Wednesday, December 16, 2009

JDR Cable Systems to Provide Inter Array Cables for London Array Offshore Wind Farm

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.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

ETIHAD TO JOIN SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL USERS GROUP

Etihad Airways has joined the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), an airline-led industry working group established in 2008 to accelerate the commercialisation and availability of sustainable biofuels.


James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: ““Etihad recognises the need for step-changes in aviation to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and meet our industry’s carbon reduction goal. We also recognise that any fuel alternatives must be morally, socially and environmentally acceptable, while not compromising the future sustainability of the aviation industry.”

SAFUG members are bound by stringent criteria for the development of non fossil fuels, including the following:

The development of plant sources must be undertaken in a manner that is non-competitive with food, with biodiversity impacts minimised and without jeopardizing drinking water supplies. The total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from plant growth, harvesting, processing and end-use should be significantly less than that from fossil sources. In developing economies, development projects should include provisions or outcomes that improve socio-economic conditions for small-scale farmers and their families and that do not require the involuntary displacement of local populations. High conservation value areas and native eco-systems should not be cleared and converted for jet fuel plant source development.

Each SAFUG member has pledged to work through the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), a global multi-stakeholder initiative consisting of leading environmental organizations, financiers, biofuel developers, biofuel-interested petroleum companies, the transportation sector, developing-world poverty alleviation associations, research entities, and governments.

“Abu Dhabi, our home base, has itself made a strong commitment towards sustainability and in the promotion of renewable energy through the establishment of Masdar City, which will the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency,” Mr Hogan said.
About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

Monday, December 7, 2009

POWER-GEN Asia and Renewable Energy World Asia 2009 Achieves Record-Breaking Attendance.

The Future of Thailand’s Power Market is Discussed in Multi-track Conference.


POWER-GEN Asia, co-located with Renewable Energy World Asia, shattered its past attendance record with nearly 7,000 power professionals attending the most successful event in its 17 year history. Held at IMPACT Exhibition and Conference Centre from 7th to 9th October, POWER-GEN Asia and Renewable Energy Asia saw the region’s power industry professionals gather to discuss the latest developments, issues and challenges related to the region’s power generation, transmission and distribution and renewable energy sectors.

The opening day of the event saw keynote speeches delivered by Sup. Lt. Dr. Prapas Limpabandhu, Vice Minister of Energy, Sutat Patmasiriwat, Deputy Governor – Generation of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and Dong-Soo Suh, Executive Vice President Power Plant Business Group from Korean engineering giant Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd., prior to the trio officially opened the exhibition floor in a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.
Strengthening Energy Security for Sustained Economic Growth

“Strengthening Energy Security for Sustained Economic Growth” was the theme addressed by a line up of 120 leading international specialists from across the industry.

The POWER-GEN Asia and Renewable Energy World Asia conference programmes began the conference in perfectly appropriate style. POWER-GEN Asia’s opening speaker in the Country Spotlight session, former Minister of Energy, Dr. Pyasvasti Amranand, outlined the current and future developments of Thailand’s power market, whilst the opening presentation of Renewable Energy World Asia’s Policy & Scene Setting session was delivered by Dr. Twarath Sutabutr, Deputy General Director of Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, Ministry of Energy, discussing Thailand’s 15 year Renewable Development Plan and the future role of renewable energy in Thailand’s power generation industry.

Nigel Blackaby, Director of Conferences for PennWell’s International Power Group, said, “POWER-GEN Asia’s conference programme is an important platform for industry leaders to come together to exchange information, present new solutions and discuss future developments most critical to the growth of the market. The new Renewable Energy World Asia conference, dedicated to the renewable and sustainable energy, delivered an informative and technical programme of presentations, discussing the region’s issues and challenges in the renewable energy sector.”

“Conference sessions were extremely well attended, with professionals discussing the substantial issues surrounding power provision and how future demands can be met,” added Blackaby.
Busiest Ever Show Floor

The POWER-GEN Asia and Renewable Energy World Asia 2009 exhibition opened with an air of anticipation and excitement, as the world recession over this last year has seen most countries around the world reduce electricity consumption.

However, the event posted a record attendance with nearly 7,000 power industry professionals from over 65 countries converging on Bangkok for the region’s premier industry conference and exhibition - offering a hint of optimism of an upturn in the region’s economic prospects.

The record breaking number of exhibitors of over 170, were kept busy as streams of power industry professionals queued to gain access to the regions leading trade show.

Glenn Ensor, Event Director of POWER-GEN Asia and Renewable Energy World Asia, said, “To achieve a record attendance of nearly 7,000 registrations is extremely gratifying, particularly in the current economically uncertain times. We are delighted that a growing group of power industry professionals, throughout Asia and beyond, see POWER-GEN Asia and Renewable Energy World Asia as the meeting place for this industry.”

With the full support from the Ministry of Energy, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Metropolitan Electricity Authority, Provincial Electricity Authority, Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation and the Thailand Exhibition & Convention Bureau, POWER-GEN Asia and Renewable Energy World Asia enjoyed three days of quality conference content and leading
exhibition.

