New JV Company between BIG and PTT Commences High-tech and Low-carbon ASU Plant in September, Ready for More Oxygen Production

BIG and PTT are ready to operate the first air separation unit plant in Southeast Asia that uses cold energy from LNG regasification by the end of September. This project aims to reduce carbon emissions from the industrial sector and increase oxygen production capacity to supply the public healthcare sector.

Mr. Piyabut Charuphen – Managing Director of Bangkok Industrial Gas Company Limited (BIG), Thailand’s innovative industrial gas solutions – revealed the progress of this new air separation unit (ASU) plant operated under Map Ta Phut Air Products Company Limited (MAP), a joint venture company between PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) and BIG. MAP, which is located in Map Ta Phut industrial estate Rayong, is expected to come on stream by September. With the total investment over 2,000 million baht and the annual production capacity of industrial gas at 450,000 tons, MAP is the first ASU plant in Thailand and Southeast Asia that utilizes the cold energy from LNG regasification at LNG terminal. Therefore, this ASU plant can reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions, which benefits the environment and meets the global industrial trends.

“By using the cold energy from LNG regasification, this ASU plant emphasizes the commitment of PTT and BIG to promote energy efficiency and create environmental sustainability. This project is expected to decrease CO2 emission by 28,000 tons per year and reduce chilled water released to the sea by 25,000 tons per hour. Furthermore, it will encourage economic value-added and prepare the industrial sector for Thailand’s net zero emissions targets.” Mr. Piyabut said.

This new ASU plant can produce oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. The production capacity of liquid oxygen is 140 tons per day. When combined with BIG’s actual liquid oxygen production capacity, the total liquid oxygen production capacity will increase to over 1,100 tons per day which is the largest production in Thailand. PTT and BIG will supply liquid oxygen to the public healthcare sector as oxygen plays a vital role amid the COVID-19 situation where the number of confirmed cases and critical patients is on the rise.