by Dato’ Bandar Pulau Pinang. MBPP is

interested to participate in NEDA through the

installation of rooftop solar on the Spiral Bridge

built for cyclists and pedestrians.

09 MAJLIS BANDARAN PULAU PINANG

(MBPP)

25 May 2021 | An online meeting was held with

representatives from Elewerks Power Sdn Bhd. They

were interested to establish a solar plant under

NEDA.

10 ELEWERKS POWER SDN BHD

13 April 2021 | An online meeting was held with a

representative from Scatec Solar. They currently

have several LSS projects and are exploring the

prospects to join NEDA as a Price Taker.

04 ITRAMAS CORPORATION SDN BHD

22 April 2021 | An online meeting was held with

several representatives from Itramas Corporation

Sdn Bhd. Itramas were keen to know more about

how the NEDA mechanism works.

05 PEKAT SOLAR SDN BHD AND MEGA

FIRST CORPORATION BHD

03 SCATEC SOLAR 08 CENERGI SEA SDN BHD AND ENGIE

SERVICES

Page 4: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

The regulatory framework in Canada varies

according to the particular province (and territory).

In this edition, we focus on Ontario, the largest

province in Canada. Ontario’s electricity sector is

regulated by its independent energy regulator,

Ontario Energy Board (OEB).

2nd Generation

Incentive Regulation

(2006 — 2009)

1st Generation

Incentive Regulation

(2001 — 2005)

A transitional policy

before the introduction

of the 3rd Generation

Incentive Regulation

(more comprehensive

and longer-term plan)

Guidelines for rebasing

applications and

template models were

developed, which

provided a greater level

of predictability and

higher speed of

processing despite the

highly prescriptive

framework nature.

Focused on:-

1. Unbundling the

generation,

transmission and

distribution rates

2. Incorporating a

market rate of return

on equity into rates

3. Setting a simple,

mechanistic annual

adjustment formula

that uses a price cap

approach and factors

in inflation and a

productivity factor.

3rd Generation

Incentive Regulation

(2009 — 2013)

Two major

enhancements were

introduced:-

1. A productivity stretch

factor based on

benchmarking

results

2. An Incremental

Capital Module to

address capital

requirements of the

distributors

4th Generation

Incentive Regulation

(2014 — present)

Also known as the Renewed

Regulatory Framework for

Electricity (RRFE) that is developed

specifically for electricity

distributors, three main

components:-

1. Rate-setting selection

2. Five-year distribution planning

requirement

3. Performance measurement

Distributors’ performance is

measured through a scorecard on

four outcome dimensions:-

1. Customer focus

2. Operational effectiveness

3. Public policy responsiveness

4. Financial performance

OEB has practiced an evolutionary approach to the development of the performance-based regulation, whereby

each generation of the regulation introduced refinements to the prior framework.

Source: http://publicsde.regie-energie.qc.ca/

Let’s take a look at Chapter 8: Least Cost Dispatch Scheduling Methodology as specified in the Guidelines

for SB Market

OEB later on in 2016 published a handbook that outlines the application of the RRFE to all regulated utilities.

Purpose Methodology Model

• Defines the Least Cost Dispatch

Scheduling Methodology which SB

shall follow to prepare the Day Ahead

Dispatch Schedule, the Week Ahead

Dispatch Schedule and the Three

Month Ahead Dispatch Schedule

(collectively referred to as Dispatch

Schedules) and the requirements of

the Dispatch Scheduling Model

• The Methodology shall be such that

the lowest marginal cost Generating

Unit is forecast to be dispatched first

to meet demand followed by the next

lowest marginal cost Generating Unit

until all demand is met

• Marginal cost shall comprise all

payments that vary with the amount

of electricity procured, that are made

by the Single Buyer to the Generators

• SB shall ensure that the Dispatch

Scheduling Model used to produce

and finalise the Dispatch Schedules

minimises the cost of electricity

procurement given all transmission

and system constraints and the key

input data

• SB shall ensure that the Dispatch

Scheduling Model is based on the

Least Cost Dispatch Scheduling

Methodology

Page 5: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

IPP Generation

Transmission

Distribution

IPP

Consumers Consumers

01 Regulated Markets

In this structure, electric utilities are regulated and vertically

integrated, which means they own electricity generators and

power lines (distribution and transmission lines). Independent

power producers (IPP) may exist alongside utilities-owned

generators.

Typically, regulators oversee how electricity tariffs are set in

regulated markets in order to keep electricity rates reasonable

for customers.

Electricity market in Malaysia falls under this category.

