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Renewable Energy Asia 2013, Bangkok5 June 2013

Sirichai Koonaphapdeelert, PhD

Energy Research and Development Institute-Nakornping, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand

Challenges in Developing CBG Projects in Thailand 

ERDI‐CMU 

Vision: Leader in ASEAN RE research

Approx. 100 staffs: 60 engineers/scientistsSpecialty: Bioenergy/ Biogas 20 year experienceswww.erdi.or.th

1,062 biogas plants

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Topics Today 

1, CBG Background

2. Why CBG is needed in Thailand

3. Development of CBG projects

4. Challenges in Developing CBG Projects

Concept of Biogas Economy 

Current development of Biogas in Thailand

source: ERDI

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Biomethane in Europe 

Target %NGV replaced by Biomethane

Sweden = 70% at present

Switzerland = 20% at present

Germany = 20% target in 2020 

Austria = 27% targetSource: Boisen, 2008

Biomethane in Europe 

source: erdgas mobile GmbH

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II. Why CBG needed in Thailand? 

Sources: Bangkok postnews.thaipbs.or.thnationmultimedia.comuk.reuters.com

II. Why CBG needed in Thailand? 

With this rapid growth rate, the NGV sales is expected to reach 800,000 tonsper month by 2021.

The first car policy has accelerated NGVDemand = 250 NGV vehicles per day

http://news.springnewstv.tv

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II. Why CBG needed in Thailand? 

Actual NGV Cost = 15.49 THB/kgMarket Price = 10.50 THB/kg 

Natural Gas Pipelines Biogas Plant Distribution

Potential Biogas Production 1,700 million m3/yr

or850,000 tons of CBG

Source: PTTPLC.COM 

II. Why CBG needed in Thailand? 

Source: Methar, 2011

CBG is the one and only renewable

energy for natural-gas fueled vehicles

Full Feeder Problem

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III. Policy for CBG Development 

Source: Methar, 2011 

Key Players:

- Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) - Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE)- PTT PLC.- Universities/ R&D Companies- Biogas producers- Private sectors

Biomethane Agendas in 10‐yr AEDP  

Source, AEDP 2012-2021

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Biomethane Agendas in 10‐yr AEDP  

Source, AEDP 2012-2021

CBG Policy Study 

Energy Research Institute of Chulalongkorn (2011) found that

• Cassava starch, palm oil and ethanol plants = high potential • The sensitivity analysis showed that the average costs of CBG

are in a range of 15 -17 THB/kg higher than the pegged market price of NGV at 10.50-12.34 THB/kg.

• Short term policies: - Biogas upgrading demonstration - Economic incentive = “special tariff”

• Long-term policies: - Development of efficient biogas production - Development of efficient upgrading techniques

- Creation of new CBG market separated from fossil fuel one

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IV. CBG Development Projects 

Local Technology Development by ERDI – Chiang Mai University 

The first CBG car in Thailand, 2011 Chiang Mai Fresh Milk FarmPlant Capacity: 200 kg/day

IV. CBG Development Projects 

MOBILE UNIT Horse Power & Torque Testing

Free CBG Project by Chiang Mai University

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IV. CBG Development Projects 

Parameters CNG Standard Biomethanein this study

1. Dew Point at 20,000 kPa < 9.2 2.1 °C2.Hydrocarbon Dew Point at 4,500 kPa  ≤ 15.5  ‐75 °C

3.Methane Number ≥ 65.0 108.474. Hydrogen (% by Vol.) ≤ 0.1 ND5. Carbon Dioxide (% by Vol.) ≤ 18.0 8.66. Oxygen (% by Vol.) ≤ 1.0 1.07. Wobbe Index (MJ/m3)  37.0 ‐ 42.0 40.398.Hydrogen Sulfide (mg/m3) ≤ 23.0 09. Sulfur (mg/m3) ≤ 50.0 <5

The comparison between biomethane by ERDI and the regulatory CNG standard by Ministry of Energy (2009) indicated that the biomethane  met all the requirements as vehicle fuels.  

Good Anti‐knocking 

No engine tuning needed 

Low moisture 

Low engine corrosion 

NGV CBG

IV. CBG Development Projects 

25,000 km traveled

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IV. CBG Development Projects 

Development of CBG Unit (ERDI – PTT Research Institute)

Tailored to fit CBG production in ThailandCFD simulationFinite Element AnalysisFull biogas upgrading plant design

IV. CBG Development Projects 

MOU Signed, 2010

PSA Technology

Ubol Rachathani

(Terminated)

CBG Project, 2012-13

PSA Technology

Prachuabkhereekan

(Status ??)

PTT Efforts 

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PTT Viewpoints 

Source: Methar, 2011 

The only producer and distributor of NGV in Thailand

IV. CBG Projects: UAC = Swift Investor 

Commissioning, Feb 2013

Inauguration by Thai PM

Chiang Mai

Capacity 6 ton CBG/day

sources: Bangkok Postwww.uac.com

hooninside.com

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V. Challenges in CBG Projects 

5.1 Unclear Regulations/ Red Tape• Not a single regulation on CBG• New CBG producer needs to demonstrate

the followings to Dept of Energy Business1) compliance with Thai NGV standard (2009)

and Swedish Biomethane Standard

2) 100,000 kilometers test run of gasoline/diesel fleet with every 20,000 km periodical engine check-ups.

3) Registered as type 7 or type 10 “Oil Trader”

• Moreover, Factory Operation Permit (Form Ror Ngor 4)

http://www.hnwscotland.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/red-tape-200x200.jpg

V. Challenges in CBG Projects 

Parameters CNG Standard(Thailand)

SS 15 54 38(Swedish)

1. Dew Point  < 9.2@20,000 kPa

storage T‐5 °C

2.Hydrocarbon Dew Point at 4,500 kPa 

≤ 15.5  ‐

3.Methane Number ≥ 65.0 MON=1304. Hydrogen (% by Vol.) ≤ 0.1 ‐5. Carbon Dioxide (% by Vol.) ≤ 18.0 CO2+O2+N2

< 4%6. Oxygen (% by Vol.) ≤ 1.0 ≤ 1.07. Wobbe Index (MJ/m3)  37.0 ‐ 42.0

(methane 83‐91%)44.7‐46.4

(methane >97%)8.Hydrogen Sulfide (mg/m3) ≤ 23.0 ‐9. Sulfur (mg/m3) ≤ 50.0 ≤ 23.0

Big difference between Thai and Swedish standards

Source: SS 15 54 38 : “Motor fuels. –Biogas as fuel for high-speed otto engines”

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V. Challenges in CBG Projects 

5.2 Feasibility StudyProduction = 3-12 tons/dayBiogas Cost = 3-4 THB/kgCBG (capital + O&M)

(substrate = livestock or industrial ww)

Upgrading Cost = 5-8 THB/kgCBG (capital + O&M)(incl. high pressure compression)

Pegged NGV price = 10.50-12.34 THB/kg

So incentives (adder or FIT) are definitely needed.

http://www.caribcement.com/files/cms/cartoon_1.jpg

Thank you very much for your attention

visit www.erdi.or.th