Water and power: Heartbeat of a nation


THE Ranhill Group is committed to enriching lives through sustainable solutions in water, wastewater and energy. With proven capabilities as a leading water operator in Johor, Ranhill’s presence in the environment sector also extends to wastewater management in Thailand and China, while in the energy sector, it is the largest Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Sabah through a 21-year power purchase agreement with Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd for the sale of up to 380 megawatts (MW) electrical generation capacity and electricity production.

To meet the industrial growth in West Bengal, India, Ranhill also demonstrated its expertise as a water treatment specialist by constructing a new 113.5 MLD (million litres per day) capacity water treatment plant in Haldia.

Ranhill is resiliently meeting challenges and tapping opportunities.Ranhill is resiliently meeting challenges and tapping opportunities.

The group aims to achieve a total of 3,000 MLD in water and wastewater treatment capacity, with a target of 400 MLD from international operations by 2022 and total gross target of 1,000 MW in generating clean energy capacity in Malaysia and overseas.

Driven by sustainability-oriented strategies and its circular economy model, Ranhill is resiliently meeting challenges and tapping opportunities in both sectors.

Managing other assets in the water ecosystem

Water reclamation is a growing component of Ranhill’s environment business overseas, with reclaimed or recycled water being an alternative water source that can efficiently meet growing industrial demand, as the volume of wastewater discharge increases and natural water sources are depleted or abused.

A rising trend globally, reusing non-potable water ensures sustainability in water supply operations and sound management of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) loss, which also reflects Ranhill Group’s commitment to the circular economy approach for water and wastewater management.

Ranhill Water Technologies provides solutions to meet water and wastewater treatment needs in Malaysia, Thailand and China.

The Amata City Rayong reclamation water treatment plant.The Amata City Rayong reclamation water treatment plant.

In Thailand, Ranhill owns two reclamation water treatment plants in Amata City Chonburi and Amata City Rayong to supply industrial grade water to the entire industrial estate. The reclamation plants are also part of the industrial estate’s zero discharge water treatment system. Considering that water is a finite resource, Ranhill understands it is imperative to recycle industrial wastewater to the appropriate standard for the application.

Water reclamation in Thailand

There are significant prospects in Thailand, given the government’s focus on regulating the water sector and continued growth expected in industrial projects in the Eastern Seaboard region, viewed by the World Bank as one of the most successful sites for massive industrial developments.

Ranhill has several Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects, Rehabilitate-Operate-Transfer (ROT) projects, as well as Operations and Maintenance projects in Thailand. It currently operates 10 water, wastewater and reclaimed water treatment facilities with a total aggregate capacity of 114 MLD with concession periods for the projects ranging from 8 to 25 years.

Ranhill’s experience and expertise, which includes a diverse technical background, has successfully ensured that all its plants are meeting the concession targets. It most recently completed a seven MLD reclamation water treatment plant in Amata City Rayong Industrial Estate, which commenced operations in January 2019.

The technology provided by Ranhill for each project is based on client requirements, demonstrating its capability and prowess in providing customised technology. By integrating wastewater technologies and systems, Ranhill can essentially design a plant according to specifications, which can treat various types of wastewater based on stringent standards.

Its water reclamation facilities meet the World Health Organisation’s drinking water standards. However, due to the perception that it is sourced from wastewater, the treated water is limited for non-potable use by the industries.

Technologies can be developed for the reclamation and reuse from domestic or industrial wastewater plants. The treated wastewater can be utilised to flush toilets and irrigate gardens, among others.

Sewage treatment plant in Malaysia

Increased concerns over wetland losses have generated the need for the creation of artificial wetlands. Ranhill’s first domestic wastewater plant with a reclamation system in Forest City, Johor, was completed in early 2019 and reclaims up to 11 MLD for landscape purposes. Wetland and waterways were constructed surrounding the sewage water treatment plant as a polishing pond before effluent is discharged.

The wetlands were built expressly for capturing and filtering treated wastewater. As a unique ecosystem, they absorb heavy rainfall, providing protection against floods and releasing water slowly to ensure a supply of clean water throughout the year.

Inspection carried out by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).Inspection carried out by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).

Ranhill was awarded the contract to design and build a 50,000 Population Equivalent (PE) Sewage Treatment Plant with Inlet Works for 150,000 PE for Forest City at Country Garden Forest City (STP project). The contract involved engineering works and construction of the enclosed plant, tertiary filtration system, wetland and waterway surrounding the STP project.

Not only was construction completed on time, it met the high-quality standards imposed by Country Garden Pacificview, the master developer of Forest City. The plant’s filtration system and wetland were designed for the possible reuse of treated sewage for the flushing system and gardening, demonstrating the developer’s foresight in using treated sewage as an alternative source of water.

Empowering lives with clean energy

Ranhill is committed to creating a sustainable future for communities in Sabah, despite the challenges of low reserve generation capacity margin, which impacts the Sabah power grid. It has made inroads as a significant clean power player by focusing on cost-effective solutions that provide clean energy at sustainable cost.

The group’s power operations comprise the development, ownership, operation and maintenance of two Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plants, which are located in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park and have a total electricity production capacity of 380 MW. This is equivalent to approximately 32.5% of the total installed capacity of independent power producers in the state.

Ranhill’s two plants, Teluk Salut Power Station and Rugading Power Station - under the subsidiaries Ranhill Powertron I Sdn Bhd and Ranhill Powertron II Sdn Bhd - continue to perform well and meet their Equivalent Availability Factor (EAF) or Availability Target, Heat Rate and Unplanned Outage Rate parameters.

In the medium and long term, more industrial investment and economic development in Sabah will drive energy demand and hence production from its existing power plants.

The renewable energy sector, comprising solar, hydro, biomass, geothermal and waste-to-energy, among others, also continues to show potential and has been supported by various measures by the Malaysian government.

The development of renewable energy will play a key part in Ranhill’s aspiration to become a leading clean power player in the region.

Amid a competitive but expanding market, Ranhill is making steady progress towards owning and expanding its power generation facilities, while robustly pursuing the development of new CCGT power plants in the Asean region and diversification into renewable energy sources.

Developing clean energy sustainably

Key Highlights:

- Owns and operates two 190 MW CCGT plants in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park.

- Participated in the Malaysian government’s LSS4 tender called by the Suruhanjaya Tenaga, Malaysia in 2020 for the development of large-scale solar power plants to provide green energy to the national utility company, Tenaga Nasional Bhd.

- Entered into a collaboration agreement with Treasure Specialty Co. Ltd. in March 2019 to develop a 1,150 MW CCGT plant in a northern state of Peninsular Malaysia to supply 100% of power to Thailand.

- Continuing pursuing the Tawau geothermal project for the development of a geothermal power plant to supply clean energy and much-needed generation capacity to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd for the East Coast of Sabah.

- Submitted RFI for a 30 MW solar power plant to be developed in Brunei by the government.

- Signed a collaboration agreement with Indonesia’s PT Jasa Sarana for the development of a 45 MW geothermal power plant as well as a 6 MW mini hydro project in Indonesia. Also signed an MoU with the same party for the development of a regional waste management and final processing project in the West Java Province.

For details, log on to https://www.ranhill.com.my/

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Business News

Ageson shares to be listed under new name from Dec 13
Public Mutual declares distributions of over RM66mil for four funds
China stocks jump on Politburo policy shift
Oil prices ease, but geopolitical risk and China policy stance check losses
Main Market-bound TMK Chemical reports 3Q net profit of RM29.16mil
FBM KLCI rises slightly despite negative Wall St performance
Trading ideas: TNB, Axiata, Hartalega, UEM Sunrise, TMC, Globetronics, Paragon, GFM, Gagasan Nadi, Managepay, Haily, Vanzo, Carlo Rino
Wall Street ends lower as tech stocks decline
Economy grows at faster pace than expected
S’pore’s eCommerce faces competition, uncertainty

Others Also Read