Thailand: Banpu targets 300 MW with new downstream unit

Thailand: Banpu targets 300 MW with new downstream unit

The Bangkok-based mining firm and energy producer describes newly
established group unit Banpu Infinergy as a "one-stop provider of total
solar energy solutions," ranging from consultation and system design to
installation and maintenance. It will initially work with industrial and
private customers, including factories, hotels, schools and petrol stations,
according to an online statement. The group did not specify whether Banpu
Infinergy will limit its focus to Thailand, or if it plans to seek
opportunities in other markets.

"We have more than 30 years of experience and expertise in the coal and
power businesses, but we are also eager to develop renewable energy," said
Somruedee Chaimongkol, director of Banpu Infinergy and CEO of its parent.
"The renewable energy trend in Thailand will become clearer as it is in
other countries, such as Japan, China, Australia and the U.S., where solar
energy is widely utilized."

In the first stage of a phased rollout, Banpu Infinergy will focus on
supplying and installing rooftop PV systems, as well as solar-powered street
lights and unspecified "accessories." It said that it plans to offer three
different sales packages, including one that includes "zero investment" PV
system installation and free maintenance over periods of 20 to 25 years, but
its announcement was light on details.

All of the new company's PV systems will be monitored from a centralized
control center. However, Banpu did not elaborate on its plans or how it aims
to achieve its goals, beyond saying that it also plans to eventually expand
its focus to energy management platforms and storage systems.

While Banpu's new Banpu Infinergy unit clearly marks the Bangkok-listed
miner's shift into solar project development, it has already invested in
several PV projects. In April 2016, it announced plans to invest $170
million in seven solar installations throughout Japan, totalling 54 MW. All
of the projects will be completed by 2018. And in May 2016, Banpu revealed
plans to invest $93 million in four unspecified PV projects in China.

"[Banpu Infinergy is] considered a step forward from our solar farm plants
in China and Japan," said Chaimongkol.

The Bangkok-listed mining and energy group posted a net profit of $107
million in the first half of this year. It recorded a net profit of $47
million in 2016.

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Link to Original Article:
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2017/08/29/banpu-targets-300-mw-with-new-downstr
eam-unit/

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com