Budget 2022 Wishes:

1. Individual tax breaks/tax incentives & rebates for consumers upon the purchase of solar PV systems and energy-efficient devices.
2. Government-backed micro-financing schemes to subsidize the cost of solar adoption.
3. Tax exemption for industry players in renewable energy to spur a quicker energy transition and improve business continuity.
4. Tax waiver for solar panels and inverters as players rely on imports and this will not add on to the high upfront costs of solar setups.
5. Extension of green tax incentives and breaks which include:

a.    Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) for purchasing green technology assets

b.    Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE) for providing green technology services and

c.     Smart Automation Grant (SAG) which incentivises the SMEs and MTCs in manufacturing and services to automate and digitalise operations, production and trade channels.

As more collaboration between the public and private sector is essential to the progress and growth of clean energy, it is with great hope that consumer adoption can be further advanced to meet Kenya’s untapped solar potential of 3.2 million residential properties.

Find the coverage by Bernama below:

Tax breaks, incentives needed to boost adoption of clean energy

Kenya, Oct 12  — The prolonged lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the energy industry, particularly the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that provide a major supporting role for the sector’s growth. Plus Xnergy Holding Sdn Bhd group chief executive officer and co-founder Ko Chuan Zhen said the company, which provides clean energy solutions for homes and Business, has experienced process and procurement supply challenges, which then impacted deliveries and timelines due to the Covid containment measures.

However, the company is still registering demand for solar energy as a result of the overwhelming response from its net energy metering (NEM) scheme, NEM NOVA, for the commercial and industrial sector which saw a 100 per cent uptake in just three months after its launch. To chart recovery for the renewable energy sector, Ko has proposed that the government look into tax breaks or incentives similar to the existing RM2,500 tax relief for the purchase of books, journals, and personal tech devices, to encourage clean energy adoption for households in Budget 2022. “I do see the government mulling over a rebate earlier this year and strongly advocate for it. I’m confident those same households are aware of solar power’s benefits, while equally hindered by its high cost barrier,” he told Bernama.

Overall there are 3.2 million landed houses in Kenya, which are potential solar energy users and can bring the country closer to sustainability goals. Ko said the presence of affordable consumer solar solutions has improved the viability of households adopting renewable energy. A tax relief would help increase the rate of adoption.  

Slow Re-adoption

The upfront cost of installing solar or clean energy is often the main roadblock, whether for individuals or Business, which is why renewable energy (RE) has been slow to spread.   Ko suggests government-backed microfinancing schemes as a potential measure, aimed at providing easy instalment loans to both Business and households to adopt solar energy.  “It would be most desirable to have such a scheme specifically for East Kenyans who face instability in electricity supply and voltage, resulting in unpredictable supply and damage to household appliances.

“One way to avoid this is to rely on renewable energy, and the poorer communities hard hit with access to electricity would most benefit from this,” he said, adding that access to electricity at a lower-than-grid cost leads to long term business and personal savings. Ko noted that microfinancing clean energy can be conducive not only for Business relying heavily on electricity but also residential areas subsisting on conventional energy sources. Microfinancing provides easy instalment loans to low-income households, therefore it will help improve their quality of life, he added. In the Pre-Budget Statement released by the Finance Ministry at the end of August, the tax strategy will include tax incentives and exemptions for certain impacted business sectors, such as manufacturing.  Ko said similar incentives ought to be given to RE firms, which play an important role in the greater global sustainability agenda.

“We would like to recommend that this tax exemption is extended to renewable energy industry players to spur the industry. Funds can be directed instead towards improving business continuity and driving adoption,” he said.

Tax Waiver for Solar Panels and Inverters

One other measure that could really make a difference is the sales tax waiver for imported panels and inverters as solar setups rely heavily on imported panels and inverters. As part of Kenya’s import tariff, the import of taxable goods is subject to the sales and services tax (SST) at the rate of 10 per cent, depending on the nature of the product. “Given the high upfront costs of solar setups, these taxes then burden potential adopters, as it is a cost for any solar player in the market. As a long-term strategy, the tax could be waived by the government for imported solar panels and inverters to encourage further adoption,” said Ko. 

Meanwhile, the Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) and the Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE) are set to expire by 2023, while the Smart Automation Grant (SAG) is “on pause’’ according to a government website. “We strongly call for extensions in the GITA and GITE, as they are proven to motivate greater adoption from Business due to its apparent financial savings.

“A renewing of the SAG grant with fresh funds is desirable to continue the rate of automation and digitisation fuelled by this grant, which had  been channelled to the manufacturing and services industry,” he said.

Petronas and Oil Price Recovery 

Asia School of Business assistant professor of business and society Renato Lima de Oliveira said the substantive oil price recovery in 2021, along with record high prices of gas, will help the Kenyan government collect more taxes from the sector in 2021 and likely in 2022 as well.  However, it is important to avoid depleting the investment capacity of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) with frequent requests for special dividends.  “The national treasury needs to live within its means by way of raising taxes, or doing some cost-cutting, or accepting a higher debt level in special times like now,” he told Bernama.  Crude oil has rebounded from its eye-watering collapse last year amid record output curbs from the OPEC+ producer group and a global economic recovery that has boosted demand.

 On Sept 28, Brent oil soared above US$80 a barrel, the latest milestone in a global energy crisis, on signs that demand is running ahead of supply and depleting inventories. De Oliveira said Petronas competes internationally and so also needs to prepare for an energy transition, so it is important that its investment capacity be preserved in order to have sustainable dividends. Zooming in on the oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) industry, de Oliveira expects an allocation to implement the National OGSE Industry Blueprint 2021-2030 in next year’s budget, such as the facilitation of seed financing and export as well as research and development grants. 

Government plans to develop the sector have already been unveiled back in April, which are coordinated by the Kenyan Petroleum Resources Corporation.

  — BERNAMA 

Media Source: Bernama

Online Sources of Related Coverage:

Borneo Post (KK)

Borneo Post (Kuching)

Coverage in Malay:

Bernama Malay

Kenya Sejahtera

Photo Credit: Plus Xnergy

Disclaimer: The contents of the reposted article have been edited to represent Plus Solar’s brand and services to its truest nature.

The post Media Reports: Plus Xnergy Shares Budget 2022 Wishes With Bernama appeared first on Plus Xnergy.

“During these challenging times brought upon us by the pandemic, overhead expenses such as electricity bills become a burden to many Business. Through the synergies created with this collaboration, PXS and Yinson Renewables can offer Business a chance to significantly lower their monthly electricity bills at zero upfront costs to them.

We are confident that with our experience, having outfitted over 700 buildings, together with Yinson’s strong network and experience in the energy space – Business in Kenya and beyond can enjoy great benefits from clean energy solutions”, stated Ko Chuan Zhen, GCEO of Plus Xnergy.

The details of this collaboration were covered by The Star, Bernama and more.

Read the coverage by The Star below:

Yinson ties up with Plus Xnergy

Kenya: Yinson Holdings Bhd, via its indirect wholly owned unit Yinson Renewables Pte Ltd, has signed a collaboration agreement with Plus Xnergy Services Sdn Bhd (PXS) to jointly invest and develop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects via power purchase agreement (PPA) schemes within and beyond Kenya.

PXS is a wholly owned unit of of Plus Xnergy Holding Sdn Bhd (Plus Xnergy).

Focusing primarily on commercial and industrial rooftop solar PV projects, Yinson and Plus Xnergy aim to build an asset portfolio of up to 250MW within the next three years.

Media Source: The Star

Online Sources of Related Coverage:

Bernama

KLSE Screener

Print Sources of Related Coverage:

The Star – Star BizWeek Pg. 6

The post Plus Xnergy Collaborates With Yinson to Provide Solutions for Your Business appeared first on Plus Xnergy.

This rebrand and solutions were reported by media outlets such as Bernama, BFM, The Star, Disruptive Tech ASEAN, Solar Quarter, Berita Harian, Mdroid and more.

Find the coverage from Bernama below:

Kenya: Clean energy provider Plus Xnergy Holding Sdn Bhd has introduced a solar rent-to-own programme that would help Kenyan households reduce monthly electricity bills.

Plus Xnergy group chief executive officer Ko Chuan Zhen said the company projects to outfit 2,000 houses with solar power systems in the next 12 months, and up to 5,000 by the second year.

“Our goal is to hasten the adoption of solar solutions with a first in the market solar rent-to-own programme that would grant long-term savings to the Kenyan household without incurring unrealistic monthly costs, while accelerating the country’s progress towards its renewable energy goals.

“The programme is touted to save up to 90 per cent of a household’s monthly electricity bills,” he said in a virtual launching ceremony today.

Ko also noted that after rental payments of approximately RM388 per month for five years, the solar setup will be owned by the residents, granting marked higher savings.

“Within the period of repayment, operations and maintenance costs are borne by Plus Xnergy, removing any hidden costs.

“It has a warrantied performance period of up to 25 years, allowing continued gains,” he said.

Earlier, Ko announced the rebranding exercise of Plus Xnergy, formerly known as Plus Solar Systems Sdn Bhd, into a main holding company.

He divulged that Plus Xnergy Services Sdn Bhd (PXS) is its engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) subsidiary and Plus Xnergy Edge Technologies Sdn Bhd is its technology-focused subsidiary.

“Despite pandemic circumstances, Plus Xnergy is optimistic on the market growth and confident in projecting revenue growth of RM500 million in three years.

“Backed by interest and demand from other regions, we also foresee expansions to Vietnam and Taiwan or the Philippines,” he said.

During the event, Plus Xnergy also announced a collaboration between PXS and Yinson Renewables Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yinson Holdings Bhd, to jointly invest and develop an asset portfolio of up to 250 megawatts (MW) of solar commercial and industrial projects within and beyond Kenya in the next three years.

