A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Business Administration (Executive MBA Program)

Research Studies Project Report (M.B.A.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2003

The private power generation sector in Southeast Asia has been undergoing tremendous growth in the past 10 years, although the region has suffered a setback due to the economic crisis that happened in 1997. One of the fuels, that have been tapped as a resource in the increasing expansion of the private power generation capacity is biomass (mainly agro-industrial and wood waste), because of its environmental benefits and sustainability aspects. Malaysia and Thailand are at the forefront in providing favorable policy framework and incentives for the promotion and development of private power generation projects using biomass as fuels. As a result, more and more industries and project developers have recently entered into the power generation business, many of them lack experience in the field. In some cases, the plant designs are compromised and the project development, implementation and operation are not handled professionally. This report aims to explain the major processes involved in the development, construction and operation of private power generation projects and the risk management approaches employed by the developers. Interviews were conducted to gather information on the actual data, perceptions, views and experiences of the various stakeholders of private power projects on their involvement in the development of these projects. These consist of project developers/sponsors, financing institutions, equipment suppliers, EPe contractors, law firms and insurance companies. Strategic recommendations are made to mitigate major risks related to private power generation.