Sawa Energy signs LOI with GE Energy to develop POME-to-Power projects

By Alexander Ginting

Sawa Energy Inc, a developer of renewable energy biomass and biogas projects in Indonesia, announced on Thursday the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with GE Energy to develop POME-to-Power projects.

Both Sawa and GE Energy are committed to the development of clean, efficient and sustainable energy initiatives with a desire to positively impact the agricultural value chain and increase rural electrification across Indonesia, the company said in a statement. Combined with Sawa Energy?s capacity as a project developer with extensive experience and networks among Indonesian producers of agricultural waste feedstocks, GE Energy will bring proven technology and integrated solutions to the power projects.

Sawa Energy and GE Energy?s collaboration shall commence through the development of a pilot POME-to-Power project in North Sumatra, Indonesia under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. Palm oil waste will be processed through GE-recommended technology solutions to produce gas. Through direct collaboration with the Sawa Energy team, GE Energy will commit its resources to the development of all related aspects of the project, and together the partnership will produce a package that will consist of feasibility study (FS), design, detailed engineering, financial structuring, maintenance planning, and operational management of the facility.

Phil Rickard, founder and President Director of Sawa Energy Inc, noted that ?Cooperation with GE is an important development for Sawa Energy and represents the achievement of a key strategic priority, namely the introduction of a highly-respected and credible technological partner. Sawa Energy intends to develop world-class biomass and biogas power generation projects while utilizing the best technologies and engines available. We are confident that the partnership with GE Energy will help Sawa Energy achieve these goals through the development of projects in Indonesia that create green, local jobs and reduce dependency on expensive and environmentally-damaging fossil fuels.?

Dan Rickard, CEO of Sawa Energy Inc, also commented that ?I am very pleased that our efforts have led to this agreement with GE. The versatility and efficiency of the Jenbacher engine will play a vital role for our project sustainability. Successful project implementation requires technical know-how, and GE is a world leader in this field. Through this partnership and coupled with Indonesia?s abundant potential sources of bimass/biogas feedstocks, Sawa Energy will pursue projects with larger installed biogas capacity. These projects will help the development of Indonesia?s green economy. Through the creation of renewable energy investment and employment, Sawa Energy and GE will be helping Indonesia become a regional centre for the integration and innovation of renewable energy technologies.?

GE Energy themselves are committed to develop clean and efficient energy initiatives in the Asia Pacific region. With their experience in the biogas and biomass power generation, they intend to bring qualified and proven technology solutions to the venture.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak