Rayong: PTT Public Company Limited, in partnership with Bangkok Industrial Gas Company Limited (BIG), is advancing the MAP2 air separation plant project aimed at producing low-carbon industrial gases by separating air from liquefied natural gas (LNG). The initiative is being carried out under the joint entity Map Ta Phut Air Products Company Limited.
According to Thai News Agency, the MAP2 project marks Thailand's second Air Separation Unit (ASU) that harnesses cryogenic energy from LNG's phase transition to generate environmentally friendly industrial gases. The groundbreaking ceremony for this significant project took place at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong Province, signifying the commencement of construction.
The MAP2 initiative aims to establish a modern and eco-friendly infrastructure for industrial gas production, with a focus on supporting Thailand's sustainable industrial sector. The project involves an investment exceeding 2 billion baht and is designed to produce up to 450,000 tons per year of industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. By meeting the nationwide demand for these low-carbon gases, the project seeks to enhance energy efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% compared to traditional air separation processes, aligning with Thailand's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The success of the MAP1 air separation plant, which began operations in 2021, serves as a testament to the effectiveness of utilizing chilling energy from LNG. This previous project has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an average of over 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, leading to a cumulative reduction of over 370,000 tons. The technological advancements demonstrated by MAP1 have paved the way for the development of the MAP2 project.
Ms. Ornla Charoenlap, Managing Director of BIG, expressed that the MAP2 project exemplifies the dedication of both BIG and PTT to optimizing their natural gas and LNG infrastructure capabilities. The project aims to add value to Thai industries through efficient energy use that is also environmentally friendly. Both PTT and BIG anticipate that the MAP2 air separation plant will significantly enhance Thailand's industrial infrastructure, boost competitiveness, and contribute to environmental protection, while fostering balanced long-term economic growth on the global stage.