TPI Polene Power Public: Pioneering Asia’s Renewable Revolution

As the world grapples with ever growing household waste and is looking for cleaner energy sources, finding ways to harness waste’s calorific value has become a focus. Waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies, which convert everyday garbage into electricity, are gaining traction as one smart and effective solution. TPI Polene Power Public (TPIPP) is at the forefront of this movement. The company has embraced WTE-MSW alongside other renewable sources like solar power in its energy production.

What makes TPIPP stand out is its innovative approach to power generation, turning municipal waste into a valuable resource, helping to reduce waste that goes to landfills, and bio-mining existing landfills. With a vision to create 100% fossil-free energy by 2026, TPIPP is committed to leading the way in WTE-MSW energy in Asia.

By expanding its renewable portfolio, including solar projects and advanced WTE-MSW plants, TPIPP shows how forward-thinking energy companies can be part of the solution to both waste management and clean energy production.

From Trading Commodities to Powering Thailand

TPI Polene Power (TPIPP) embarked on its journey into renewable energy as part of the TPI Polene Group’s broader diversification strategy. The Leophairatana family, founders of the conglomerate, had initially engaged in the trading of soft agri-bulk commodities in the 1940s. Over time, the Group expanded into industrial sectors, including polymer production, construction materials, ammonium nitrate and eventually power generation.

In 1991, TPIPP was incorporated under the name Thai Nylon but shifted its focus in 1996 when it was rebranded and began concentrating on energy and utilities. The company’s vision to enter the renewable energy sector was inspired by the growing need for sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

TPIPP pioneered the use of municipal solid waste (MSW), or household garbage, as a key input to generate electricity. Additionally, the company capitalized on waste heat from TPIPL cement plants to power waste heat recovery units. This dual focus on recycling waste and harnessing renewable resources placed TPIPP at the forefront of green energy production in Thailand.

Today, TPIPP is the largest privately-owned MSW power plant in Asia, with a capacity of 250 MW, handling approximately 10,000-12,000 tons of raw MSW daily. The company also

operates a 40 MW waste heat power plant and a 5 MW solar roof installation, further demonstrating its commitment to clean energy. TPIPP was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in April 2017

Pioneering a Fossil-Free Future

TPI Polene Power continues to make significant strides in the waste-to-energy (WTE) sector, focusing on transforming municipal solid waste (MSW) and renewable energy sources like solar power into clean electricity.

The 150 MW coal-fired power plant that it brought online in 2019 is now undergoing a three-year modification to run on 100% MSW as part of its mission to eliminate fossil fuels by 2026. This ambitious effort, if successful, would mark a major breakthrough in Asia. The first boiler conversion was completed in August 2024, with the rest set for completion by the end of 2025.

Simultaneously, the company is expanding its renewable energy portfolio. A 5 MWdc solar roof went online in July 2024, and a 71 MWdc solar farm is under construction, with 32 MW expected to be operational by the end of the year and the rest by mid-2025.

· Vision

TPIPP aims to be a leader in efficient renewable energy production, focusing on innovative technology while striving to become the largest privately-owned processor of waste in Thailand and the ASEAN region. The goal is to achieve net zero or negative greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring sustainable growth across economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

· Environmental Commitment

TPIPP is dedicated to producing clean energy and addressing environmental challenges. The company’s long-term goal is to meaningfully contribute to Thailand’s efforts to manage garbage as well as help the TPI Polene Group reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2043, contributing to sustainable development.

· Social Responsibility

TPIPP is committed to being a responsible organization, prioritizing the well-being of all stakeholders. It focuses on developing a workforce that embraces change and values health and safety while being socially and environmentally conscious.

· Governance and Innovation

The company is determined to run its power generation business efficiently through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and continuous research. TPIPP is adaptable to new business concepts and prepared to face future challenges, all while managing risks to deliver excellent results, sustainable value creation and shareholders’ return.

Building a Legacy in Renewable Energy

TPI Polene Power (TPIPP) has achieved several important milestones on its path to becoming a leader in renewable energy. These achievements have not only expanded its capacity but have also positioned the company at the forefront of sustainable energy in Asia, primarily using MSW.

2009: TPIPP began operating the 40 MW waste heat recovery power plant, marking its entry into sustainable energy production.