02 Deregulated Markets

In deregulated markets, utilities are unbundled creating

independent energy suppliers. Electric utilities usually hold onto

network assets after unbundling and network business will

continue to be regulated.

Deregulation usually leads to creation of wholesale and retail

markets. Wholesale prices are determined from short term

markets e.g. energy markets and ancillary services markets, and in

some places from long term market e.g. capacity markets.

Deregulated retail utilities purchase electricity at wholesale prices

and then sell that electricity to customers at retail prices.

Examples of deregulated markets are Australia, UK, certain states

in the US, Singapore, and the Philippines to name a few.

Welcome to our series on electricity markets! In the first article of the series, we will introduce the types

of electricity markets in the world.

Page 6: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

As awareness of global warming and its adverse effects caused by human activities increases in the world, renewable

energy is fast gaining popularity as a way of combating the "energy trilemma". Solar energy utilisation involves the use

of radiation from the sun in many ways. The most developed technology currently is the direct use of heat energy or

Solar Thermal Energy (STE).

2Q 2021 PV market outlook shows the demand for solar plant is significantly increasing. Source: BNEF

Source: Thermal energy storage for solar power plant applications; Tonderai Linah Ruwa*, Humphrey Hugh Adun, Serkan Abbasoglu

STORAGE

• Stores energy captured by the collector. Durable with a very good heat transfer rate and high thermal storage

density

• Comprised of the storage media, its encapsulation, HTF, storage tank, heat exchanger and tank insulation

COLLECTORS

• The solar field consists of mirrors, receivers, support structures, collector systems, heat transfer fluid (HTF), heat

exchanger and tracker

• Designed to have good optical performance to capture as much solar radiation. Either used directly in the steam

cycle or it is stored for later use

POWER BLOCK

• Similar to all other thermal power plants with the turbine, generator, heat exchangers, cooling tower and balance

of the system

Energy from a solar photovoltaic

plant is limited as it requires the

sunlight to generate electricity.

This 'idle' time corresponds to a

sizeable chunk of the hours

available in a year. Consequently,

capacity factors of renewable

energy systems are lower. STE

offers potential for storage of

excess energy produced, for later

use. Working similarly like battery

energy storage, this will increase

operation hours and capacity to

produce power.

Collectors

Page 7: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

Trough Solar Thermal

• Has the lowest operation risk and generation cost

• Suitable for medium-low temperature solar thermal power generation system (30 to 350 MW)

• Has the best commercial value (efficiency up to 23%)

Tower Solar Thermal

• Has short heat transmission distance, low heat loss and high comprehensive efficiency (up to 23%)

• Suitable for large-scale and large-capacity commercial application (30 to 100 MW)

• Complex device structure, control system, and high cost

Disc Solar Thermal

• Suitable for medium-low temperature solar thermal power generation system (5 to 25 MW)

• Has higher optical efficiency compared to tower and trough solar thermal (30%)

• No energy storage capability. Suitable for decentralised power generation

Linear Fresnel Solar Thermal

• For small application

• Lowest efficiency (up to 20%)

• Not many projects available in the market

Source:

1. Solar thermal power generation technology research; Yudong Liu1, Fangqin Li, and Jianxing Ren, Guizhou Ren, Honghong Shen, and Gang Liu (2019)

2. Aluminium Alloys in Solar Power − Benefits and Limitations; Amir Farzaneh, Maysam Mohammdi, Zaki Ahmad and Intesar Ahmad (2012)

100 MW concentrated solar power plant in Gansu Province, China

30 MW parabolic trough power plant California , US

1.5 MW Maricopa Solar Plant in Arizona, US

30 MW solar thermal power station using linear Fresnel in Murcia, Spain

Page 8: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

Fraud & Bribery Risk Management Online

14 June 2021 | SB staff joined a Fraud & Bribery Risk

Management Workshop organised by Integrity

Department. The workshop aims to reassess the Fraud

and Bribery Risk Register in SB and increase awareness

on the risk management amongst SB staff.

Site visit to PMU Kapar PMU Kapar

14 April 2021 | Representatives from SB and TNB Grid

conducted a site visit to PMU Kapar for one of LSS4

successful bidders, Sharp Ventures (SPP) with 50 MW

Solar Plant in Klang. The main objective of this visit is to

finalise the scope of works which will be inserted in

Appendix D of the PPA.

Grid Batteries Training

4 - 7 May 2021 | A total of 45 participants from SB, GSO

and ST joined a training by ACELEREX & PGS Energy

Training, conducted by Dr Randell Johnson. The multi-

module seminar focuses on valuation, design,

procurement and operation of batteries while being

supported by real case studies from other countries.