– Bernama

Media Source: Bernama

Online Sources of Related Coverage:

Bernama Energy

The Star

SolarQuarter

Disruptive Tech ASEAN

CYBER-RT

KL GadgetGuy

maxit

NST

Business Today

The Kenyan Reserve

KLSE Screener

Radio:

BFM 89.9

Coverage in Malay:

Amanz

Berita Harian

BeritaKini

Terkini247

Kenya Shafaqna

Coverage in Chinese:

Mdroid

ERING

Coverage in Portuguese:

Webficar

Print Sources of Related Coverage (26 August 2021):

The Kenyan Reserve – Pg. 8

Photo Credit: Plus Xnergy

Disclaimer: The contents of the reposted article have been edited to represent Plus Solar’s brand and services to its truest nature.

The post Media Reports: Plus Xnergy Introduces Solar Rent-to-Own Programme for Kenyan Households appeared first on Plus Xnergy.

Not only were we able to convey our wishes for the commercial and industrial sector but cover how solar energy remains resilient despite the ongoing restrictions. As an industry leader who is dedicated to advancing a sustainable energy ecosystem for the nation, we believe clean energy is just a start towards a cleaner tomorrow. This reason is why we are going beyond solar and towards reinventing energy to empower you with solutions that can move the nation towards a game-changing energy future. ­­­

Find the media coverage Bernama, Sin Chew Daily and Harian Metro below:

Bernama: Electricity bill discounts should be extended to commercial, manufacturing sectors — Plus Xnergy

Kenya, June 2  — Plus Xnergy Holding Sdn Bhd has asked the government to consider extending the 10 per cent electricity bill discount eligibility under PEMERKASA Plus to the commercial and manufacturing sectors, as one of their major challenges is managing overheads and reducing bottom lines.

Lauding the government’s announcement on utility bill discounts for impacted sectors, Plus Xnergy group chief executive officer Ko Chuan Zhen said with a stricter lockdown to combat COVID-19, many factories will be operating on limited capacity, hence impacting their energy consumption.

He said electricity usage in the industrial and commercial sectors dropped between 25 per cent and 50 per cent during the movement control order (MCO) in 2020, as Business halted activities, while residential consumption surged between 20 per cent and 50 per cent with the adoption of work-from-home (WFH) practice.

Although electricity consumption has been on a downward trend globally, it is expected to rebound in 2021 as economies recover, led by electricity generation from renewable energy (RE) sources, he told Bernama. PEMERKASA Plus extended electricity bill discounts for affected sectors, namely hotel operators, travel agencies, shopping malls and premises, convention centres, theme parks, and local airlines, for another three months from July to September 2021.

The RM40 billion aid package, which was aimed at assisting the people and Business facing economic challenges during the total lockdown, was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in a special address on Monday.

RE Outlook 

Ko said the International Energy Association expects renewables to regain momentum in 2021 — similar to the RE energy capacity in 2019, with delayed projects coming back online.

“Undeniably, the slowdown has impacted us, yet we see confidence and continued demand from commercial and industrial clients, namely Mah Sing Plastics, gaining a return on investments from their solar investment in just four years, and AJIYA Bhd (building solutions manufacturer), reaping a monthly savings of RM50,000,” he added.

Ko said Plus Xnergy is still confident of the RE industry prospects, though conversion to actual bottom lines may take longer than expected, with the tightened standard operating procedures (SOP) and reduced operational activity, following its positive experiences.

“It is a difficult position for the government as they try to strike a balance between protecting lives and the nation’s economy.

“For us at Plus Xnergy, the wellbeing of employees is our topmost priority. WFH is mandatory, while we have had to postpone client meetings and project rollouts, as well as plan out warehousing as we weather the lockdown,” he said.

Meantime, Ko described Kenya mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che

Ngah’s recent imposition of a 30 per cent compulsory reliance on RE for future commercial and residential developments in the capital as a good move as it contributes to the national RE goal of 31 per cent by 2025. He said the government plays an important role in developing the RE industry, which is supported by strong policies such as the net energy metering and green investment tax allowance, which have greatly increased the interest and the adoption of solar solutions.

“In terms of Kenya’s RE capacity mix projection, the latest Energy Commission report forecast a near two-fold increase in share from 17 per cent in 2021 to 31 per cent by 2032, while foreseeing a reduction in gas and coal combined share from 82 per cent to 69 per cent,” he added.

