Bangchak plans to test algae-based sustainable aviation fuel at its Phra Khanong refinery in Bangkok. (Photo: Bangchak)
Thailand’s energy giant Bangchak is broadening its renewable energy footprint. Its bio-based subsidiary BBGI (Bio-Based Green Innovation) announced a THB 2 billion (USD 61.6 million) investment in developing bio-LNG. The company is also partnering with government agencies to explore the production of algae-derived sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Turning wastewater into renewable with lower-carbon bio-LNG
Amid global decarbonization efforts, Bangchak sees growing demand for biofuels. BBGI plans to use wastewater generated from its ethanol and methyl ester production processes, converting it into biogas through anaerobic fermentation before refining it into bio-LNG. Compared with fossil-based LNG, bio-LNG has a smaller carbon footprint.
According to BBGI CEO and President Daechapon Lersuwanaroj, the company will source wastewater and solid residues from ethanol plants in Kanchanaburi and Khon Kaen. “This marks a significant step towards advancing the use of renewable energy from wastewater,” he said.
BBGI’s partners include Singapore’s Keppel Corporation and waste-to-energy firm CleanEdge Resources. The company initially planned to supply bio-LNG as marine fuel for Keppel’s fleet, but due to the long lead time and engine technology upgrades required for fuel switching, BBGI is pivoting toward power generation instead—using bio-LNG to produce renewable electricity.
Daechapon added that data center operators, given their energy-intensive operations, have also expressed interest in bio-LNG. BBGI’s bio-LNG facility is slated to begin operations in 2027, with a planned output of 100 tons per day.
BBGI’s partners include Singapore’s Keppel Corporation and waste-to-energy firm CleanEdge Resources. (Photo: BBGI)
Expanding biofuels to meet shipping and aviation needs
While BBGI’s new plant will not supply marine fuel, Thailand’s government has been pushing major players to scale up biofuel solutions. Both Bangchak and state-owned PTT are actively developing Bio-VLSFO (Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil) to support the shipping sector in meeting IMO decarbonization targets.
Read more: IMO reaches initial deal on first global shipping carbon pricing
In addition, BBGI signed an MoU with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) on Sept. 2 to jointly study algae-based SAF. Testing will be conducted at Bangchak’s Phra Khanong refinery in Bangkok. Microalgae and other algae strains are rich in lipids, which can be refined into biofuels.
Source: Bangkok Post(1), (2)
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