The training is helpful to prepare participants in

refining planning approach for integration of battery

storage technology in the future system.

Online

Online

SBeeple Activities: Teh Tarik Session

Apr - June 2021 | SBeeple continues to hold Teh Tarik

Session between the management and working level. SB

staff get to have exclusive sessions with each member

of the management team. The topics of discussion vary

from work, personal growth and life advices. The size of

each session remains small to ensure each participant

can be fully involved in the discussion.

APRIL

JULY

Page 9: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

Saya telah DIVAKSINASI

SB Gets COVID-19 Vaccines Various Vaccination Centres

May - July 2021 | SB staff joined in the effort to get vaccinated against COVID-19. As of July, almost 100% of SB

staff have received their first dose of vaccine.

APRIL

JULY

Page 10: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

12 April 2021 | SB launched the Market Research Study project with the objective to

enhance the inputs to its long-term electricity demand forecast model. The project aims to

study how customer behaviour, energy efficiency, emerging trends and new technologies

will affect long term electricity demand.

Collect data on electricity consumption behaviour

and trends for key customers segments and

provide insights on underlying drivers through

primary research conducted in Peninsular Malaysia

Forecast and update SB’s Peninsular Malaysia

electricity demand forecast model (LoadMAPTM) for

a 25-year horizon in terms of purchase share,

equipment purchase, tech data and market size.

Conduct a comparative analysis and benchmark

against other countries on forecast methods,

drivers and results

Incorporate the impact of emerging trends in the

forecast model based on appropriate diffusion

models drawn from primary and secondary

research

Summarise insights and outlooks derived from

tasks 1-4

Owner & Coordinator

Consultants

Working Group Members

Page 11: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

Typically, the types of the Interconnection for LSS projects are:

• Direct connection to the existing TNB substations; or

• Construction of a new switching station connecting two existing TNB substations (LILO);

depending on the proposal by bidders and as per approved power system study by TNB.

During the site visits,

participants discussed in detail on

the related technical requirements

covering tele-control, SCADA, ICT,

protection, metering, etc. based on

the approved interconnection type.

The site meetings provided clearer

understanding to the bidders on

TNB’s requirements and at the same

time helped bidders to plan their

interconnection works accordingly.

Finalisation of the Interconnection Scopes

Halpro Engineering, one of the project under Phase Two

Large Scale Solar Program (LSS2) in Pekan, Pahang had

successfully achieved its commercial operation date (COD)

on 29 June 2021 and ever since, has been delivering 30MWac

to the grid system.

Halpro Engineering is the first solar plant in Malaysia

adopting bifacial tracking solar panels. Bifacial tracking solar

panels offer greater levels of energy output compared to the

fixed panels as it can follow the sun’s movement which

maximises the exposure to sunlight.

Aerial view of the solar

Bifacial tracking solar panels

On daily basis, Malaysians produce 35,615 ton of solid

waste with Selangor as the highest contributor at 22%.

As a long term solution for effective solid waste

management, Suruhanjaya Tenaga on 9 April 2021, had

approved for Worldwide Holding Berhad (WHB) to develop

an Integrated Solid-to-Waste Management Centre with a

total export capacity of 90MWac in Selangor. WHB will be

developing 3 Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants; WtE1, WtE2

and WtE3. WtE1 and WtE2 will be located in Jeram,

connected at distribution level, each having export capacity

of 26MWac. The projects are expected to achieve

commercial operations in 2025.

Meanwhile, WtE3 will be developed in Tanjung Dua Belas,

Selangor, to be connected at transmission network with the

export capacity of 38MWac. This project is scheduled to be

commissioned by fourth quarter of 2025.

WtE3 will be the first WtE incineration plant to be

connected to the transmission network in Peninsular

Malaysia. In this regard, on 21 June 2021, SB had organised

a virtual kick-off meeting with WHB to better understand

the nature of its operation for preparation of the power

purchase agreements.

SB in collaboration with TNB Grid organised a site visit with 10 selected bidders under LSS@MEnTARI to finalise the scopes of the interconnection, to be reflected in the power purchase agreements.

The site visits were arranged in April 2021 and May 2021 which involves visiting PMU Bukit Kapar, PMU Bidor, PMU Kapar, PMU Bukit Kayu Hitam, PMU Chuping, PMU Sg Kechil, PMU Bukit Selambau, PMU Pekan Industri and PMU Tanjung Batu.

