KUALA LUMPUR: Jentayu Sustainables Bhd (JSB) signed a collaboration agreement with Germany's hydropower technology company Voith Hydro (Voith) as a precursor to a series of definitive agreements consisting of pre-engineering, electrical and mechanical (E&M) contracts and investment agreements, to be signed by January 2023.
The collaboration agreement facilitates both parties to conduct early joint development activities for the design, execution, implementation, operation and maintenance of their future hydropower plant developments together.
JSB executive chairman Datuk Beroz Nikmal Mirdin said the company's strategy in facilitating Voith's interest to become a substantial minority shareholder in JSB would enable it to emulate their work culture and ethics, which has made Voith relevant for over 150 years.
"On the note of staying relevant, as developers, we strive to achieve greater efficiency, flexibility and increased operational reliability.
"Their involvement in the pre-engineering phase will ensure an efficient design of our plants, and their innovative technology provides operational reliability and costs savings.
"Through these efficiencies and value creation, we believe that this collaboration will enhance and expedite the growth of JSB's market presence, locally and regionally," he said.
The collaborative approach also focused on optimising project return on investment through Voith's HyComplete plant concepts of early hydraulic circuit reviews to improve waterway, interconnection and project delivery – timely and within budget.
It said optimisation of operational expenditure, in the long run, can also be achieved by implementing a smart scheme that allows remote operation and support using Voith's digital technologies, such as Hy2Grid and HydroPocket.
"On behalf of the board of JSB, I would like to welcome Voith to our family.
"I believe this relationship will be mutually beneficial for both parties. Furthermore, this will solidify Jentayu Sustainables' aspiration to be a regional green energy player," added Beroz.