GPSC unveils a comprehensive 9.8 MW RDF power plant following its commercial operation in May 2021. The 2,217-million-baht environmentally friendly facility comprising of a waste sorting unit and a power generation unit is the first comprehensive waste management project in Rayong. Employing innovative technology, the project has also extended to the setting up of the "Waste to Energy Learning Center," which provides a body of knowledge on waste management value chains and promotes engagement among the public and the young generations.

Mr. Sirimet Leepagorn, Chief Operating Officer of Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited or GPSC, the innovative power flagship of PTT Group, revealed that the 9.8 MW RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) power plant had started its commercial production and has sold electricity to the Provincial Electricity Authority since May 2021 under the Municipal Solid Wastes for Electricity Generation Feed-in Tariff scheme. This GPSC's wholly-owned project with an investment of 2,217 million baht serves as the first comprehensive waste management project in the Rayong area, which will accommodate the demand from the growing industrial sector in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

The facility is located next to the Integrated Solid Waste Disposal Center in Rayong for ease of supply. The approximately 1,655-million-baht worth of investment has gone into the RDF power plant and 562 million baht into the RDF manufacturing plant, which is an extension of a joint waste management project carried out by GPSC, the Rayong Provincial Administrative Organization, and 67 local administrative organizations to supply community waste for the RDF power plant. Currently, GPSC can manage up to 500 tons of waste sorting per day or 170,000 tons per year out of Rayong's 1,000-1,200 tons of daily community solid waste. Electricity generated from renewable waste products will help fortify the waste-to-energy power generation stability.

"The RDF power plant is recognized as the initial model for comprehensive and environmentally friendly waste management in Rayong. The project has been found to ease the community waste problem in the province, including effectively reducing landfill space. The plant utilizes the moving grate incineration technology with temperatures ranging from 850 to 1,100 degrees Celsius. The RDF is transported within a fully enclosed handling system with round-the-clock air quality monitoring. There is also an emission display board in front of the facility to assure the surrounding organizations and communities that the high standards of environmental management are properly adhered to," said Mr. Sirimet.

Under the same project, the company has invested more than 12 million baht in setting up the "Waste to Energy Learning Center" aimed at promoting household and community waste separation and its benefits. The exhibits at the center include a model of community waste sorting innovation and hands-on simulation games designed to raise awareness and understanding of an RDF plant's operations. The company is currently developing an RDF virtual exhibition that will offer a digitally enhanced learning experience about energy recovery from waste to the general public, eliminating the need for a plant visit. The showcase is expected to be completed by December of this year.

"One of the company's key strategies is developing environmentally friendly energy innovations, which aligns with its business development for sustainability guideline that puts a strong focus on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The practice will help support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the company's achievement of net zero emissions, in keeping with Thailand and the United Nation's sustainability goal of improving the electricity system, thereby providing clean energy to the community and society, as well as bettering the quality of life of the people to drive sustainable economic growth," added Mr. Sirimet.

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