Page 12: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

What is the Paris Agreement?

On the 12 December 2015, the Paris Agreement also known as COP 21 was adopted by 196 countries to address

mitigation actions to counter climate change. The agreement came into force on the 4 November 2016.

The COP 21 agreement goal is to limit global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the countries

that has adopted this agreement.

Malaysia ratified to the Paris Agreement on the 16 November 2016.

Progress Monitoring

Participants of the COP 21 agreement is required to establish an Enhanced Transparency framework (ETF) in

effort to monitor the progress on committing to the agreement.

Starting year 2024, each participant needs to submit the report transparently on action taken and progress in

climate change mitigations action.

How does the Paris Agreement Work?

By 2020, each country will submit their plans for climate action, known as the Nationally Determined

Contributions (NDCs). Through NDCs, each country will reveal their adopted action plan to reduce greenhouse gas

emissions in their nation. Malaysia presented its first NDC on the 16 November 2016, and is preparing for 1st NDC

submission by 2020-2021.

How does Energy sector contribute to the Malaysia GHG emission in Peninsular Malaysia?

Electricity and heat production collectively

contribute about 103,047 Gg CO2 (39%) to

overall Malaysia Greenhouse Gases (GHG)

emission in 2016.

For year 2020, the GHG emission from

Peninsular Malaysia power sector is

estimated to be about 101,940 Gg CO2.

In the longer term, Peninsular Malaysia

power sector is projected to reduce its

carbon emission intensity to achieve the 45%

Reduction Target in 2030 (compared to 2005).

The carbon emission intensity is projected to

further reduce by 65% in 2039 (compared to

2005).

Source: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement

Source: Report on Peninsular Malaysia Generation Development Plan 2020 (2021-2039), ST

Page 13: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

MCO 3.0

Muhamad Zulkifli Bin Meah has

recently joined SB as the Head of

Market Operation & Assessment

effective from 1 June 2021. He

brings with him vast experience

from many years of service in TNB.

Welcome to SB En. Zul!

SB bids farewell to Alfifa Fauzan

who transferred to Regulatory and

Stakeholder Management Division

(RSMD) of TNB on 1 June 2021 to

head the Energy & Industry Analysis

department. Thank you for all your

contributions to SB!

SB also bids farewell to

Muhammad Syafiq Mazli who took

on a new position at RSMD on 21

June 2021. Syafiq’s contributions to

SB, particularly in Load Forecast

unit are greatly appreciated. We

wish him all the best!

Goh Yin Lee

After two series of MCOs imposed from Mar

2020 and Jan 2021, the “excitement” of MCO

3.0 is much less as the SOPs are similar.

Thank God there is no longer panic buying.

My family has shifted all groceries shopping

online due to the contagious variants and

sporadic cases in the community. I hope we could be out of

the woods soon and I cannot wait to meet my colleagues

and friends again. I want to go back to my hometown to visit

my relatives and enjoy local delicacies once the pandemic is

under control!

Nor'Azzah

The past 16 months have been tough as we

have to live with various social restrictions,

while the kids grew up within four walls.

Nevertheless, this pandemic is also a

blessing in disguise to me as I’m able to see

my baby grow despite all the challenges I

face working from home. I’m happy to be able to serve home

cooked foods to my family and become an amateur home

baker with the help of TM6! Zulhazman

In terms of working from home in MCO

3.0, it was not as difficult to adapt as we

had to during the first time. I am fortunate

enough to be able spend the lockdown

with my family this time around. I am

waiting patiently and looking forward to

play sports again. Hopefully, we will meet each other again

on the other side of this pandemic as healthy and cheerful

as always. Stay safe!

Roharty

It has been a continuous struggle as we

went through the first MCO in 2020 and

the recent MCO 3.0 and EMCO in most of

Klang Valley areas. However, we must

continue to do our part to curb the spread

of COVID-19. I have limited my activities by

staying at home as much as possible. I do most of my

grocery purchases online. I hope the pandemic will be

brought under control soon. I look forward to be with our

loved ones without any fear and hug my parents just like

before.

You A recent surge of Covid-19 infections has prompted our

government to re-impose the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Only essential economic and service sectors are allowed to operate

during the period. Cross-district and interstate travel as well as

social, sports and educational activities were prohibited.

In this edition, we interviewed SB staff to ask their experience

during the lockdown and their hopes for the future.

Watt Say

Page 14: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

MANAGER (SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS)

SYSTEM PLANNING

MOHD AZLAN BIN UDA KANARDIN

WattsUp: How did you join SB and what

is your role here?