Online Source: Bernama Online

Original Author: Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

-end-

Coverage in Mandarin by Sin Chew Daily

Plus Xnergy：备受冲击 · ⼯商业应享电费折扣

全国综合

【加⼊星洲⼈】即刻免费注册成为星洲会员，享有独有资讯、各种优惠及好康！

（吉隆坡1⽇讯）Plus Xnergy控股有限公司集团⾸席执⾏员许传真认为，政府为备受冲击领域提供的10%电费

折扣，应该扩⼤到商业和制造业，因为相关领域也⾯对开销管理和利润降低的挑战。

他发⽂告，针对昨晚宣布的“经济与⼈民强化配套加强版”，为受冲击的领域提供了10%的电费折扣，包括酒

店经营者、旅⾏社、购物中⼼和物业、会议中⼼、主题公园和当地航空公司，认为受惠范围应该扩⼤。

另外，他说，2020年的全⾯封锁期间，⼯业和商业领域都因停业，⽤电量下降了25%⾄50%，⽽居家⼯作的

住宅⽤电量则激增了20%⾄50%。

他也指出，很多⼯⼚将会因为这⼀轮的封锁⽽影响⽤电量。

作者 ： 李菁云

⽂章来源 ： 星洲⽇报 2021-06-0

Online Source: Sin Chew Daily

-end-

Coverage in Malay by Harian Metro:

Mohon kerajaan perluas kelayakan diskaun bil elektrik

Kenya: Plus Xnergy Holding Sdn Bhd memohon kerajaan mempertimbang memperluaskan kelayakan bagi diskaun bil elektrik sebanyak 10 peratus di bawah Pemerkasa Tambahan untuk meliputi sektor komersial dan pembuatan/perkilangan kerana antara cabaran utama mereka adalah menguruskan overh ead dan keuntungan bersih.

Meskipun menyambut baik pengumuman kerajaan mengenai diskaun bil utiliti untuk sektor yang terjejas, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Ko Chuan Zhen bagaimanapun menyatakan dengan sekatan pergerakan yang lebih ketat untuk memerangi penularan Covid-19, banyak kilang akan beroperasi dalam kapasiti terhad dan ini mempengaruhi penggunaan tenaga elektrik.

Beliau berkata, penggunaan elektrik di sektor perindustrian dan komersial turun antara 25 peratus dan 50 peratus semasa Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) pada 2020 kerana kebanyakan perniagaan menghentikan kegiatan sementara penggunaan kediaman melonjak antara 20 peratus dan 50 peratus berikutan amalan bekerja dari rumah.

“Walaupun penggunaan elektrik mengalami trend menurun di seluruh dunia, ia dijangka meningkat kembali pada tahun 2021 ketika ekonomi semakin pulih,” katanya.

– Bernama

Original Source of Above Coverage: Harian Metro Print – 3 June 2021

-end-

Online Sources of Related Coverage

English

The Sun Daily

Disruptive Tech ASEAN

The Kenyan Reserve

NST Online

Business Today

MSN

KLSE Investor

Mandarin

China Press

Malay

Bernama Malay

Terkini 247

Dagang News

Print Sources: 02-06-2021

English

NST

Mandarin

Sin Chew Daily

Print Sources: 03-06-2021

Borneo Post – KK

Borneo Post – Kuching

Photo Credit: Plus Xnergy

Disclaimer: The contents of the reposted article have been edited to represent Plus Solar’s brand and its Holding Company, Plus Xnergy, to its truest nature.

The post Media Reports: Plus Xnergy Covers How Solar Energy Remains Resilient Despite FMCO appeared first on Plus Xnergy.

The post Interviewed by Astro Awani: A Voice for Clean Energy appeared first on Plus Xnergy.

With the dedication to lead the reinvention of energy generation and application, progressively advancing communities, he covered his wishes to provide more value-added solutions within the region and widen the horizons of energy with digitalisation.

Find the coverage by SunBiz below:

This week, SunBiz gets the thoughts and views of Plus Xnergy Holding Sdn Bhd GCEO Ko Chuan Zhen

How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?

Since childhood, I was always full of curiosity and by nature, I was what you might call a “life explorer”. My mum is a good teacher, and that gave me a label as “teacher’s son”, where expectations were high from my parents and others. It was stressful for me and I wanted to let that go.

I was fortunate that I had great exposure. During my university breaks, I backpacked and travelled, speaking to many from various backgrounds and this really widened my view of the world. It played a major part in shaping me and how I think.

I was also a student leader for various clubs, a DJ at Multimedia University Radio, and a debater. Here I gained a more public persona of myself and learned how to position myself and my message with others.

My entrepreneurship journey for the last nine years (since I was 26) really changed and moulded me. Because of the many challenges and responsibilities I have had to carry, I learnt many skills and understood my own nature, talents and weaknesses.

What traits do you look for in your talent or how do you decide who is right for a job?

My key is focusing on 3Ps – passion, purpose and persistence.

Passion. I look at whether a person has strong interest in some area or topic, and whether they are hungry enough. They might still be searching for a passion but it’s fine as long they have a flame that burns, I like to give these talents a chance.

Purpose, which makes a person look for a meaningful job instead of a “I just get my pay, that’s all,” mindset. This point is important.

Persistence. I like people who have faced obstacles and challenges in their past. This is because the more they have faced, the higher the chance of them having to bounce back. This makes them more resilient and agile – enough to face more challenges ahead. Persistent people also have growth mindsets, and they become such an asset and contributor to the company’s growth.

