Cleaning up the Energy Ministry
Since the resignation of Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong, the vacant post has been highly sought after by ambitious power brokers not for its budget, one of the smallest in government, but for its control of lucrative energy contracts plagued by graft and corruption.
Energy for All extension on wish list
Business leaders and farm communities want the next energy minister to continue the Energy for All renewable power scheme, which took effect last year under the previous holder of the post, Sontirat Sontijirawong, who recently resigned. The scheme envisions private investors co-investing with farm communities in biomass-fired power plants at a combined capacity of 1,000 megawatts […]
Thai island that inspired novel ‘The Beach’ to have solar power farm and microgrid
An island in a Thai national park that was a model for the The Beach, a novel turned into a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, will become more self-reliant, thanks to the power of the sun and a hand from the government. Thailand has earmarked 172 million baht (US$5.4 million) to build a one megawatt solar farm with […]
Thailand’s PTT moves closer to decision on Ohio petrochemical plant with storage deal
New Delhi: State-owned Thai oil and gas company PTT Pcl said its U.S. unit took a step forward on its proposed chemical plant in Ohio that will turn ethane into plastics with an agreement to develop a natural gas liquids storage facility. PTT Global Chemical America (PTTGCA) signed an agreement with Energy Storage Ventures LLC to build a facility […]
Egat poised to approve first Thai FSRU
Thailand’s first floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is close to being approved by the board of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) to begin construction this year. The board is expected to green-light the 24.5-billion-baht project as Egat prepares to issue terms of reference for bidding, said Patana Sangsriroujana, Egat’s […]
Change in Thai energy minister may finally see resumption of talks with Cambodia after 20-year delay
Talks to end the long-running conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, which both nations claiming ownership of offshore petroleum blocks in their overlapping maritime territories is finally expected to resume after a delay of 20 years. Outgoing Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said this when bidding farewell to Thai energy ministry executives after resigning from the Thai cabinet […]
Bangchak touts EV ecosystem
Mostly state-owned energy firm Bangchak Corporation is stepping up efforts to diversify into the electric vehicle market by developing an EV ecosystem for several thousand motorcycle taxis. Bangchak launched the Winnonie project to pilot a plan to build battery service facilities, with help from a new mobile app.
Thailand receives $5m grant to reduce HFC emissions
THAILAND: The World Bank has provided Thailand with a grant of $5m to fund projects to reduce HFC emissions. The money from the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol will assist Thailand in its drive to introduce environment-friendly production into its industries. Thailand is the second-largest producer of air conditioners in the world, manufacturing […]
