Banpu Power Public Company Limited (BPP), a producer of quality electricity for a sustainable world with a balance of Thermal Power Business and Renewable Power Business in the Asia-Pacific region, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Electricity Generating Public Company Limited (EGCO Group), BLCP Power Company Limited, JERA Co., Inc., Mitsubishi Corporation, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. to conduct a feasibility study on the use of ammonia as a fuel mixture in the BLCP power plant, which aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The MOU is part of the Energy Policy Dialogue between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan and the Ministry of Energy, Thailand for the 5th time (The 5th Japan – Thailand Energy Policy Dialogue – 5th JTEPD).
The feasibility study will focus on the use of ammonia as a fuel mixture, operating with both production units of the BLCP power plant, covering ammonia supply chain development systems both in production and transportation, and evaluating the short-term and long-term economic outcomes of using ammonia as a fuel mix in the proportion of 20% of the fuel used in power generation.
In addition to the feasibility study on the use of ammonia as a fuel blend, the BLCP power plant has also entered into an MOU with Mitsubishi Corporation and Chiyoda Corporation to study Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies for both units.
The feasibility study on the use of ammonia as a fuel blend is expected to be funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan, and will receive technology support from leading Japanese companies including JERA Co., Inc. developing the ammonia supply chain and Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. conducting economic outcome studies, including preliminary cost and operating expenses assessment to build readiness for the BLCP power plant.
BPP’s participation in the feasibility study with the support of the government and synergies with the private sector reflects the company’s recognition of the importance of electricity generation and distribution according to the Triangle of Balance principle, which prioritizes economic value, environmental friendliness, and stability to deliver consistent quality electric power, and promotes innovation and technology that support the country’s energy security and reduces the impact on the environment for the benefit of society as a whole.
The BLCP power plant is a 1,434 MW thermal power plant that uses bituminous coal as fuel, located in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province, and is a 50:50 joint venture of BPP and EGCO Group.