Azlan: I did my degree under Yayasan

Tenaga Nasional’s scholarship. Upon

graduation, I started my career in TNB in

July 2011 as an executive in Load Forecast

unit at System Planning Department (now

SB). In May 2019, I was assigned to Capacity

Planning unit to this date.

My portfolio in Capacity Planning covers

long-term generation development plan

that meets the forecasted electricity peak

demand at minimum cost subject to

financial, resource and environmental

constraints.

In this issue, we speak to Azlan about his background, roles in SB and how we

should not take things for granted.

WattsUp: What is your favourite part

about working in SB?

Azlan: There are so many wonderful things

about working in SB. Everyone is

approachable here and we have very

supportive management team who always

welcome new ideas and innovations while

providing the best platform for the staff to

continue improving our skills and

competency.

WattsUp: Can you share with us a brief

background about yourself?

Azlan: I was born in Ayer Tawar, Perak and

grew up in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. I

received my early education up until

secondary school in Kuala Lumpur. I did my

bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronics

Engineering in Universiti Teknologi

Malaysia, Johor Bahru.

WattsUp: The pandemic has

significantly changed how we used

to live and work. Personally, how

has COVID-19 affected you?

Azlan: In many ways, the negatives

clearly outweigh the positives. Our

lives have changed in critical ways that

will have much longer-lasting effects.

Living through a global pandemic has

driven dramatic shifts in our jobs,

eating habits, childcare, and even our

collective sense of time.

WattsUp: Apart from your career,

do you have a life goal that you

would like to achieve?

Azlan: I managed to complete my first

full marathon (42km) back in 2016. My

next goal is to join IRONMAN

Malaysia.

We hope our readers have enjoyed

getting to know another member in SB

family. A big thank you to Azlan for

agreeing to be interviewed.

WattsUp: What is your vision for SB?

Azlan: To be a point of reference and as a

trusted industry intelligence for power

sector.

WattsUp: What is the first thing you

want to do after COVID-19

pandemic ends?

Azlan: One of the things I am going to

prioritise doing post-pandemic is to

visit my mother in my hometown. The

pandemic has taught many of us how

much we took lunch plans with friends

or family for granted. I am going to

definitely say yes to more of those

opportunities that I would have put off

in the past.

Page 15: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

Global coal price from January 2020 to May 2021

The downward trend in 2020 was due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic that forced many countries in

the world to go on national lockdown and shut most economic activities

However, there is a sudden surge of coal price from December 2020 due to the following factors:

• Positive sentiments from the COVID-19 vaccine rollout which caused an increase in economic activities

• Additional coal demand for heating purposes due to very cold winter conditions in the northern

hemisphere. In northeast Asia region specifically, the condition was further exacerbated by extreme

cold snaps associated with the La Nina phenomenon

• China’s aggressive spot purchases of Russia, Indonesia and South Africa coals to mitigate their acute

coal shortage for winter season

• India coal restocking post monsoon season

• Supply tightness

Source: WoodMackenzie Report May 2021

Coal price is high due to strong coal demand from the northern hemisphere, rising gas prices and slow

recovery of supply capacity

Aidil Adha marks the accomplishment of the last pillar of Islam i.e. Hajj, which is the sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of

Makkah. It commemorates accomplishment as well as reminder of when Prophet Ibrahim (Peace and Blessings be Upon

Him) was willing to sacrifice his son to Allah. However, as Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him) began to

carry out the sacrifice, Allah replaced Prophet Ismail (peace and blessings be upon him) with a ram and Prophet Ismail

(peace and blessings be upon him) was unharmed. Muslims perform Qurban i.e. ritual animal sacrifice of a livestock

animal during Aidil Adha.

What is Hajj?

Hajj is the pilgrimage of Muslims to Makkah. All Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform

Hajj at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is performed over five to six days, beginning on the 8 Zulhijjah (based on the Hijri

calendar) and ending on the 13 Zulhijjah. During Hajj, millions of Muslims set aside all differences of race, economic

status, nationality and even sects as they unite in the holy pilgrimage.

When to perform Qurban?

Qurban is performed between 10 Zulhijjah and 13 Zulhijjah. Muslims around the world commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s

(Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) complete devotion to Allah’s command by slaughtering livestock in the most humane

way and by reciting the name of Allah. Depending on regions, common livestock includes sheep, goat, cow and camel.

Meat from the Qurban will mostly be given away to others, particularly to the poor and needy.

Source: Daily Sabah; MCAS

Page 16: ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE REMARKS FROM SINGLE BUYER

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