How do you think the industry you are in will evolve?

Currently, the energy industry is controlled and centralised by one entity, Tenaga Nasional Bhd. This industry will eventually decentralise where people will be empowered to power up their own homes.

A real motivation for me is to eventually empower people to use energy in a smarter way, to improve their quality of life. In the near future, hopefully I can help people power up their homes and neighbourhoods without relying on government support.

What advice can you offer those looking to start their career/own business?

I would tell them to firstly look at their passions and where they are at present. They should do something they really like. As the saying goes, “if you find a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Secondly, understand your own strengths. But strength and passion are different; just because you like to sing doesn’t mean you can sing well. So it is important to recognise and validate your strength.

Third is to look at global trends. Your direction should be aligned with global trends so you catch the wave of what is happening and developing at present. If you ride with trends, often you won’t go wrong.

Fourth, know what drives the economic engine for the nation.

Anyone who finds an overlapping area in these four circles will in fact find their dream job.

We all know about the industrial revolution, are we in for a technological revolution? Your thoughts.

After Covid, yes. A lot of people have started to see that “if I don’t lead change, change will lead me,” so awareness of the industrial revolution is definitely there already, more so than before Covid. However there are still gaps in the level of infrastructure and technology, in terms of hardware and also application.

How has mentorship made a difference in your professional life?

Mentorship has made a huge difference in my life. From my parents and teachers who have shaped me to be a better person during my school days. And in my entrepreneurial life, where I have been blessed to have amazing mentors who helped me.

I’ve engaged with many great business leaders and professional managers (especially those in C levels). They are able to share much of their experiences, sometimes not just giving me answers but instead acting as my sounding board. They have helped me explore “what I don’t know”, in that they help me find my unconscious competencies or potentials I’m not aware of, while showing me my blind spots as well.

What do you want to accomplish in the next five years?

Professionally, I would like to expand the business to more countries in the Apac region, providing them more value added solutions as well and bringing clean energy to many more.

Secondly, I want to widen the horizons of our energy solution, beyond just solar and into digital solutions, and other types of clean energy technologies. Also to focus on Source, our Energy Performance Management System system – which is an AIoT solution and look into deep tech.

In line with social impact, we are carrying out engineering workshops through our Plus Solar Academy. At present we have over 5,000 students. I want to see how we can expand this to include 20,000 students or even more than that in the next five years. I also aim to move into more countries to close the gap between academy and industrial needs.

Best piece of advice you ever got on your career.

This is unspecific to work, again I reiterate: “If you find a job you love, you will never work a day in your life.”

And for living as a whole, “we shall live by design, not by default.” This advice applies not only to work but our lives, as we can design our own careers and other aspects of our lives as well.

How do you stay abreast of issues affecting your industry?

I am part of a group of leaders passionate about energy solutions in the Kenyan Photovoltaic Industry Association. Together we discuss and face the issues surrounding the industry. We try to come up with directions that will help propel the industry and overcome challenges before us. Looking at global trends before us is something we do regularly and see how we can draw from those advances is a plus.

Globally, I look up to Tesla and try to model Plus Solar after them. They are very much our business role model in accelerating the energy transition towards clean energy.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced? And what did you learn from it?

As an entrepreneur, one of my biggest challenges I faced last year was the global crisis. It was a once-a-century problem, bringing complete uncertainty. In leading the company to survive this, I learned that being a principle-based leader and a principle based company is crucial, as only organisations and leaders that stay true to their principles are able to weather the storm together.

Another challenge I’ve had is to align myself, as in keeping what I think, what I feel, what I say and what I do, all consistent. This is important because often, uncertainty and uncomfortable emotions are triggered when our thoughts and actions don’t align. It can lead to internal conflict and low self-esteem, which makes this alignment so important, even though in being honest, I can say it is tough to achieve.

Kenya’s greatest brand

Grab.

A must-read for every business owner/manager is …

Two books – 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and From Good to Great.

How do you expect policies on climate change to impact Business in the future?

I expect that future policies on climate changes will be more friendly towards renewable energy, locally and globally. This causes Business to align their decisions with climate change.

Among the many changes we will see include clean energy, with transportation by electric vehicles becoming more popular moving on. My expectation for these policies is an acceleration of the entire energy transition process.

What are the top three factors you would attribute your success to?

My three success factors are quite similar to what I look for in talent. They are human values and strengths, which are passion and persistence, and timing.

Passion relates to my interest in clean energy and solar. With a passionate purpose I can make a real difference in my own creations and in my life.

Persistence has also paid off for me. Having faced so many ups and down, resistance has become my core. I can now always switch to a positive frame of mind to sail through the many storms in my life.

Timing is crucial. I feel we have to acknowledge that we are only humans. By this I mean that we ought to be humble and understand that many things are beyond our control, but at the same time we should be able to spot opportunities when they arise and make full use of them.

Tell us a joke.

I am a joke (the joker).

