Suez partners in WTE project in Thailand

Paris-based Suez has entered into a joint venture agreement with Thailand-based WHA Utilities and Power Plc. and Glow Energy Plc. (a subsidiary of France-based ENGIE) to form Chonburi Clean Energy (CCE), a Thailand-based company established to begin work on an industrial waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in Chonburi, Thailand. The partners describe the facility as the first WTE plant in Southeast Asia to meet European emissions standards.

With a designed operating capacity of 8.63 megawatts (MW), the $59 million facility will have a contracted capacity of 6.9 MW and handle a waste volume of about 100,000 tons per year. Construction is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2019, and CCE will provide operation and maintenance services for 20 years.

“Suez is proud to offer its innovative solutions, specialty and management expertise to assist the Thai government in pursuing sustainability and a circular economy as part of the Thailand 4.0 strategy,” says Steve Clark, CEO of Suez Asia. “The CCE plant marks Suez’s first WTE project in Southeast Asia, and adds to our portfolio of close to 60 successful WTE references worldwide. Together with our partners, we look forward to setting a new benchmark for Thailand’s industrial waste management.”

Thailand aims to boost its alternative energy ratio as set out in its Power Development Plan 2015 – 2036, which gives emphasis to WTE production. The facility is being designed to dispose of nonhazardous industrial waste through methods that will convert it into energy while reducing CO₂ emissions.

Adds Clark, “By building the plant in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), we can support the country’s pioneering development plans and provide outstanding waste management services to companies attracted by the government’s investment policy for the EEC. Meanwhile, the strong partnership between Suez and our partners will guarantee the upcoming WTE plant is strictly aligned with world-class standards.”

Chonburi Clean Energy is a subsidiary of Eastern Seaboard Clean Energy Company Limited – a joint venture established between Suez, WHA Energy Co. Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of WHA Utilities and Power Plc.) and Glow IPP 3 Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of Glow Energy Plc.) – for the joint development of the project. Suez, WHA Utilities and Glow Energy each own equal shares in the company.

Suez has had a presence for more than 60 years in Southeast Asia in water and waste management. The company has more than 9,000 employees and some 60 water and waste projects underway with local partners in the region. In 2016, Suez generated revenue of more than €1.2 billion ($1.43 billion) from its activities in Asia.