Siam Cement unit to develop alternative fuel for industries, Thailand
Siam Cement Group is taking part in a government-backed project to develop coal-water mixture (CWM), a coal-based fluid fuel, and promote it as a substitute for imported fuel oil.
CWM, an alternative fuel used in industrial boilers and kilns, is a mixture of pulverised coal (65% to 70%), water and additives. The new fuel is 40% cheaper than fuel oil providing the same heat value.
SCT Co, a Siam Cement affiliate, signed an agreement yesterday with the Department of Alternative Energy Development to pursue the project. SCT will invest about 50 million baht to research and develop, demonstrate and promote the use of the clean fuel to replace fuel oil conventionally used in industrial plants. CWM is expected to be available for commercial use over the next six months.
Cherdpong Siriwit, the permanent secretary of the Energy Ministry, who presided over the signing ceremony, said prices of fuels, especially fuel oil, kept growing steadily, pushing up the costs of industrial plants. Securing cheaper fuels to replace fuel oil would help industrial plants cut costs. Clean coal technology is a choice for industrial operators seeking to reduce their energy bills.
Siriporn Sailasuta, the department’s director-general, said as a cheap form of energy, coal was a good alternative fuel for industries. Besides, its supply is steady and abundant.
The department and SCT co-operated in launching the CWM project as the alternative fuel first used in Siam Cement’s affiliates to help reduce their fuel costs and help increase their competitiveness. Published under Cement News