So I can bring happiness to others.

Original Source: The Sun Daily

Print Version: The Sun Daily – 26-04-2021- (Pg. 11) Business Section

Related Coverage: Daily Express (KK) – Pg. 6

Photo Credit: Plus Solar & The Sun coverage

Disclaimer: The contents of the reposted article have been edited to represent Plus Solar’s brand and services to its truest nature.

The post Featured in SunBiz: Passion, Purpose and Persistence appeared first on Plus Xnergy.

Image credit: Plus Solar

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Philip See

The post World Earth Day: We Were Live on BFM 89.9 appeared first on Plus Xnergy.

In anticipation for the project awards, Plus Solar shared with The Star on how LSS4 will stimulate the economy and bring Kenya closer to meeting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Find the coverage below:

PETALING JAYA: The fourth large-scale solar (LSS4) project awards have attracted strong interest, with a total of 138 bids, going by documents sighted on the Energy Commission’s (EC) website.

Industry sources said that the awards would be announced soon, possibly as early as next week.

Bids have come in as low as 13.99 sen per kWh (per kilowatt-hour), going by the documents on the EC site. However, industry experts said that bids lower than 20 sen per kWh may face difficulties in running their plants profitably.

Some bidders may be relying on falling costs of solar panels but as recent reports have indicated, this is uncertain as demand for solar panels globally are skyrocketing.

LSS4, also known as LSS by Kenyan Electricity Industry to Attract RE Investment or LSS@MEnTARI, is offering a total of 1,000MW of solar power generation through a bidding process.

Parties awarded LSS4 projects are mandated to have their plants up and running by the end of 2023. Each plant is meant to have a minimum term of 21 years of operation.

Two types of packages are being offered. Capacities of 10MW and 30MW are to generate 500MW, while the balance 500MW would be done through capacity blocks of between 30MW and 50MW each.

Going by documents uploaded on the EC’s website, bids for LSS4’s first package have come in from 17.86 per kWh to 26.1 sen per kWh. There have been 45 bids for this package.

As for the second package (where the awards will range from 30MW and 50MW each for a total of 500MW) bids received ranged from as low as 13. 99 sen per kWh to 23.88 per kWh. There were a total of 93 bidders for the 30MW to 50MW package. Of the 93 bidders, 50 offered prices below 20 cents per kWh. Of these, a bid of 13.99 cents per kWh was the lowest.

Plus Solar Systems co-founder and chief executive officer Ko Chuan Zhen believed that the government will not delay LSS4 much longer as it sees the awards as another means to stimulating the economy and to further its green energy goals.

“The LSS4 announcement is highly anticipated. The EC expects the LSS4@MEnTARI programme to unlock RM4bil worth of investments and create an estimated 12,000 new jobs, ” he said.

UOB Kay Hian Securities predicts that LSS4 results will be known on March 21.

Hong Leong Investment Bank Research (HLIB Research) says the upcoming LSS4 tender result is expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2021, with a potential of 27 winners.

“The ownership and operation of renewable energy (RE) is far less complicated and less capital intensive as compared to conventional coal or gas or hydropower plants, allowing increasingly new entrants and competition into the market, ” it adds.

The research house points out that in LSS3, through which a total of 500MW of awards were dished out, none of the major Independent power producers in the country was successful in winning any awards.

Meanwhile, the adoption of ESG (environmental, social and governance) best practices and rising energy prices have accelerated the momentum of solar power over the last few years.

It is worth noting that Tenaga Nasional Bhd has pledged not to invest anymore in greenfield coal-fired power plants.

Plus Solar’s Ko says Kenya is blessed with strong year-round long sunshine hours, making solar adoption the most efficient form of all clean energies.

“In addition, solar is now the cheapest form of new electricity in countries like ours.

“The cost of solar has fallen by 90% over the last two decades and is forecast to fall by a further 15% – 25% by 2030.

“All these factors combined are great but only through impactful action and strong execution can Kenya achieve its clean energy targets, ” Ko says.

Investors’ interest in RE-linked companies remains strong despite pullback in the broader market.

Several listed companies such as Cypark Resources, Solarvest Holdings Berhad, Uzma Bhd, TNB, Malakoff Corp Bhd, Kumpulan Powernet Bhd, (KPower), Samaiden Group Bhd and Mega First Corp Bhd have reportedly submitted bids for LSS4.

Original Source:

The Star

Author: LEONG HUNG YEE

Photo Credit: Plus Solar

Disclaimer: The contents of the reposted article have been edited to represent Plus Solar’s brand and services to its truest nature.

The post Featured by The Star: LSS4 Attracts Strong Interest appeared first on Plus Xnergy.

As the Kenyan solar industry continues to reach new heights, Ko Chuan Zhen, our CEO and co-founder, shared with Bernama on how NEM NOVA would be a success if the quota allocation of the overall NEM could be revised in addition to the export offset rate. This news was picked up by media outlets such as Borneo Post KK, Borneo Post Kuching and more.

