Piloting power production for the group by using innovative innoPlus HD8200B, a special grade plastic having a long-life span of 25 years for outdoor use and agents to decrease barnacle accumulation which is environmentally and marine life friendly. While this will help create opportunities for business development through the use of sea surface, PTT is moving forward to expand installations for general interested parties.
Mr. Wattala Savasti-xuto, Chief Technology and Engineering Officer, PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) revealed that in line with the state policy to generate electricity from renewable energy, PTT and its group companies have foreseen opportunities for the development of renewable energy. A pilot project to install a floating solar system of 100 kW in the sea area of PTT Tank Terminal Co., Ltd (PTT Tank), Mab Ta Phut, Muang District, Rayong province which is an appropriate location for the project has then been initiated. PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) has innovated a special grade of plastic pellet with additives that decrease barnacle accumulation to be marine life friendly to produce floating buoys. Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited (GPSC), as an arm in PTT Group's electricity business, has put Combined Heat and Power Producing Co., Ltd (CHPP) in charge of the design and installation of the solar power generation systems in seawater. In the early stages, the electricity will be used in the office as a model for the study and development of the business model.
"Deploying PTT Group's expertise in innovation and technology to manage energy to maximize efficiency, the Project is the first of its kind in Thailand to install solar power generation systems in seawater that not only contributes to social and environment as it is clean energy, but also to the development of innovations to expand the new energy business that PTT Group has set its goals for," Mr. Wittawat said.
Mr. Patiphan Sukontaman, President, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), said that to address the short life service of floating solar panels in the ocean as they are easily damaged due to barnacle growth under the strong sunlight, GC has developed InnoPlus HD8200B, a high-density grade of polyethylene with a high molecular weight which is durable, impact resistant and easily moldable. The Extrusion Blow Molding process reduces the thickness when it is made for floating solar panels. It is also the first prototype buoy with additives that prevent attachment and buildup of barnacles. The plastic is also food contact grade, which is safe for humans and the environment. With the UV protection additives, it offers 25 years of UV resistance. Our test results showed that when using the floating solar panels, growth of barnacles on the floating solar panels decreased resulting in prolonged and efficient use outdoor and safety for environment especially for aquatic life. GC is committed to developing innovation to improve efficiency of floating buoys to resist the accumulation of barnacles and longer service life. It is a strategy to build partnership with entrepreneurs to develop application-based products as well as to further design new types of floating buoyancy molds to meet more diverse applications in the future.
Mr. Chawalit Tippavanich, President and Chief Executive Officer of GPSC said GPSC, the PTT Group's leader in electrical innovation has assigned CHPP, of which GPSC holds a 100% stake, to participate in the pilot floating solar power installation project, which is an innovative energy in the country. It differs from the development of floating solar systems that are currently in use and has passed performance and technology tests in terms of power supply quality, moisture and corrosion resistance in seawater. This project is a success for PTT Group, which has combined chemicals technology and environmentally friendly energy innovations, and is ready to develop new innovations in other areas that are suitable for both domestic and international markets.
M.L. Peekthong Thongyai, Managing Director, PTT Tank said that by installing a floating solar prototype system of 100 kW, PTT Tank can reduce electricity expense by Baht 390,000 per year, making a total of Baht 7.8 million over the life of the project. At the same time, carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by 36 tons per year i.e. 725 tons over the life of the project. Doing so, the group can build up knowledge and create renewable energy learning resources for the community and young people in the area including those interested.
Mr. Komsun Saksriwattana, General Manager, CHPP said that the floating solar installation on the ocean differs from those in conventional ponds because constant changing sea levels need to be taken into account. Therefore, the engineering design of mooring and anchoring system must suit the marine environment, such as wave height, wind speed, so that the panels and buoys are firmly secured. CHPP is also committed to continuously developing innovations for buoyancy to meet the changing applications of floating solar power generation technology, allowing CHPP to become Thailand's leading manufacturer and distributor of floating buoys.