2015: The company ramped up its renewable energy efforts, adding 80 MW of power capacity using municipal solid waste (MSW). TPIPP’s MSW handling capacity reached 4,000 tons per day, establishing a strong foundation for its waste-to-energy operations.

2017: Power capacity expanded significantly to 290 MW, including a 70 MW MSW/coal “swing” plant. TPIPP also increased its MSW processing capacity to 10,000 tons per day, operating across 11 facilities in the central, eastern, and northeastern parts of Thailand.

2019: A major milestone was reached with the completion of a 150 MW coal-fired power plant, boosting total capacity to 440 MW.

2020-2021: The installation of grate boilers enabled TPIPP to directly feed raw household waste into its power plants, further enhancing its waste-to-energy capabilities.

2022-2023: The company focused on modifying its TG7 power plant into a 100% MSW-fed facility, a step toward its fossil-free energy goals.

2024: TPIPP completed a 5 MW solar roof project and initiated a 71 MWdc solar farm, with 32 MW to come online in the latter half of the year and the rest by mid-2025.

These milestones have solidified TPIPP’s reputation as an innovative force in renewable energy, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and technological advancement.

Overcoming Challenges in Calorific Maximization

In the early days, TPIPP had to modify the boilers purchased from the West to handle the highly heterogeneous garbage that is produced in Thailand.

The fine-tuning process took TPIPP nearly ten years of innovation and technical adjustments to achieve the highest possible calorific value from the garbage.

Through extensive research and development, TPIPP made critical adjustments to its waste processing facilities to maximize the volume of refuse-derived fuel and hit the highest calorific value possible.

Turning Waste into Power

TPI Polene Power stands out in the ASEAN renewable energy market thanks to its distinct ability to extract maximum calorific value from household waste at a very competitive cost. This efficiency is the driving force behind the company’s sustained, strong profitability.

On the Path to Carbon Neutrality

TPI Polene Power has outlined a clear path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2037. This strategy includes gradually phasing out coal power plants, ramping up renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and improving efficiency in power plants.

By 2025, the company aims for 100% renewable electricity, and by 2030, afforestation and further investments in renewable energy will be key milestones. With these initiatives, TPIPP is committed to a sustainable future and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

A Testament to Sustainability and Excellence

TPI Polene Power (TPIPP) has consistently been recognized for its exceptional contributions to renewable energy, sustainability, and corporate governance.

Below is a comprehensive list of its notable awards and recognitions last year:

– Total Carbon Credits for 2023: 1,559,229 tCO2eq

– Projected Carbon Credits for 2024: 1,921,580 tCO2eq

– Rated Excellent (5 stars) for corporate governance practices.

– Received an AA rating from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) for sustainable investment.

– Recognized as an ESG100 company for outstanding sustainability in the energy and utilities sector.

– Awards include “Organizational Leader of the Year” and “Creative Thinking & Innovation of the Year.”

– Won the “International Diamond Prize for Excellence in Quality” from ESQR, based in Switzerland.

– Awarded “Best ESG Energy Efficiency Initiative Company” by International Finance.

– Recognized for “Best Innovations in Renewable Energy Industry” by The Global Economics magazine, UK.

– Received “Best Green Renewable Energy Power Plant in Thailand 2023” from World Business Outlook magazine, Singapore.

– Awarded “Sustainability Initiative of the Year 2023” by the World Sustainability Congress in Mumbai, India.

These recognitions underscore TPIPP’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible corporate practices, cementing its leadership position in the renewable energy sector.

Exploring Growth Potential in Renewable Power

TPI Polene Power (TPIPP) remains dedicated to expanding its power production capacity through renewable energy – operating with green energy, zero waste policy. As a leader in harnessing energy from MSW, TPIPP is open to collaborative partnerships in Asia, particularly in the ASEAN region, where garbage is a growing problem. It also looks at potential partnerships in renewable energy, such as solar and wind.

Over the years, TPIPP has developed a wealth of expertise in extracting maximum calorific value from WTE-MSW, supported by a portfolio of intellectual property rights. This knowledge could serve as a valuable resource for companies looking to establish profitable ventures in the WTE-MSW space. Additionally, TPIPP’s Business Development division is actively exploring growth opportunities not only within Thailand but also across various parts of Asia.