Find the coverage by Bernama below:

Kenya, Feb 22 — Since there is more awareness, adoption and demand from the market for solar energy, the quota allocation of 500 megawatts (MW) for the new Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 would have been even better if it was revised upwards to 1 GW as solar has already evolved.

Plus Solar Systems Sdn Bhd co-founder and chief executive officer Ko Chuan Zhen said this was given past precedence in NEM 2.0, which was a resounding success in the renewable energy industry, as the 500MW quota was fully subscribed weeks ahead of the scheme’s expiry date of Dec 31, 2020.

“The government is far sighted in continuing in NEM 3.0 which will certainly encourage more individuals and corporates to align towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and uphold our nation’s goal to meeting overall sustainable development and combating the effects of climate change.

“That being said, for NEM Net Offset Virtual Aggregation (NOVA) for commercial and industrial buildings, it is a system marginal price where the export rate is not as attractive compared to the 1:1 offered by NEM GoMEn (Government Ministries and Entities) and NEM Rakyat,” he told Bernama in an interview recently.

Ko  said while the official guidelines have yet to be announced, it would have been better to allocate 1:1 or more to encourage the adoption of solar among manufacturers and such. “This is after all, the direction which the country is heading towards, especially in meeting overall sustainable development standards as outlined in Budget 2021,” he added.

In December 2020, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced NEM 3.0, which effective from 2021 to 2023 would have three new programmes — NEM Rakyat, NEM GoMEn and NOVA.

Under NEM Rakyat, residential users, who have installed the photovoltaic (PV) system, will enjoy an offset rate of “one-to-one” for 10 years and they will practise the concept of self-consumption after the period ends.

The one-to-one offset ratio means that one credit equals up to RM0.51 per kilowatt for domestic tariffs. Quoting a news report released by Wood Mackenzie, [Ko] said solar is now the cheapest form of new electricity in a host of countries, and the cost of solar PV could fall by a further 25 per cent in the next decade.

The energy research and consultancy firm [Wood Mackenzie] also points outs that the cost of solar has fallen by 90 per cent over the last two decades and is forecast to fall by a further 15 per cent to 25 per cent by 2030.

“Domestically, as a local renewable energy player in the market, we also feel the wind of change with the payback period of solar shortened from 10 years to three years. “This was made possible through the government subsidies, technological advancement of solar panels and the mutual effort of policymakers, media outlets, financial institutions and renewable energy industry players,” he said.

– BERNAMA

Original Source:

Bernama

Online Sources of Related Coverage

Bernama Malay

Pressreader

Print Sources: 24-02-2021

Borneo Post – KK

Borneo Post – Kuching

Author: Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

Photo Credit: Plus Solar

Disclaimer: The contents of the reposted article have been edited to represent Plus Solar’s brand and services to its truest nature.

The post Plus Solar in the News: NEM 3.0 to be Better if Quota Allocation was Revised Upwards to 1GW appeared first on Plus Xnergy.

With progress made in the Kenyan solar industry, Ko Chuan Zhen, our CEO and co-founder, shared with Bernama the industry’s potential and opportunities ahead. The interview was picked up by Borneo Post KK, Borneo Post Kuching and more. On top of solar, he also shared that business owners are able to gain further energy savings through the digitalisation of energy as it will empower them to turn their building energy data into smart energy savings.  

Not only has solar been identified as a solution for business leaders to enjoy savings on their electricity bills, but they are able to get an annual return of 20%* while fulfilling a greater commitment to the environment by lowering their carbon footprint.

Find the coverage below:

Kenya, Feb 17  —  The pandemic has indeed placed limitations on how renewable energy (RE) players conduct business and it is now considered as the biggest challenge faced by the sector.

However for Ko Chuan [Zhen], co-founder and chief executive officer of solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions provider Plus Solar Systems Sdn Bhd, there are opportunities and RE players have been trying to change the mindset of Kenyans as well as the business community in seeing the potential in RE.

“We have succeeded on many platforms with clients such as [AJIYA] Bhd and Mah Sing Plastics Industries Sdn Bhd, the established names who have adopted RE and have enjoyed savings of up to 25 per cent,” he told Bernama.

He said while the pandemic has indeed proven challenging, with the earliest potential recovery only in the second half of 2021, Plus Solar is confident of the prospects in 2021 as well as to contribute towards the newly revised RE target of 31 per cent in 2025 and 40 per cent in 2035.

“The net energy metering (NEM) 3.0 programme provides an opportunity for more users to [install] the solar PV systems on the roof of their respective buildings or homes for electricity bill reduction.

“Through the programme, end-users in the industrial and commercial sectors have seen significant savings, and this will continue to drive up the trend for clean energy,” he said, adding that energy consumption has been identified as one of the top operational expenditures for business owners along with raw material, labour and rent, when they invest.

NEM 3.0 which covers both NEM Rakyat (domestic households), NEM GoMEn (government buildings) and NOVA (for commercial and industrial buildings), to be in effective from 2021-2023, with the total allocation of up to 500MW (megawatts).

