Bangkok (VNA) – There’s a growing enthusiasm among more state-owned energy companies in Thailand to explore alternative fuels as part of the effort to combat climate change. The latest entrant is the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), which is aiming to transition from coal to wood pellets to power its plant.
Chaiwut Lakmuang, Egat’s assistant governor for sustainability management, mentioned that the organization has partnered with the Forest Industry Organisation to conduct a study on rapidly growing plants suitable for biomass fuel, aligning with Egat’s long-standing objective of curbing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the biomass fuel meets international standards to qualify as a viable alternative fuel source.
The recent memorandum of understanding signed between the two state entities aims to identify suitable areas for cultivating these plants.
Egat’s goal is to have biomass fuel replace 2% of the coal currently used at its 300-megawatt Mae Moh power plant located in Lampang province in northern Thailand.
Chaiwut noted that this initiative marks a significant step for the firm in reducing CO2 emissions.
Moreover, Egat’s subsidiary, Electricity Generating Plc (Egco), is experimenting with hydrogen as an alternative fuel at its gas-fired Linden Cogen Unit 6 in the United States.
Through a hydrogen blending program, the company is utilizing a combination of natural gas and off-gas, including hydrogen, at its 172-MW power plant in New Jersey.
Refinery off-gas consists of gases produced during the crude oil refining process.
Egat, along with ACWA Power, a Saudi Arabia-based renewable energy firm, has signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on developing green hydrogen and ensuring its economic viability.
Green hydrogen, which can be utilized for power generation and various manufacturing processes, is produced by using electricity generated from renewable sources to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen.