First full scale biogas plant opens in Laos
First full scale biogas plant opens in Laos
Thai Biogas Energy Company (TBEC), the leading developer of biogas projects in Thailand, and the Laos based Lao-Indochina Group Public Company (LIG) have officially opened the TBEC LIG Biogas Project yesterday.
Biogas is a form of renewable energy produced from biological treatment of waste products such as animal manure or wastewater from farms, converting it into combustible methane.
This joint venture has built Laos' first ever industrial scale biogas plant, capable of converting wastewater from the factory back into heat energy for reuse at the plant.
Speaking at the ceremony LIG Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Sengmaly Sengvatthana said that from the present time onwards, Lao-Indochina Group Public Company intend to burn biogas instead of coal to fire their processing plant which produces cassava powder.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Thai Biogas Energy Company, Mr Gustaf Godenhielm welcomed the collaboration between Lao Indochina and TBEC.
“Situated in Naxon Village, Pakn gum, Vientiane, the TBEC LIG Biogas Project is a collaboration between us and Lao-Indochina Group Public Company. Together, we have developed a large-scale biogas plant equipped with the most advanced technologies yet seen in Laos,” Mr God enhielm said.
The 130 million baht project, is being financially backed by European Development Finance Institutions and the Energy and Environment Partnership Programme for the Mekong (EEP Mekong) which is funded by the Foreign Ministry of Finland.
The newly built factory is capable of producing 7 million cubic metres of biogas per annum – representing the equivalent of 40 million baht in energy from traditional sources and a 60,000 tonne reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Mr Godenhielm said that “TBEC is very experienced in the production of biogas and electricity using wastewater from factories. We have seven operating projects in the region and intend to grow by three new projects each year,” Mr Godenhielm said.
“We have proven our ability to deliver safe, top-quality, award-winning projects in Thailand and overseas. We offer cost saving for our clients and the ability to focus on their core business without worrying about their wastewater treatment, discharge or the safety of their biogas project,” he said.
“The projects we build ensure efficient wastewater treatment, eliminate the pungent smell of open ponds, improve the living conditions of nearby people, protect water resources, protect the livelihood of loca ls, improve air quality, provide a clean fuel and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Godenhielm said.
This project can generate as much as 90 million m3 of biogas, which is equivalent to 175 million litres of heavy fuel oil during the lifetime of the plant. The treatment process involves anaerobic digestion of biodegradable substances, resulting in a biogas mixture that is largely (50-70 percent) composed of methane (CH4).
The opening ceremony of the plant was attended by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr Nourin Simbandhit, Vientiane Vice Mayor, Dr Anouphab Tounalom, officials from relevant government organisations, local authorities and international guests.
vientiane times