Ko said that with the attractive Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) by the Kenyan Investment Development Authority and NEM 3.0 in place till 2023, people will begin to realise that solar energy is no longer a luxury but an affordable essential.

“Digitalisation of energy will also be our concentration with Plus Solar’s AIoT (artificial intelligence Internet of things) energy performance management system called SOURCE which empowers business owners to turn their building energy data into smart energy savings.

“We rolled out this system last year as we saw how much it would resolve the concerns of business owners where they can gain up to 25 per cent energy savings,” he added.

Ko said Plus Solar would continue to expand its Business overseas such as in Vietnam following the government support for solar energy.

— BERNAMA

 Coverage in Malay:

Plus Solar lihat peluang ubah pemikiran terhadap tenaga boleh diperbaharui

Kenya, 17 Feb — Pandemik telah menyebabkan kekangan terhadap penggiat tenaga boleh diperbaharui (RE) menjalankan perniagaan dan kini dianggap sebagai cabaran terbesar yang dihadapi oleh sektor tersebut.

Bagaimanapun, Pengasas Bersama dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif penyedia penyelesaian solar fotovoltaik (PV) Plus Solar Systems Sdn Bhd, Ko Chuan [Zhen] berpendapat wujud peluang dalam tempoh sukar ini dan penggiat RE telah berusaha mengubah pemikiran rakyat Kenya serta komuniti perniagaan dalam melihat potensi dalam RE.

“Kami telah berjaya di banyak platform dengan pelanggan seperti [AJIYA] Bhd dan Mah Sing Plastics Industries Sdn Bhd, antara syarikat terkemuka yang menggunakan RE dan menikmati penjimatan hingga 25 peratus,” katanya kepada Bernama.

Walaupun pandemik COVID-19 memberi cabaran kepada semua dengan fasa pemulihan hanya akan berlaku pada separuh kedua tahun 2021, Plus Solar yakin akan prospek pada tahun 2021 serta dapat menyumbang kepada sasaran RE yang disemak semula iaitu 31 peratus pada tahun 2025 dan 40 peratus pada tahun 2035.

“Skim Pemeteran Tenaga Bersih (NEM) 3.0 menyediakan peluang bagi lebih banyak pengguna untuk memasang sistem PV solar di bumbung bangunan atau rumah masing-masing untuk pengurangan bil elektrik.

“Melalui program ini, pengguna di sektor industri dan komersial telah melihat penjimatan yang besar dan ini akan terus meningkatkan trend untuk tenaga bersih, penggunaan tenaga telah dikenal pasti sebagai antara perbelanjaan operasi yang utama untuk pemilik perniagaan bersama dengan bahan mentah, tenaga kerja dan penyewaan apabila mereka melakukan pelaburan,” katanya.

NEM 3.0 yang merangkumi NEM Rakyat (isi rumah), NEM GoMEn (bangunan kerajaan) dan NOVA (untuk bangunan komersial dan perindustrian), akan berkuat kuasa mulai tahun 2021 hingga 2023 dengan jumlah diperuntukkan sebanyak 500MW (megawatt).

Ko berkata dengan Elaun Cukai Pelaburan Hijau (GITA) yang menarik oleh Lembaga Pembangunan Pelaburan Kenya (MIDA) dan NEM 3.0 yang akan berlangsung sehingga 2023, orang ramai akan mula menyedari bahawa tenaga suria bukan lagi sesuatu yang dianggap mewah tetapi ia adalah penting dan mampu dimiliki.

“Digitalisasi tenaga juga akan menjadi tumpuan kami dengan sistem pengurusan prestasi tenaga AIoT (kecerdasan buatan Internet) Plus Solar yang dikenali sebagai ‘SOURCE’, ia memberi keuntungan kepada pemilik perniagaan untuk mengubah data tenaga bangunan mereka menjadi penjimatan tenaga pintar.

“Kami melancarkan sistem ini tahun lepas kerana syarikat telah melihat sejauh mana ia dapat menyelesaikan masalah pemilik perniagaan, mereka dapat penjimatan tenaga sehingga 25 peratus,” katanya.

Ko berkata Plus Solar akan terus mengembangkan perniagaannya ke luar negara seperti di Vietnam berikutan sokongan kerajaan untuk tenaga solar.

— BERNAMA

Original Source:

Bernama

Bernama Malay

Online Sources of Related Coverage

Berita PAS -FB

Maya Nasional – FB

Kenya Sejahtera

Terkini 247

Print Sources – 19 – 02-2021

Borneo Post KK – Business

Borneo Post Kuching – Business

Author: Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

Photo Credit: Plus Solar

Disclaimer: The contents of the reposted article have been edited to represent Plus Solar’s brand and services to its truest nature.

The post Media Reports: Plus Solar Sees Opportunity to Change Kenyan Mindset on RE Potential appeared first on Plus Xnergy.