Map Ta Phut BLCP power station
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Map Ta Phut BLCP power station is an operating power station of at least 1434-megawatts (MW) in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Mueang Rayong, Rayong, Thailand.
Location
Table 1: Project-level location details
| Plant name | Location | Coordinates (WGS 84) |
|---|---|---|
| Map Ta Phut BLCP power station | Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Mueang Rayong, Rayong, Thailand | 12.6435, 101.160536 (exact) |
The map below shows the exact location of the power station.
Unit-level coordinates (WGS 84):
- Unit 1, Unit 2: 12.6435, 101.160536
Project Details
Table 2: Unit-level details
| Unit name | Status | Fuel(s) | Capacity (MW) | Technology | Start year | Retired year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | operating | coal - bituminous | 717 | subcritical | 2006 | 2032 (planned) |
| Unit 2 | operating | coal - bituminous | 717 | subcritical | 2007 | 2032 (planned) |
Table 3: Unit-level ownership and operator details
| Unit name | Owner |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 | BLCP Power Ltd (BLCP) [100.0%] |
| Unit 2 | BLCP Power Ltd (BLCP) [100.0%] |
Project-level coal details
- Coal source(s): Australia
Background
In December 1997, BLCP Power Ltd (BLCP) secured a 25-year PPA with EGAT for a new 2 x 717 MW power station at Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate. The subcritical coal plant was permitted in February 2002, financial close was in August 2003, foundation stone laying was in March 2004, the first unit was synchronized in April 2006, and the second in 2007. Total capex for the project was about US$1.3 billion. The plant is fueled with Australian bituminous coal.[1][2]
The power plant was built in Rayong, Thailand.[3][4]
As of 2021, the plant was reportedly running at over 99% capacity, "reflecting its effective operational readiness".[5]
Attempts at "decarbonization"
In early 2023, it was reported that the plant would begin trials to test co-firing ammonia with coal at the power station, with hopes to achieve "up to 20% ammonia co-firing."[6] This was reportedly in attempt to help decarbonize the plant, though other environmental pollutants associated with major-scale ammonia combustion were not mentioned.
Partial parent company Banpu Power also announced in January 2023 that it was developing studies to "assess the validity of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) for both operating units [of the BLCP plant]." [7]
Ownership
The original development consortium formed in 1995 and included Banpu, Loxley, PowerGen plc, and RTZ-CRA. RTZ and Loxely pulled out in 1998. PowerGen sold to CLP in 2001 and CLP sold its 50% stake to EGCO in October 2006, so that the consortium is now Banpu and EGCO Group.[1]
Environmental & public health impacts
According to a webpage titled The Impacts of BLCP Power Plant on Map Ta Phut Community, "[t]his industrial development has negatively impacted the physical and sociological health of the surrounding communities due to poor infrastructure. This energy site demonstrates environmental classism and the inequality faced by low-income communities across Thailand."[8]
Community opposition
In February 2022, about 100 fishing boats protested the expansion of the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate. About 100 fisherman protested on land as well, outside of the entrance of the industrial park. Residents of Rayong Bay area, which is known for seafood, state that they can barely catch any fish. Environmental activists have also claimed that the officially reported volume of crude oil leaked from a January 2022 spill are significantly under representing the truth. The BLCP power station is adjacent to the Bay.[9]
Retirement
According to the 2015 Long Range Plan, the plant will be retired in 2032.[10] The 2018 Revised Plan also references disconnecting BLCP 1-2 in 2032.[11]
Articles and Resources
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Coal-Fired Power Plants in Thailand," Industcards, accessed May 2016
- ↑ "BLCP Power - Map Ta Phut Power Station in Thailand," Mitsubhi power, accessed June 2021
- ↑ "BLCP Coal Power Plant Thailand," Global Energy Observatory, accessed May 2012
- ↑ "Coal-Fired Plants Financed by International Public Investment Institutions Since 1994," Appendix to Foreclosing the Future: Coal, Climate and International Public Finance: Investment in coal-fired power plants hinders the fight against global warming, Environmental Defense, April 2009
- ↑ "Escalating Toward Greener and Smarter Energy Generation: Annual Report 2021," Banpu Public Power Company Limited, March 2022
- ↑ "Ammonia co-firing trials to commence in the Philippines, Thailand and Chile," Ammonia Energy Association, Feb. 27, 2023
- ↑ "BPP Promotes Its Decarbonization Plan in Power Generation, Developing Ammonia for Co-firing at BLCP Power Plant" Banpu Power News, January 19, 2023
- ↑ "The Impacts of BLCP Power Plant on Map Ta Phut Community," SFSU, PGE Project, 2021
- ↑ "One photo at a time, Thai fisherfolk try to hold those responsible for oil spills accountable," Equal Times, October 14, 2022
- ↑ "Thailand Power Development Plan, 2015-2036," Thailand Ministry of Energy, May 2015
- ↑ "Thailand Power Development Plan, 2018-3037, Revision 1," Thailand Ministry of Energy
Additional data
To access additional data, including an interactive map of coal-fired power stations, a downloadable dataset, and summary data, please visit the Global Coal Plant Tracker on the Global Energy Monitor website.