POWER-GEN Asia and Renewable Energy World Asia moves to Singapore from 2nd – 4th November 2010 at the new Marina Bay Sands Resort. Further details and information on POWER-GEN Asia, www.powergenasia.com, and Renewable Energy World Asia, www.renewableenergyworld-asia.com.

Editors Notes: PennWell Corporation is a highly diversified, business-to-business media company providing authoritative print and online publications, conferences and exhibitions, research, databases, online exchanges and information products to strategic global markets.

Since 1910 PennWell has been known for providing comprehensive coverage of several strategic markets. In those early days, PennWell was a pioneer in the emerging oil industry with Oil & Gas Journal magazine, founded in 1902. Today PennWell publishes 45 business-to-business magazines and newsletters, conducts over 60 conferences and exhibitions on six continents, and has an extensive offering of books, maps, directories and database services.

Ratchaburi Holding Announces 5.5 Billion Baht of Operating Performance

To be armed for business expansion in renewable energy and foreign investment

Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL. announces its 9-month operating performance of 2009. The Company recorded net profit at 5,556.60 million Baht or 3.83 Baht per share, which is an increase of 10.14% from the same period of last year. It is also getting ready for restructuring its business structure to arm the Company’s expansion.


Mr. Thawat Vimolsarawong, Senior Executive Vice President-Business Development, said the Company is prompt for its business expansion by preparing restructuring its investment arms to serve the future business direction. According to the business plan in domestic investment, the Company aims to increase its total capacity in renewable energy project to 100 MWs by 2016. Recently, the Company has increased the registered capital for its subsidiary named Ratchaburi Energy Company Limited to support investment in SPP and VSPP projects corresponding to the country’s power demand and the government’s policy on the promotion of renewable energy. Moreover, the Company is seeking to explore new potential projects in power sectors and other related businesses. Currently, RH International Corporation Limited has been established as an investment arm to support the Company’s business expansion in power generation across South East Asia region and Australia. Therefore, the wholly-own RH International Corporation Limited by Ratchaburi Holding with 5 million Baht in registered capital would facilitate to an efficient investment management for the Company.

For 9-Month operating performance of 2009, the Company gained 28,448.98 million Baht in total revenue, consisting of 26,854.91 million Baht from electricity sales and operating and maintenance revenues, 207.07 million Baht from interest income, 101.29 million Baht from management service fee,168.09 million Baht from other incomes and 1,117.62 million Baht from the Company’s shared profit in its joint ventures. Whereas the Company’s cost of sales and other expenses were 21,347.78 million Baht, consisting of 20,856.27 million Baht in cost of sales, 491.51 million Baht in administration expenses. Meanwhile, the Company’s interest expense was 680.96 million Baht. Nevertheless, the Company committed to pay 863.64 million Baht in income tax which is an increase of 800.14 million Baht compared with the same period of last year.

Mrs. Darunee Abhinoraseth, Senior Executive Vice President-Finance mentioned to the 9-Month Operating Performance of 2009 that the Company recorded net profit at 5,556.60 million Baht, which was 511.59 million Baht or 10.14% higher compared with the same period of the previous year. This resulted from the cost of sales and other expenses of 21,347.78 million Baht which decreased by 6,205.32 million Baht or 22.52% from the previous year.

Furthermore, the interest expense in 2009 was minimized by 30.04% compared with the same period of last year because of the lower interest rate and the principle repayment in every quarter. Also, the Company recorded 26,854.91 million Baht in sales and service revenue which decreased by 5,543.03 million baht or 17.11% compared with the same period of 2008 and 1,117.62 million Baht in shared profit in its joint ventures increased by 337.74 million Baht or 43.31% from the same period of last year which mainly received from the profit sharing from Tri Energy and Ratchaburi Power.

Regarding to the Q3/2009 operating performance, the Company recorded net profit at 1,656.74 million Baht decreased by 418.70 million Baht or 20.17% compared with the same period of 2008. This was mainly resulted from 10,265.44 million Baht in sales revenue decreased by 836.27 million Baht or 7.56% of the same period of last year. Moreover, the company’s income tax was increased at 284.49 million Baht compared with the same period of last year which was due to the expiration of the BOI’s tax exempt since October 2008.
Company’s Information

Established in March 2000, Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL is a leading independent power producer in Thailand with 4,347.37 MW in total installed capacity deriving from its investment in many power plant projects both domestics and foreign. The Company’s capacity portion by equity own in domestic projects are as follows: The current commercial operating plants are located in Ratchaburi province consisted of a 3,645-MW Ratchaburi’s Power Plant, a 350-MW Tri Energy’s Power Plant, a 350-MW Ratchaburi Power’s Power Plant. And there is a 1.75-MW power generating from associated gas, Pratu Thao Power Plant in Sukhothai province, which the Company currently invests in the expansion of 0.875 MW-Pratu Thao Power Plant. The investment projects under development are consisted of a 153.75-MW Nam Ngum 2’s Hydro Power Plant, a 110-MW Nam Ngum 3’s Hydro Power Plant, a 93-MW Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy’s Hydro Power Plant and a 751-MW Hongsa’s Power Plant in Lao PDR. For renewable energy development, the Company invests in Wind Power Project in Phetchabun with capacity proportion of 18 MW. The Company aims to achieve the total installed capacity of 5,479 MWs from its investment and developing projects.