Thailand’s energy firm Bangchak has opened what it says is the first LNG refueling station for vehicles in Thailand.
The station, with the first license in Thailand from the Department of Energy Business, is located at the Bangchak Map Iang service station, Chonburi province, according to a statement by Bangchak.
Bangchack has launched the LNG station during a ceremony held on October 4.
It has one LNG tank and can accommodate about 100 vehicles per day.
Also, the LNG refueling station is operated by BTSG, a joint venture in which Bangchak owns a 51 percent stake and Thai Special Gas (TSG) which has a 49 percent stake.
Bangchak said the JV aims to develop and provide LNG-related services by capitalizing the strength of Bangchak’s extensive network of over 2,200 service stations nationwide and leveraging TSG’s expertise in industrial and specialty gases.
More LNG stations
Chaiwat Kovavisarach, CEO and president of Bangchak, said that the company plans to expand the number of LNG refueling stations to major cities across all four regions of Thailand.
Bangchak aims to collaborate with business partners in the transportation sector to jointly establish these refueling stations.
Kovavisarach said the primary goal is to ensure “convenient and extensive coverage, as well as promoting the widespread usage and adoption of clean fuels.”
“The expansion will meet the growing demand for LNG in the transportation sector, making clean energy accessible in every region of the country and catering to the industrial sector’s demand as well,” he said.
Thailand imports LNG via two import terminals operated by state-owned PTT.
These terminals include the first Map Ta Put LNG terminal (LMPT 1) with a capacity of 11.5 mtpa and the second Map Ta Phut LMPT2 LNG terminal, also known as the Nong Fab LNG terminal, with a capacity of 7.5 mtpa.
Earlier this year, Italian contractor Saipem and its partner CTCI completed PTT’s Nong Fab LNG terminal.