Austrian firm to invest in renewables projects in Thailand

Gussing Renewable Energy of Austria said last week it plans on investing in 15 to 20 renewable energy projects in Thailand by the end of next year to capitalize on rising demand for green and renewable power in the Kingdom.

The Austrian company’s Thai unit specializes in biomass power plants and has already built one in Thailand with SCG, the Kingdom’s largest industrial conglomerate. That one-megawatt plant in Nakhon Sawan province, north of Bangkok, uses cassava root and waste from factories as its raw materials.

Thailand has resolved to produce 30 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2036 and reduce its greenhouse gases in line with targets in the Paris climate accord. The Kingdom is already the leader in solar and wind power in Southeast Asia.

With its large agriculture sector, Thailand also has plentiful raw materials for biomass power plants, as well as other biotechnology purposes.

Michael Messner, Gussing’s Chief Executive, said his company uses a unique technology called “dual fluidized bed” (DFB), that can support a renewables-based power generation system. DFB, a gasification technology, works on a closed system, consuming 90 percent less water and 30 percent less fuel compared to similar technologies.

Biomass power plants using this technology can help many countries avoid the hazardous air pollution caused by farmers burning their fields and waste.

Messner said Gussing also plans to build a cold storage facility for villagers by converting excess heat from electricity production into cold energy. Cold storage prevents food spoilage and increases incomes for farmers.

Photo courtesy of  https://gussingrenewable.asia/